Deuteronomy 16:6 instructs the Israelites on where and when to sacrifice the Passover lamb. Let's break down its meaning:
"but at the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell in...": This refers to the central sanctuary that God would designate for the Israelites to worship Him. The exact location wasn't specified at the time Deuteronomy was written, but it would eventually become the Temple in Jerusalem. The key point is that sacrifices, including the Passover, were not to be made at just any location; they were to be performed at God's chosen place. This emphasized the importance of centralized worship and unity.
"...there you shall sacrifice the Passover...": This specifies that the Passover sacrifice was to be offered at the central sanctuary.
"...at evening, at the going down of the sun...": This sets the specific time for the Passover sacrifice: in the evening, as the sun is setting. This timing is significant because it commemorates the time of day when the Israelites began their Exodus from Egypt.
"...at the season that you came out of Egypt.": This reinforces the connection between the Passover sacrifice and the Exodus event. The sacrifice is not just a ritual; it's a yearly re-enactment and remembrance of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. They are to celebrate it at the same time of year, keeping the memory of their liberation fresh.
In essence, the verse instructs the Israelites to:
1. Centralize their Passover sacrifice: Offer it only at the designated sanctuary that God will choose.
2. Time it appropriately: Sacrifice the Passover lamb in the evening, at sunset.
3. Remember the Exodus: Let the sacrifice remind them of God's deliverance from Egypt.
This verse highlights the importance of obedience, remembrance, and centralized worship in the Israelite faith. It sets a precedent for how and where the Passover should be celebrated, connecting it inextricably to the foundational event of the Exodus.
Deuteronomy 16:6 instructs the Israelites on where and when to sacrifice the Passover lamb. Let's break down its meaning:
"but at the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell in...": This refers to the central sanctuary that God would designate for the Israelites to worship Him. The exact location wasn't specified at the time Deuteronomy was written, but it would eventually become the Temple in Jerusalem. The key point is that sacrifices, including the Passover, were not to be made at just any location; they were to be performed at God's chosen place. This emphasized the importance of centralized worship and unity.
"...there you shall sacrifice the Passover...": This specifies that the Passover sacrifice was to be offered at the central sanctuary.
"...at evening, at the going down of the sun...": This sets the specific time for the Passover sacrifice: in the evening, as the sun is setting. This timing is significant because it commemorates the time of day when the Israelites began their Exodus from Egypt.
"...at the season that you came out of Egypt.": This reinforces the connection between the Passover sacrifice and the Exodus event. The sacrifice is not just a ritual; it's a yearly re-enactment and remembrance of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. They are to celebrate it at the same time of year, keeping the memory of their liberation fresh.
In essence, the verse instructs the Israelites to:
1. Centralize their Passover sacrifice: Offer it only at the designated sanctuary that God will choose.
2. Time it appropriately: Sacrifice the Passover lamb in the evening, at sunset.
3. Remember the Exodus: Let the sacrifice remind them of God's deliverance from Egypt.
This verse highlights the importance of obedience, remembrance, and centralized worship in the Israelite faith. It sets a precedent for how and where the Passover should be celebrated, connecting it inextricably to the foundational event of the Exodus.