Deuteronomy 16:9 - You shall count for yourselves seven weeks. From the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain you shall begin to count seven weeks.
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What does "Deuteronomy 16:9" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 16:9, is the foundation for the biblical observance of Shavuot (also known as the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost). Let's break it down:
"You shall count for yourselves seven weeks...": This is the central command. The people are instructed to count a specific period of time.
"From the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain...": This establishes the starting point for the count. It's the beginning of the harvest season when they begin to reap the first grain. Specifically, it refers to the barley harvest, which typically came first.
"...you shall begin to count seven weeks.": This reinforces the need to count seven full weeks (49 days) from the start of the grain harvest.
In essence, the verse means:
"Starting from the day you begin harvesting your grain (specifically, the barley harvest), you must count seven weeks (49 days)."
Significance:
Agricultural Connection: The verse ties a religious observance to the agricultural cycle. It recognizes the blessings of the harvest.
Temporal Link to Passover: This counting period connects Shavuot to Passover. Passover commemorates the Exodus from Egypt, and Shavuot is understood to occur approximately 50 days later.
Shavuot/Pentecost: The 50th day (after counting the seven weeks) is Shavuot. In Jewish tradition, Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. In Christian tradition (Pentecost), it commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles.
In summary, this verse is not just about counting days; it's a divine instruction that establishes the timing of a significant festival that connects to both agricultural and religious significance.
Deuteronomy 16:9 - You shall count for yourselves seven weeks. From the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain you shall begin to count seven weeks.
What does "Deuteronomy 16:9" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 16:9, is the foundation for the biblical observance of Shavuot (also known as the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost). Let's break it down:
"You shall count for yourselves seven weeks...": This is the central command. The people are instructed to count a specific period of time.
"From the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain...": This establishes the starting point for the count. It's the beginning of the harvest season when they begin to reap the first grain. Specifically, it refers to the barley harvest, which typically came first.
"...you shall begin to count seven weeks.": This reinforces the need to count seven full weeks (49 days) from the start of the grain harvest.
In essence, the verse means:
"Starting from the day you begin harvesting your grain (specifically, the barley harvest), you must count seven weeks (49 days)."
Significance:
Agricultural Connection: The verse ties a religious observance to the agricultural cycle. It recognizes the blessings of the harvest.
Temporal Link to Passover: This counting period connects Shavuot to Passover. Passover commemorates the Exodus from Egypt, and Shavuot is understood to occur approximately 50 days later.
Shavuot/Pentecost: The 50th day (after counting the seven weeks) is Shavuot. In Jewish tradition, Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. In Christian tradition (Pentecost), it commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles.
In summary, this verse is not just about counting days; it's a divine instruction that establishes the timing of a significant festival that connects to both agricultural and religious significance.