Deuteronomy 16:6 – “Except at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, there you must sacrifice the Passover in the evening, when the sun goes down, on the anniversary of your departure from Egypt.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Deuteronomy 16:6 gives specific instructions on how and where the Passover sacrifice is to be made. The verse emphasizes that the Passover sacrifice should only take place at the location that God has chosen as a dwelling for His Name. This would later be recognized as Jerusalem, where the temple was built. The verse also highlights the precise timing of the sacrifice: it was to be done in the evening, at sunset, marking the anniversary of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt.
This command underscores the importance of both place and timing in worship. God did not leave the details of the Passover to chance; He gave exact instructions so that His people would remember their deliverance and honor Him properly. By sacrificing the Passover lamb at sunset, the Israelites would be reminded of the urgency and solemnity of their escape from slavery. The requirement to do this at the place God chose ensured that worship remained unified and focused on Him.
Historical Context
The historical context of Deuteronomy 16:6 is rooted in the Israelites’ journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. The original Passover event occurred on the night of the tenth plague, when God struck down the firstborn of Egypt but spared the homes of the Israelites who had marked their doorposts with the blood of a lamb. This dramatic deliverance led to the Israelites’ immediate departure from Egypt, which is commemorated annually through the Passover celebration.
When Moses delivered these instructions, the Israelites were still wandering in the wilderness, and their worship was centered around the tabernacle, a portable tent where God’s presence dwelt. However, Moses was preparing them for the time when they would be settled in the Promised Land, and worship would become centralized at the temple in Jerusalem. This verse anticipated that shift, ensuring that the Passover would be celebrated in a way that honored God’s specific instructions.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Deuteronomy 16:6 speaks to the importance of obedience in worship and the need for precise observance of God’s commands. God’s instructions for the Passover were not arbitrary; they were designed to remind His people of their identity as those whom He had delivered from slavery. The command to sacrifice the Passover at God’s chosen place highlights the sacredness of worship and the importance of doing it in the way God has prescribed.
The emphasis on timing—sacrificing the lamb at sunset on the anniversary of their departure—connects worship directly to the historical event of the Exodus. It serves as a vivid reminder of God’s intervention in history and His power to save. This teaches that worship is not just about ritual but about remembering and responding to God’s acts of grace and deliverance.
Literary Analysis
Deuteronomy 16:6 uses precise and instructive language, characteristic of the legal and covenantal style found throughout the book of Deuteronomy. The phrase “the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name” is a recurring theme in Deuteronomy, pointing to the centralization of worship at the future temple in Jerusalem. This language emphasizes that worship is not to be done casually or in just any location but at a sacred, designated place.
The timing of the sacrifice—“when the sun goes down”—adds a dramatic element, linking the Passover meal directly to the historical moment of the Israelites’ deliverance. The sunset signifies a transition, both literally and figuratively, from bondage to freedom, from darkness to light. This use of timing in the narrative helps to underscore the solemnity and significance of the Passover.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 12:6-11 – The original instructions for the Passover, including the command to sacrifice the lamb at twilight and eat it in haste, reinforcing the connection between the sacrifice and the Exodus.
- 2 Chronicles 6:6 – God declares His choice of Jerusalem as the place where His Name will dwell, fulfilling the directive given in Deuteronomy.
- Leviticus 23:5 – Reiterates the timing of the Passover, specifying the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight.
- Luke 22:7-8 – Jesus instructs His disciples to prepare the Passover meal, observing the timing and rituals outlined in the Old Testament, which would culminate in the Last Supper.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christians, Deuteronomy 16:6 is a reminder of the importance of intentional and obedient worship. While we no longer need to sacrifice animals or worship at a specific physical location, the principle of honoring God’s commands in our worship remains relevant. Worship should not be casual or taken lightly; it should be an intentional act that reflects our reverence for God’s holiness and our gratitude for His deliverance.
The verse also encourages us to remember God’s past acts of salvation. Just as the Israelites were called to remember their deliverance from Egypt each year, Christians are called to remember Christ’s sacrifice regularly. Observances like Communion are modern-day reminders of the greater Passover that Jesus fulfilled.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Deuteronomy 16:6 shows God’s love in His desire to guide His people into proper worship. God’s detailed instructions reflect His care and concern for how He is approached, showing that worship is not just about fulfilling a duty but about engaging in a meaningful relationship with Him. By setting a specific place and time, God was not making things difficult but was inviting His people into a shared experience that celebrated His saving acts.
God’s love is also evident in the way He connects worship to remembrance. He knows the importance of memory in shaping identity, and by commanding the Israelites to celebrate Passover in a particular way, He was helping them remember who they were—His chosen and delivered people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover sacrifice mentioned in Deuteronomy 16:6. In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). His crucifixion coincided with the Passover, highlighting that He is the true Passover Lamb whose sacrifice brings ultimate deliverance.
During the Last Supper, Jesus reinterpreted the Passover meal, using the bread and wine to symbolize His body and blood, given for the salvation of all who believe (Luke 22:19-20). Jesus’ death at the exact time of the Passover sacrifice underscores the perfect fulfillment of God’s plan, linking the old covenant of deliverance from Egypt with the new covenant of deliverance from sin.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the connection between place, timing, and worship in Deuteronomy 16:6 influence your view of how we should approach God today?
- What can you do to make your worship more intentional and obedient to God’s desires?
- How does the link between the Passover and Jesus’ sacrifice deepen your understanding of His death and resurrection?
- In what ways can you incorporate remembrance of God’s deliverance into your daily life?
Deuteronomy 16:6 calls us to worship God with respect, precision, and gratitude, always remembering His mighty acts of deliverance and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.