Devarim 16 (Deuteronomy 16)
Devarim 16 discusses the Passover, the three migratory feasts, establishing judges and prohibitions against idols. There is nothing unexpected in Devarim 16; however, there is emphasis on commandments that require further consideration. Moshe provides clarity to observing the feasts once the Children of Yisrael enter the land. To properly understand Devarim 16, one must stay within the context of Torah and look to the application in the Prophets and Writings.
Yehovah is used 22 times in Devarim 16 in 22 verses.
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Month of Aviv
Month of Aviv
Devarim 16:1
1 Observe the month of Aviv, and keep the Passover to Yehovah your Redeemer. For in the month of Aviv Yehovah your Redeemer brought you forth out of Mitzrayim by night.
In the month of Aviv, we are to keep the Passover. Aviv is the Hebrew word אָבִיב aviyv (H0024). It is in the Bible 8 times. אָבִיב aviyv (H0024) is translated Abib 6 times, in the ear 1 time and green ears of corn 1 time.
אָבִיב aviyv (H0024) is a used as a noun. It refers to barley that is already ripe, but still soft, the grains of which are eaten either rubbed or roasted, Vayyiqra 2:14.
14 And if you offer a grain offering (minchah) of your firstfruits (bikkur) to Yehovah, you shall offer for the grain offering (minchah) of your firstfruits (bikkur) green ears of corn (aviyv) dried by the fire, beaten grain (geres) out of full ears.
The seventh plague brought ruinous hail upon Mitzrayim’s barley crop at least two weeks before it was fully ripened and ready for harvest, Shemos 9:31.
31 And the flax and the barley (seorah) was smitten. For the barley (seorah) in the ear (aviyv) and the flax forming flowers.
Aviv was the early name of the first month of the Hebrew Calendar, the month of Passover. It was later changed to Nisan. This occurred while in Bavel, Ester 3:7.
7 In the first month, that, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Achashverosh, they cast Pur, that, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, the twelfth, that, the month Adar.
It continued when the Children of Yisrael returned to the land, Nechemya 2:1.
1 And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artachshasta the king, wine was before him. And I took up the wine, and gave to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence.
In the first month Aviv, the barley came to ear, but the usual time of harvest was the second month (Iyar).
Devarim 16:1 is the only place the Torah specifically states to observe the month of Aviv. Today very few observe the Aviv. It occurs a little more than two week prior to the anniversary of the Children of Yisrael leaving Mitzrayim. It was during the time of the seventh plague.
One observes the Aviv by watching for when the barley is ripe in the ear, but still soft. Today, very few if any do this in the land of Yisrael. The significance of this is not so much we do it, but what is the spiritual significance.
We were suppose to observe the Aviv so that Yehovah’s appointed times and feast would be properly observed. The Aviv is the beginning of the Hebrew Calendar Year. This requires further understanding and application beyond just knowledge.
Two Separate Events
Two Separate Events
Devarim 16:1
1 Observe the month of Aviv, and keep the Passover to Yehovah your Redeemer. For in the month of Aviv Yehovah your Redeemer brought you forth out of Mitzrayim by night.
Devarim 16:1 runs together two separate thoughts. These thoughts should be separated out. The two thoughts are:
· Passover occurs in the month of Aviv.
· Children of Yisrael left Mitzrayim in Aviv at night.
These two events occurred on two different days.
If one cannot see these as two separate events, they might believe that the Children of Yisrael left Mitzrayim on Passover. In truth, the Children of Yisrael left Mitzrayim on the night of the 1st Day of the Feast of Matzos.
As for Passover, the Children of Yisrael were told in Shemos 12:12-13.
12 For I will pass through the land of Mitzrayim this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Mitzrayim, both man and beast; and against all the redeemers of Mitzrayim I will execute judgment. I Yehovah. 13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where you. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy, when I smite the land of Mitzrayim.
That night, the 14th of Aviv, the Children of Yisrael stayed in their houses as the Angel passed over. Moshe records in Bemidbar 33:3.
3 And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the Passover the Children of Yisrael went out with a high hand in the sight of all the Mitzrayim.
They left at night, but it was the night after the Passover on the First Day of the Feast of Matzos.
The observance of the Passover was first discussed in Shemos 12:1-3.
1 And Yehovah spoke to Moshe and Aharon in the land of Mitzrayim, saying, 2 This month to you the beginning of months. It the first month of the year to you. 3 Speak to all the Congregation of Ysrael, saying, In the tenth of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of fathers, a lamb for a house.
The Children of Yisrael were to take a lamb on the 10th of Aviv, three and half days prior to the sacrifice in Shemos 12:6-8.
6 And you shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month. And the whole assembly of the Congregation of Yisrael shall kill it in the evening. 7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike on the two side posts (mezuzah) and on the upper door post (mashqof) of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. 8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and matzos; with bitter they shall eat it.
This was the first Passover. It was first observed in Mitzrayim prior to leaving. We are to observe a remembrance of Passover every year. This often is combined with the exodus from Mitzrayim.
Are we to do it like they did in Mitzrayim 3500 years ago? Not possible, because there are a few changes. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8.
7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For even Messiah our Passover is sacrificed for us. 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened of sincerity and truth.
Paul tells us to keep the Feast and add something to it. We are to go beyond the simple observance. We are to use Passover as a springboard for change and spiritual growth. We need to strive for sincerity and truth. The best way to do this is to quit being a hypocrite. We need to be less concerned with telling everyone that we are a Christian and start acting like a Christian. The Bible defines what is a Christian. We need to start walking in the word as Yeshua, the Apostles and all disciples of the First Century did. We may fail at times, but as we strive each day we come closer to achieving God’s design for us. We need to be sincere and walk in the truth of Scriptures.
Philippians 1:6
6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which has begun a good work in you will perform until the day of Yeshua Messiah.
He will work in us. And we can help it by working with Him, Philippians 2:12-13.
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of good pleasure.
To mature in the Spirit, there is the divine and the human aspect to it. We will not mature unless we understand how to work within His boundaries with His power flowing through us.
A Change to the Passover
A Change to the Passover
Devarim 16:2
2 You shall therefore sacrifice the Passover to Yehovah your Redeemer, of the flock and the herd, in the place which Yehovah shall choose to place His name there.
This is a change to where the Passover was observed. The First Passover was observed in Mitzrayim on the 14th of Aviv. The first remembrance was in Bemidbar 9:1-5.
1 And Yehovah spoke to Moshe (Moses) in the wilderness of Sinay, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Mitzrayim, saying, 2 Let the Children of Yisrael also keep the Passover at his appointed time (moed). 3 In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, you shall keep it in his appointed season. According to all the statutes (chuqqah) of it, and according to all the judgments (mishpat) thereof, shall you keep it.
The Second Passover and the first remembrance was in Sinay. A year after they left Mitzrayim physically behind. Unfortunately for many of them, they kept Mitzrayim in their hearts and often imagined a return, Bemidbar 14:4.
4 And they said one to another, Let us make a head (rosh), and let us return into Mitzrayim.
This is a lesson we should all learn. We need to leave our past behind and reach forward, Philippians 3:13-14.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended. But one thing, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Messiah Yeshua.
Every day we are to push forward. We are to reach for new heights in our spiritual growth. It is a never ending task to mature. Passover is just the beginning. We remember it every year, lest we forget what He has done for us. We return to Him by reaching forward to Him.
The next time Passover observance is recorded is in Yehoshua 5:10.
10 And the Children of Yisrael encamped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Yericho.
This was more than likely the third time Passover is observed. One cannot observe the Passover unless they are circumcised, Shemos 12:48-49.
48 And when a stranger (ger) shall sojourn with you and will keep the Passover to Yehovah, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land. For no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. 49 One Torah shall be to him that is homeborn and to the stranger (ger) that sojourned (gur) among you.
As it is for the Yisraeli, so it is for the stranger. Yet in Yehoshua 5:4-5.
4 And this the cause why Yehoshua did circumcise. All the people that came out of Mitzrayim, males, all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Mitzrayim. 5 Now all the people that came out were circumcised. But all the people born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Mitzrayim, they had not circumcised.
It is highly unlikely that the Children of Yisreal observed a Passover after Bemidbar 9. The First Generation had rebelled past the point of no return at Qadesh-Barnea. This was when they initially refused to enter the land. With the exception of Kalev and Yehoshua, the First Generation would end up wasting away in the wilderness. Since no one was circumcised in the wilderness, less and less would be able to observe the Passover every year. There is the possibility that Yehovah would not want them to perform a Passover until the entire First Generation wasted away. Further there is no mention of a Passover between Bemidbar 9 and Yehoshua 5. There was probably a 39 year period when the Passover was not observed.
After Yehoshua 5, the Children of Yisrael probably observed a Passover every year. Then in Yehoshua 18:1.
1 And the whole congregation of the Children of Yisrael assembled together at Shilo, and set up the Ohel of the Congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.
At this point, the Passover was to be observed in Shilo. Later it would be Yerushalayim.
What is not stated here is, who performs the sacrifice? It appears the head of the household for each home performed the sacrifice in Shemos 12. However, in future years it seems this responsibility transferred to the Priest class. However, this is not clear. The Passover Sacrifice was not an offering nor was any part of the lamb placed on the altar or the blood poured around the altar.
Feast of Matzos
Feast of Matzos
Devarim 16:3
3 You shall eat no leavened bread (chametz) with it; seven days shall you eat matzos therewith, the bread of affliction; for you came forth out of the land of Mitzrayim in haste, that you may remember the day when you came forth out of the land of Mitzrayim all the days of your life.
This is the only place where bread of affliction is used to describe the matzos.
When the Passover Sacrifice is eaten, it is to be eaten with matzah. It is called the bread of affliction. It reminds us of how our forefathers came out of Mitzrayim, Shemos 12:33-34.
33 And the Mitzrayim were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We all dead. 34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading troughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
There was no time for the bread to rise. We eat Matzos for seven days in remembrance of this during the Feast of Matzos from the 15th of Aviv to the 21st. We are to remember this all the days of our lives.
If we soon forget this, it will not be long before we will figuratively return to Spiritual Mitzrayim. We need to continuously observe the Feasts and strive for greater understanding each year. If not, we need to look deeply into our hearts to see if we have wandered from our Father and our true home.
Devarim 16:4
4 And there shall be no leavened bread seen with you in all your coast seven days; neither shall there of the flesh, which you sacrifice the first day at even, remain all night until the morning.
During the Feast of Matzos not only are we to eat only matzos, we are to remove it completely from our borders. Today this may not be possible, since we do not live in a theocracy. However, we must ensure that the border of the land we live, our homes, all leaven has been removed. We should not make contingencies to bring back the same leavened bread after the feast. When we do that, we may be missing the point of getting the old leaven out permanently.
How Much Has Changed
How Much Has Changed
Devarim 16:5-6
5 You may not sacrifice the Passover within any of your gates, which Yehovah your Redeemer gives you. 6 But at the place which Yehovah your Redeemer shall choose to place His name in, there you shall sacrifice the Passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that you came forth out of Mitzrayim.
As stated earlier, no longer are we allowed to sacrifice the Passover at our gates. The Passover is to be sacrificed at the place where Yehovah puts His name.
Today we cannot sacrifice in Yerushalayim. There is no Temple in Yerushalayim. However, as a New Testament Believer, how does it apply? Today God has put His name in a new place, Galatians 4:26.
26 But Yerushalayim which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
We are to go in the Spirit to Yerushalayim which is above. We need to understand and apply Yochanan 4:23-24.
23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth. For the Father seeks such to worship Him. 24 God a Spirit. And they that worship Him must worship in Spirit and in Truth.
This goes along with Ephesians 2:5-6.
5 Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with Messiah, by grace you are saved; 6 and has raised up together, and made sit together in heavenly in Messiah Yeshua.
When one becomes a believer in Messiah and their Spirit is reborn, so many things change. Most of all, one is taken from the kingdom of this world and is set on a path to enter into the Kingdom of God. However, too many of us are like the Children of Yisrael that came out of Mitzrayim, Galatians 6:9.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing. For in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Too many well intentioned believers have worn away in the good they thought they were doing. Many have lost their way in their journey and die in the wilderness of life.
There were two generations that came out of Mitzrayim. The First Generation longed to return to Mitzrayim. They even went as far as believing they could choose a new head to take them back. Yehovah told us about them in Hebrews 3:17-19.
17 But with whom was He grieved forty years? Was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom He swore that they should not enter into His rest, but to them that believed not? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Today, so many have unbelief in the word. They find it hard to believe in the Spiritual. They do not mix the words of Scripture with faith. As such, many are lost and cannot find their way home. They are sheep that have gone astray. They have not found the promise of Hebrews 4:1-3.
1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For to us was the gospel preached, as well as to them. But the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as He said, As I have sworn in My wrath, if they shall enter into My rest. Although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
The Second Generation out of Mitzrayim found the rest and promise that was elusive for the Frist Generation out of Mitzrayim.
We have to believe in the reality of the Word. We must be like the Second Generation out of Mitzrayim, who was the First Generation to enter into the land. We must find our way through the wilderness of the world to the reality of His word in the Spirit if we are to rest in His Kingdom in this lifetime.
So today, we do not perform a sacrifice for Passover. Yet, we must remember what occurred in Mitzrayim 3500 years ago and combine it with what occurred 2000 years ago outside the walls of Yerushalayim. We are to remember this in the Passover Seder every year. Included in this, we are to look forward to our return to New Yerushalayim in the future Millennium. This must all be a reality in our lives, or else, we too will fail to enter into His rest today and possibly in the future.
Too many die in the wilderness today, we need to find that rest that so many seek. We need to reach out to the Shepherd of our Soul and hear His voice again. He is the one that called us. We should have never stopped listening.
Day of Passover
Day of Passover
Devarim 16:6
6 But at the place which Yehovah your Redeemer shall choose to place His name in, there you shall sacrifice the Passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that you came forth out of Mitzrayim.
Season comes from the Hebrew word מוֹעֵד moed (H4150). It is in the Bible 223 times. מוֹעֵד moed (H4150) is translated congregation 150 times, feast 23 times, season 13 times, appointed 12 times, time 12 times, assembly 4 times, solemnity 4 times, solemn 2 times, days 1 time, sign 1 time and synagogues 1 time. It is an appointment such that a fixed time or season; specifically, a feast; an assembly as convened for a definite purpose. מוֹעֵד moed (H4150) may be used in a variety of ways. It retains its basic meaning of “appointed,” but varies as to what is agreed upon or appointed according to the context: the time, the place or the meeting itself. The meaning of מוֹעֵד moed (H4150) may also signify a “fixed place.” Although, this usage is not frequent. In both meanings of מוֹעֵד moed (H4150) “fixed time” and “fixed place”, the common denominator is the meeting of two or more parties at a certain place and time; hence the usage as meeting.
In the case of Devarim 16, “at the season that you came forth out of Mitzrayim” is not referring to a specific day. It is referring to a specific appointed time as related to the events of coming out of Mitzrayim. It would be similar to what is stated in Devarim 16:1.
1 Observe the month of Aviv, and keep the Passover to Yehovah your Redeemer. For in the month of Aviv Yehovah your Redeemer brought you forth out of Mitzrayim by night.
The appointed time is within the month of Aviv as specified earlier in Scriptures. Devarim 16:6 does not change anything that previously happened. It is a broader picture of the details that are found earlier in Scriptures.
This is important because how one defines this, affects the dates of observance of the various events. There is some disagreement among individuals as to the observance of these events.
If Devarim 16:6 is not properly clarified, then one can mistakenly deduce that Passover was observed on the day the Children of Yisrael came out of Mitzrayim. It is clear from Bemidbar 33:3 that the Children of Yisrael departed from Mitzrayim on the 15th of Aviv, the next day at night.
3 And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the Passover the Children of Yisrael went out with a high hand in the sight of all the Mitzrayim.
Additionally, it is clear this occurred at night, Devarim 16:1.
1 Observe the month of Aviv, and keep the Passover to Yehovah your Redeemer. For in the month of Aviv Yehovah your Redeemer brought you forth out of Mitzrayim by night.
Additionally, the Passover was first observed on the 14th of Aviv in Shemos 12:6.
6 And you shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month. And the whole assembly of the Congregation of Yisrael shall kill it in the evening.
As far as observance in future years, it states in Vayyiqra 23:4-5.
4 These the feasts of Yehovah, holy convocations, which you shall proclaim in their seasons. 5 In the fourteenth of the first month at even Yehovah’s Passover.
In Vayyiqra 23:4, season comes from the Hebrew word מוֹעֵד moed (H4150). We are to observe the Passover on the 14th of Aviv. Again in Bemidbar 28:16.
16 And in the fourteenth day of the first month the Passover of Yehovah.
Consistent with all other parts of Torah, the 14th of Aviv is Passover. Interestingly enough, the Children of Yisrael first observe Passover in the land in Yehoshua 5:10.
10 And the Children of Yisrael encamped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Yericho.
If we were to observe the Passover on the 15th, it seems they would have done that when they first entered the land. Those who returned to Yerushalayim after the first exile observed Passover on the 14th of Aviv, Ezra 6:19.
19 And the children of the captivity kept the Passover upon the fourteenth of the first month.
Once again observance of the Passover was the 14th and not the 15th as so many do today.
Now if you believe that the 15th is the correct date, I would caution you that you take time to study all the applicable Scriptures. Only a small portion of the applicable Scriptures have been listed above. Additionally, there are Scriptures in the New Testament that support the 14th of Aviv as the Passover. What is important is we follow in the footsteps of Yehovah and His Messiah.
Devarim 16:7
7 And you shall roast and eat in the place which Yehovah your God shall choose. And you shall turn in the morning, and go to your tents.
Again this could add confusion to the observance of Passover. The way this is written, one would stay all night to observe the Passover and in the morning at sunrise go to their homes. That would be a long seder. However, the fact that one goes to their tent means there is not a Holy Convocation that day.
Then again, it points to observing the Passover as a community rather than independent. Then in the morning or when the observance is completed, we return to our homes and families.
Probably the most important thing to remember is not to return to our homes until Shemos 12:10 is fulfilled.
10 And you shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remains of it until the morning you shall burn with fire.
Until the entire Passover Sacrifice is consumed, we are not to return to our homes.
Six or Seven Days
Six or Seven Days
Devarim 16:8
8 Six days you shall eat matzos. And on the seventh day solemn assembly (atzeres) to Yehovah your Redeemer. You shall do no work.
Once again there is a possible conflict. If one only considers Devarim 16:8, then one would only eat matzos six day. They would only observe a Holy Convocation on the 7th day.
To do that would be to have blinders on and ignore other supporting Scriptures. It is surprising how often so many will do this. They will find a single scripture to support their particular interest and go with it. We must pursue the entire counsel of God. We should not be too quick to base a doctrine on a portion of Scriptures because it suits us.
At the first mention of the Feast of Matzos, it states in Shemos 12:15-16.
15 Seven days shall you eat matzos; even the first day you shall put away leaven out of your houses. For who ever eats leavened bread (chametz) from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Yisrael. 16 And in the first day a Holy Convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be a Holy Convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.
It is clear that one is to eat Matzos for seven days. The first and seventh days are a Holy Convocation, a Shabbas. Additionally there is an exception for preparing meals on these two days. Yehovah will even give us an exact date to start the feast, Shemos 12:17.
17 And you shall observe matzos; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Mitzrayim. Therefore shall you observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.
The seven days of Matzos start on the day the Children of Yisrael left Mitzrayim. That was the evening of the 15th of Aviv. This is all clear until Shemos 12:18. One can easily be confused what follows next unless one is willing to set aside their way of thinking and realize that God wants us to engage our brains.
18 In the first, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.
From the 14th until the 21st is 8 days. This is because we do not eat leavened bread on Passover or the Feast of Matzos. That is a total of 8 days.
Next Yehovah tells us in Shemos 12:19-20.
19 Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses. For whosoever eats that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Yisrael, whether he be a stranger (ger) or born (ezrach) in the land. 20 You shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall you eat matzos.
No leaven is to be found in our houses for seven days. One may wonder why if it is 8 days in Shemos 12:18, why is it 7 days in Shemos 12:19. These statements do not conflict in any way. However, it should cause us to think; why would this be written this way? Possibly, Yehovah is trying to get us to look a little deeper.
The leaven spoken of in these verses represents sin. When we partake in the Passover Sacrifice, we come to Him with sin in our lives. We are to use matzos in the Passover meal because we are repenting of our sin. The bitter herbs remind us of the bitterness of our lives, because we have sinned. Although we have forgiveness of sins, we unfortunately still have sin in our lives to repent of. The seven days of the Feast of Matzos is to remind us of the process of removing sin from our lives. Even though we cleanse our homes, leaven (chametz) remains in our homes. It is in the air. We strive each day to further remove sin from our lives focusing on the words of Paul, 1 Corinthians 5:7-8.
7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For even Messiah our Passover is sacrificed for us. 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened of sincerity and truth.
We observe these days and remove malice and wickedness from our lives. We replace it with sincerity and truth. We do this by observing 2 Corinthians 13:5.
5 Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Yeshua Messiah is in you, except you be reprobates?
We examine ourselves in the mirror of the faith, Yaaqov 1:22-25.
22 But be you doers of the word (logos), and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like to a man beholding his natural face in a mirror (esoptron). 24 For he beholds himself, and goes his way, and straightway forgets what manner of man he was. 25 But who so looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
We examine ourselves in the mirror of the faith. This is the Scriptures through the lens of the Spirit. And it is not just 7 days we are concerned with. It is 7,000 years. We need to see that sin must be eradicated or else the individual that has sin will no longer be a part of Yisrael. In the end to enter into Eternity, one must be both sin eradicated and part of the Commonwealth of Yisrael.
Devarim 16 does not change anything, but the individual should take time to thoroughly understand what is being said and why Moshe states it in this particular way. Scriptures do not change, but hopefully it changes us. If not, then we have missed the greater lesson of continuous study in the Spirit. We must learn to grow each time we read Scriptures. If we would do this, we would soon be complete in Him and the real growth will begin as we become of use to Him.
One last thing, if yeast is in the air, we need to determine how to remove ourselves from the environment that yeast exists in. We need to learn how to remove ourselves from this world and live in a world that is yeast free. We are seated in Heavenlies, there we should remain outside this world. We need to learn to breathe in a yeast free environment.
Shavous
Shavous
Devarim 16:9
9 Seven weeks shall you number to you. Begin to number the seven weeks from begin the sickle to the standing grain (qamah).
The way this is written, it is unclear what grain is being referred to. The counting is at the beginning of the harvest, but it does not specify the harvest. However, the context is clear that it is referring to what is written in Leviticus 23:10.
10 Speak to the Children of Yisrael, and say to them, When you be come into the land which I give to you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest.
The counting begins on the 16th of Aviv, the second day of the Feast of Matzos. This date was established in Yehoshua 5:10-12.
10 And the Children of Yisrael encamped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Yericho. 11 And they did eat of the old produce of the land on the morrow after the Passover, unleavened cakes, and parched in the selfsame day. 12 And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old grain of the land; neither had the Children of Yisrael manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Kenaan that year.
The date to begin the counting is when the Children of Yisrael enter the land, harvest the new grain and it was after a Shabbas. Otherwise there would have been no future produce to eat, the manna had ceased. As such, the Feast of Firstfruits is the 16th of Aviv. 50 days later is Shavous on the 6 of Sivan.
Devarim 16:10
10 And you shall keep the feast of weeks to Yehovah your Redeemer with a tribute (missah) of a freewill offering of your hand, which you shall give, according as Yehovah your Redeemer has blessed you.
Tribute is the Hebrew word מִסָּה missah (H4530). It is in the Bible 1 time. The actual Hebrew text is מִסַּת. Although translated tribute, מִסָּה missah (H4530) more than likely means sufficient. Devarim 16:10 should have been rendered:
10 And you shall keep the feast of Shavous to Yehovah your Redeemer with a sufficient (missah) freewill offering of your hand, which you shall give, according as Yehovah your Redeemer has blessed you.
It will be expressed later in Devarim 16, as it is in Shemos 23:14-17.
14 Three times you shall keep a feast to Me in the year. 15 You shall keep the Feast of Matzos. You shall eat matzos seven days, as I commanded you, in the time appointed (moed) of the month Aviv; for in it you came out from Mitzrayim. And none shall appear before Me empty. 16 And the Feast of Harvest (qatsiyr), the firstfruits of your labors, which you have sown in the field. And the Feast of Ingathering (asiyf), in the end of the year, when you have gathered in your labors out of the field. 17 Three times (paam) in the year all your males (zakur) shall appear before the Lord Yehovah.
Three times each year all males are to appear before Yehovah. This is on the migratory feasts. It was expressed earlier that the Passover sacrifice is to be performed at the place Yehovah has chosen. This required the entire family to come to Yerushalayim to observe the feast.
Devarim 16:11
11 And you shall rejoice before Yehovah your Redeemer, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and the Levite that within your gates, and the stranger (ger), and the fatherless, and the widow, that among you, in the place which Yehovah your Redeemer has chosen to place His name there.
When one comes for Shavous, as with all migratory feasts, they were to bring a free will offering with them. Coming to the place Yehovah chose was an act of faith that Yehovah was the provider and overseer of all good in one’s life. Rather than be concerned with the home that was vacated, one came to express their joy. We are to express our joy to Yehovah for all He has done in our lives. We were not to do this as a single person, we were to do this with our entire family. We were to include all Hebrew servants, the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless and widow. We were to include them as a family. All these individuals were to be a part of our larger family. As an Yisraeli, we are one large family. We have all descended from Avraham, Yitzchaq and Yaaqov. We are part of the family that God established and watches over to this day.
We must not separate ourselves from each other over minor differences. We are to lookout for our brother’s welfare.
Devarim 16:12
12 And you shall remember that you were a bondman in Mitzrayim. And you shall observe and do these statutes.
We should never forget where we came from. Although one may be an individual of prominence or wealthy, they must never forget that they came from less than sufficient. No matter how much we may imagine that we are a self-made person, we all owe everything to Yehovah, Devarim 8:17-18.
17 And you say in your heart, My power and the might of hand has gotten me this wealth. 18 But you shall remember Yehovah your God. For He that gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as this day.
The only true and permanent wealth we have is in Yehovah. On our own, we will leave this earth with nothing and return with even less if we do not learn this lesson. All we have is from Yehovah. It is not to be selfishly used for only our benefit. It is to be shared with others so that all may have sufficiency.
It is always a question of heart condition. We do not merely do the statutes for our own benefit. We are also to do for those that cannot do for themselves. We take what we are given and willingly share with others of the household of God. We need to remember two things, Romans 15:1-3.
1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please neighbor for good to edification. 3 For even Messiah pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached you fell on Me.
And Galatians 6:10.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to them who are of the household of faith.
We were once all equal, we should not selfishly forget where we came from. We must use what He has given us in increase to benefit more than just ourselves. And we should always serve the God that served us first.
Sukkot
Sukkot
Devarim 16:13
13 You shall observe the Feast of Sukkot seven days, after that you have gathered in your threshingfloor (goren) and your wine.
This is the final feast of the annual cycle in Vayyiqra 23. It is also called the Feast of Ingathering in Shemos 23:16.
16 And the Feast of Harvest (qatsiyr), the firstfruits of your labors, which you have sown in the field. And the Feast of Ingathering (asiyf), in the end of the year, when you have gathered in your labors out of the field.
Devarim 16:14
14 And you shall rejoice in your feast, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that within your gates.
As with Shavous, one is to rejoice in this feast with their entire family. This includes all Hebrew servants, the Levite, the stranger, fatherless and widow. They are all part of our extended family. We must never forget those that cannot stand for themselves. We should stand with them as we rejoice and they rejoice with us.
Devarim 16:15
15 Seven days shall you keep a solemn feast to Yehovah your Redeemer in the place which Yehovah shall choose. Because Yehovah your Redeemer shall bless you in all your increase, and in all the works of your hands, therefore you shall surely rejoice.
The Feast of Sukkot is seven days long. We are to remember that it was Yehovah that blessed us throughout the year. Each year we return during this feast to the place Yehovah has chosen. We are to erect temporary dwelling structures, Vayyiqra 23:39-43.
39 Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruit of the land, you shall keep a feast to Yehovah seven days. On the first day a Shabbas, and on the eighth day a Shabbas. 40 And you shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before Yehovah your Redeemer seven days. 41 And you shall keep it a feast to Yehovah seven days in the year. A statute for ever in your generations. You shall keep the feast (chagag) it in the seventh month. 42 You shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Yisrael born shall dwell in sukkas. 43 That your generations may know that I made the Children of Yisrael to dwell in sukkas, when I brought them out of the land of Mitzrayim. I Yehovah your Redeemer.
Each year we are to go to the place that Yehovah places His name and dwell in a temporary structure. This is a reminder of our temporary existence. We are to eventually return to the Shepherd of our Soul and the home of our birth. We should learn that as this is a temporary existence in this lifetime, the circumstances are temporary also. We ought to rejoice in Him all the time, because no matter the circumstances of our lives, we have come from a much worse situation. Regardless how bad it may seem at the moment, He watches over us and circumstances are temporary in this lifetime. Although they may seem never ending to us. The nature of life is ever changing. When we are obedient to Yehovah, He always brings together all things for the good of all, Romans 8:28.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to purpose.
When we are walking in His purposes, all things will work for good. It does not mean that all will be good, it works for the good. Sometimes we go through situations that are to produce the good in us and others. We just need to be a little patient for our return in life.
Sukkot is an important feast that is overlooked by many today. It will be with us in the Millennium, Zekharya 14:16-19.
16 And it shall come to pass all (kal) that is left of all the nations which came against Yerushalayim shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, Yehovah of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Sukkot. 17 And it shall be, whoso will not come up of the families of the land to Yerushalayim to worship the King, Yehovah of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. 18 And if the family of Mitzrayim go not up, and come not, that none above, there shall be the plague, wherewith Yehovah will smite the nations that come not up to keep the Feast of Sukkot. 19 This shall be the punishment of Mitzrayim and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the Feast of Sukkot.
The importance of the Feast of Sukkot should be appreciated today and observed. We should understand that it is vitally connected with our present, as well as our future. So many today do not seem to care either way. They may find that they made a bad choice. One will not be able to ignore Sukkot in the future.
Migratory Feasts
Migratory Feasts
Devarim 16:16-17
16 Three times in a year shall all your males (zakur) appear before Yehovah your Redeemer in the place which He shall choose; in the Feast of Matzos, and in the Feast of Shavous, and in the Feast of Sukkot. And they shall not appear before Yehovah empty. 17 Every man as he is able, according to the blessing of Yehovah your Redeemer which He has given you.
Three times a year all males were to appear before Yehovah. This was first written in Shemos 23:14-17.
14 Three times you shall keep a feast to Me in the year. 15 You shall keep the Feast of Matzos. You shall eat matzos seven days, as I commanded you, in the time appointed (moed) of the month Aviv; for in it you came out from Mitzrayim. And none shall appear before Me empty. 16 And the Feast of Harvest (qatsiyr), the firstfruits of your labors, which you have sown in the field. And the Feast of Ingathering (asiyf), in the end of the year, when you have gathered in your labors out of the field. 17 Three times (paam) in the year all your males (zakur) shall appear before the Lord Yehovah.
The second place is in Shemos 34:18-23.
18 The Feast of Matzos shall you keep. Seven days you shall eat matzos, as I commanded you, in the time of the month Aviv. For in the month Aviv you came out from Mitzrayim. 19 All that opens the matrix Mine; and every firstling among your livestock (miqneh), ox or sheep. 20 But the firstling of an ass you shall redeem with a lamb. And if you redeem not, then shall you break his neck. All the firstborn of your sons you shall redeem. And none shall appear before Me empty. 21 Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest. In earing time and in harvest you shall rest. 22 And you shall observe the Feast of Shavous, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering (asiyf) at the year’s end. 23 Three (shalosh) times (paam) in the year shall all your male (zakur) appear before the Lord Yehovah, the Redeemer of Yisrael.
Three times the males of the Children of Yisrael were to appear before Yehovah. They were to bring a freewill offering. It was to be an offering that was based on how Yehovah had blessed them.
Today, we should never forget what Yehovah has done for us on these three feasts. Not only how He blesses our lives, but what He did for us in the First Century. It was on Passover and the Feast of Matzos, that Yeshua was sacrificed and rose on the third day, 1 Corinthians 15:20-23.
20 But now is Messiah risen from the dead, become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man death, by man also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Messiah shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order. Messiah the firstfruits; afterward they that are Messiah’s at His coming.
So many seem to focus on forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Even greater than those is the fact that we can walk in resurrection life today. We do not need to wait for the future resurrection, we can have a greater portion in this lifetime.
Shavous reminds us that we are not on our own, Acts 2:1-4.
1 And when the day of Pentecost (Shavous) was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
That day not only did the Baptism of the Holy Spirit occur, so did the Baptism of Fire. These were promised in Luke 3:16-17.
16 Yochanan answered, saying to all, I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I comes, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to unloose. He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 Whose fan in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and will gather the wheat into His garner; but the chaff He will burn with fire unquenchable.
We need to stop looking off in the future for the blessings of resurrection life. We can have it today, Acts 2:38-39.
38 Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Yeshua Messiah for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call.
These baptisms are for us today. We can be cleansed in the fire and receive the power of the Holy Spirit in this lifetime. It is for everyone the Lord calls. If you are born of the Spirit today, it is for you. We should pursue this as Paul tells us in Philippians 3:10-11.
10 That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable to His death; 11 if by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead.
In this lifetime through the cleansing and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are to strive to be like Him every day.
It was on the First Day of Sukkot Yeshua was born. 37 years later the first gentile was born of the Spirit in Acts 10:44-48.
44 While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Nations (ethnos) also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
It was on the first day of Sukkot that repentance was granted to the Nations in the First Century.
There were many present in Yerushalayim that witnessed these events. These were not only for the people to receive, it was that all could hear and be converted. It is important that we observe these feasts as a remembrance of the past events, a reality in our present lives and the hope of the future to come.
Judges
Judges
Devarim 16:18
18 Judges and officers shall you make you in all your gates, which Yehovah your Redeemer gives you, throughout your tribes and they shall judge the people with righteous (tzedeq) judgment.
There are many things in Torah that sometimes require further judgement. Just as Moshe was counseled to appoint judges in Shemos 18:19-23.
19 Hearken now to my voice, I will give you counsel, and Redeemer shall be with you. Be you for the people to the Redeemer, that you may bring the causes to God. 20 And you shall teach them statutes (choq) and Torah, and shall show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. 21 Moreover you shall provide out of all the people able men, such as fear Redeemer, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place over them, princes (sar) of thousands, princes (sar) of hundreds, princes (sar) of fifties, and princes (sar) of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all time (et). And it shall be every great word (davar) they shall bring to you, but every small word (davar) they shall judge. So shall it be easier for yourself, and they shall bear with you. 23 If you shall do this thing, and Redeemer command you, then you shall be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.
We are to appoint judges in every city to ease the burden created by differences in understanding Torah. These judges were to ensure that Torah was equitably enforced. They were to ensure that there was no favoritism.
Devarim 16:19
19 You shall not wrest judgment; you shall not respect persons, neither take a gift. For a gift does blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.
This is somewhat similar to Shemos 23:2.
2 You shall not follow a multitude to evil; neither shall you speak in a cause to decline after many to pervert justice.
Devarim 16 goes even further to ensure that there is fair judgment. One is never to take a gift. This is associated with a bribe to obtain favoritism. The best of us can be influenced in some way. We should guard our hearts from outside influences that would cause us to walk away from justice and to show favoritism.
Devarim 16:20
20 That which is altogether just shall you follow, that you may live, and inherit the land which Yehovah your Redeemer gives you.
Justice is an important element of life in Yehovah. We will all be given an equitable hearing in the end. We will all be offered an opportunity to avoid the penalty of a life of sin. We must realize at some point, we may not be able to make the major decision of life without help from an equitable system of judges. This is why we are told in Mikha 6:8.
8 He has showed you, man (adam), what is good; and what does Yehovah require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
We are to be just people that love the opportunity to exercise mercy upon the individual that is worthy of mercy. Not all are worthy of this, that is why it is important to know the difference. To do that we must walk humbly with God as He guides us to walk in a just manner befitting a spiritually mature believer. This is an important aspect of maintaining our inheritance.
Groves and Images
Groves and Images
Devarim 16:21-22
21 You shall not plant you a grove of any trees near to the Altar of Yehovah your Redeemer, which you shall make you. 22 Neither shall you set you up image; which Yehovah your Redeemer hates.
Groves comes from the Hebrew word אֲשֵׁרָה asherah or אֲשֵׁירָה asheyrah (H0842). It is in the Bible 40 times and is always translated grove. It is the Babylonian goddess Astarte or the Kenaani goddess of fortune and happiness, the supposed consort of Baal. Sacred trees or poles were set up near an altar. Some scholars concluded that the grove was a sacred pole set up near an altar to Baal. Since there was only one goddess with this name, the plural probably represents several poles dedicated to her. These groves were never to be in close proximity to Yehovah’s Altar. There actually should never be any found in the land.
Variations of this commandment are found no less than four times in Scriptures.
We are also told not to set up images that Yehovah hates.
Images comes from the Hebrew word מַצֵּבָה matztzevah (H4676). It is in the Bible 32 times. מַצֵּבָה matztzevah (H4676) is translated image 19 times, pillar 12 times and garrisons 1 time.
מַצֵּבָה matztzevah (H4676) refers to a pillar, monument or sacred stone. This word is derived from the verb נָצַב natzav (H5324). נָצַב natzav (H5324) means to stand or setup.
מַצֵּבָה matztzevah (H4676) refers to a “pillar” as a personal memorial as in Bereishis 28:18.
18 And Yaaqov rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put his pillows, and set it up a pillar (matztzevah), and poured oil upon the top of it.
In this case, this was acceptable. It was not in close proximity to the Altar, since there was no Altar at that time. מַצֵּבָה matztzevah (H4676) is used 9 times to describe pillars in Yaaqov’s life. At one time, Moshe erected 12 pillars that were acceptable, Shemos 24:4.
4 And Moshe wrote all the words of Yehovah, and rose up early in the morning, and built an altar under the mountain, and twelve pillars (matztzevah), according to the twelve tribes of Yisrael.
However, not all pillars are acceptable, Vayyiqra 26:1.
1 You shall make you no idols (eliyl) nor graven image (pesel), neither rear you up a standing image (matztzevah), neither shall you set up image (maskit) of stone in your land, to bow down to it. For I Yehovah your Redeemer.
We must not indiscriminately put up images of any kind. It is probably best to avoid this altogether by not putting up any image. It is highly unlikely that God would ask any of us to erect an image or pillar today.
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