Deuteronomy 16:17-22

17 each man must bring as much as he can manage, giving generously in response to the blessings of God, your God.

18 Appoint judges and officers, organized by tribes, in all the towns that God, your God, is giving you. They are to judge the people fairly and honestly.

19 Don't twist the law. Don't play favorites. Don't take a bribe - a bribe blinds even a wise person; it undermines the intentions of the best of people.

20 The right! The right! Pursue only what's right! It's the only way you can really live and possess the land that God, your God, is giving you.

21 Don't plant fertility Asherah trees alongside the Altar of God, your God, that you build.

22 Don't set up phallic sex pillars - God, your God, hates them.

Deuteronomy 16:17-22 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY 16

This chapter treats of the three grand yearly festivals, of the feast of passover, when, where, and what was to be sacrificed, how to be dressed, and in what manner to be eaten, De 16:1-8, of the feast of pentecost, when to begin it, where and how it was to be observed, De 16:9-12, and of the feast of tabernacles, when, where, and how long it was to be kept, De 16:13-15, which three times in the year all the males were to appear before the Lord, and not empty, De 16:16,17, an order is given for the appointment of judges in the land, to execute judgment, De 16:18-20, and the chapter is closed with a caution against planting groves, and setting up images, De 16:21,22.