Deuteronomy 16:5 Kommentar

In this chapter we have, I. A repetition of the laws concerning the three yearly feasts; in particular, that of the passover (Deu 16:1-8). That of pentecost (Deu 16:9-12). That of tabernacles (Deu 16:13-15). And the general law concerning the people's attendance on them (Deu 16:16, Deu 16:17). II. The institution of an inferior magistracy, and general rules of justice given to those that were called into office (Deu 16:18-20). III. A caveat against groves and images (Deu 16:21, Deu 16:22).

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, Deu 16:1, of the feast of pentecost, when to begin it, where and how it was to be observed, Deu 16:9, and of the feast of tabernacles, when, where, and how long it was to be kept, Deu 16:13, which three times in the year all the males were to appear before the Lord, and not empty, Deu 16:16, an order is given for the appointment of judges in the land, to execute judgment, Deu 16:18, and the chapter is closed with a caution against planting groves, and setting up images, Deu 16:21.

Thou mayest not sacrifice the passover within any of thy gates,.... Or cities, as the Targum of Jonathan, so called because they usually had gates to them, in which public affairs were transacted; but in none of these, only in the city of Jerusalem, the place the Lord chose, might they kill the passover and eat it, and other passover offerings: which the Lord thy God giveth thee; in the land of Canaan, and which land was given them of God.

THE FEAST OF THE PASSOVER. (Deu. 16:1-22) Observe the month of Abib--or first-fruits. It comprehended the latter part of our March and the beginning of April. Green ears of the barley, which were then full, were offered as first-fruits, on the second day of the passover. for in the month of Abib the Lord thy God brought thee out of Egypt by night--This statement is apparently at variance with the prohibition (Exo 12:22) as well as with the recorded fact that their departure took place in the morning (Exo 13:3; Num 33:3). But it is susceptible of easy reconciliation. Pharaoh's permission, the first step of emancipation, was extorted during the night, the preparations for departure commenced, the rendezvous at Rameses made, and the march entered on in the morning.

Thou mayest not sacrifice the passover within any of thy gates--The passover was to be observed nowhere but in the court of the tabernacle or temple, as it was not a religious feast or sacramental occasion merely, but an actual sacrifice (Exo 12:27; Exo 23:18; Exo 34:25). The blood had to be sprinkled on the altar and in the place where the true Passover was afterwards to be sacrificed for us "at even, at the going down of the sun"--literally, "between the evenings."