Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryDeuteronomy 16

Deuteronomy 16:1-17: Yearly Feasts and Offerings In this passage, Moses repeats the laws about the three yearly feasts that kept Israel’s faith alive: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. These special times brought the people together to worship God, remember His goodness, and share joy with each other. The rules for these feasts help everyone focus on God’s saving acts, live thankfully, and care for others in the community.v. 1: The month of Abib, which is in the spring (March or April), was to be remembered because God brought Israel out of Egypt at that time (v. 1; Exod. 12:2 ). The Passover marked this great rescue, and the whole month was special, even though the feast itself lasted only a week.

vv. 2, 5-7: The Passover lamb and other sacrifices had to be offered only at the place God chose, not at home (v. 2; v. 5-7 ). This kept the people from inventing their own ways to worship. After the celebration, the people could return home. This rule pointed everyone’s hearts toward God and away from idolatry.

vv. 3-4, 8: For seven days, the people had to eat unleavened bread, called the “bread of affliction,” to remember their quick escape from Egypt (v. 3, 4, 8 ). This bread was not tasty or easy to digest, so it reminded them of the hardships their ancestors faced. The lesson for Christians is to live with sincerity and love, getting rid of the “leaven” of sin (1 Cor. 5:7 ). The Passover was meant to help them remember the day of their freedom from Egypt, not just once a year, but all their lives (v. 3 ). In the same way, Christians remember Jesus’ death so they will always live for Him.

v. 9: The Feast of Pentecost, or Weeks, came seven weeks after Passover, starting from the beginning of the grain harvest (v. 9; Lev. 23:10 ). This showed God’s care for their harvest and their lives.

vv. 10-12: At Pentecost, each person was to bring a free-will offering, giving as much as God had blessed them (v. 10 ). They were to rejoice before God and remember that they were once slaves in Egypt (v. 11, 12 ). Their joy was to be shared with servants and the needy, showing thankfulness and kindness.

vv. 13-15: The Feast of Tabernacles was held after the harvest, as a time of joy and thanksgiving (v. 13-15 ). God wanted His people to be cheerful and to help others rejoice too, including the stranger, orphan, and widow (Job 29:13 ). This feast looked forward to God’s future blessings, so they could rejoice in hope.

vv. 16-17: All males had to appear before the Lord

Deuteronomy 16:18-22: Justice and Warnings Against Idolatry In this passage, Moses gives instructions for appointing judges and officers in every city to ensure that justice is done among the people. These leaders were to settle disagreements, punish the guilty, and protect the innocent. Alongside this, Moses warns the people not to copy the idol-worshipping practices of the nations around them. God wants His people to be fair, honest, and loyal to Him alone.v. 18: The Israelites must appoint judges and officers in all their cities to hear cases and give justice. This made it easier and quicker for people to get help when problems arose. God is the one who gives authority to all rulers (Rom. 13:1 ). Larger cities had bigger courts, while smaller towns had fewer judges (2 Chron. 19:5, 8 ).

v. 19: Judges are told not to be unfair or take bribes, because gifts can tempt them to do wrong (v. 19; Exod. 23:8 ). Good judges must follow the law and the facts, and not be influenced by money or favors.

v. 20: The key command for leaders is to always follow justice. They must act justly and make sure everyone is treated fairly and rightly (v. 20 ). Justice is the most important thing in their work.

vv. 21-22: The people are warned not to plant trees or groves near God’s altar, and not to set up any images or pillars (v. 21, 22 ). These were customs of idol worship. God hates when people try to worship Him by copying the ways of false religions. He wants His people to worship Him in the way He commands, not with images or things that might lead them away from the truth.