JULY 4TH, 2004
DEUTERONOMY 16
Introduction: As we celebrate July 4th, we have come to some Jewish holidays that the Jews were commanded to celebrate in honor of their glorious past.
I. Jews were commanded to keep the Passover. (1-8)
A. When was it to be observed?
1. The month of ABIB (1) – part of March and April
2. The entire month was to be dedicated to Passover, but only one week in that month was to be kept as a festival.
B. Why was it to be observed?
1. In remembrance of the Children of Israel being delivered from Egyptian bondage. (see Exodus 12)
2. The Passover was to be eaten at night because the miracle of the 1st Passover took place during the night, (16:1 and 6).
C. How was it to be observed?
1. The head of the family broke unleavened bread and gave it to each member of the family.
2. As the family’s head gave the bread to each family member, he said: “This is the bread of affliction which your fathers did eat in the land of Egypt.”
3. All of this was a symbolism of Christ who was yet to come, (I Corinthians 5:7).
D. The purpose of Passover is found in Deuteronomy 16:3.
II. Jews were commanded to keep “The Festival of Weeks.” (9-12)
A. When was it to be observed?
1. Seven weeks after the Passover feast, or
2. The first day that the sickle was put to the crops.
B. Why was it to be observed?
1. The Law of Moses was given 50 days after the Passover in Egypt; seven weeks after Passover would coincide with the giving of the Law.
2. This was the time of giving back to God for blessing them, (10).
3. It was a time of rejoicing for present blessings and past deliverances, (11).
III. Jews were commanded to keep “The Feast of Tabernacles.” (13-15)
A. When was it to be observed?
- seven days after the Feast of Weeks had ended, and the crops were harvested.
B. Why was it to be observed?
1. God desired the Children of Israel to be a cheerful people, and rejoice over his blessings on them, (14-15).
2. Rejoicing in God’s goodness is a mark of thankfulness to God.
- see Psalm 107:1-8)
IV. The Responsibility of men during these festival times. (16-17)
A. All men are to make a personal appearance before God on these three occasions – no exceptions.
B. No man is to appear before God during these celebrations empty handed. (16). – They are to give as they are able, (17).
V. Judges are to be appointed in all of the tribes. (18-20)
A. They are to be JUST, IMPARTIAL, AND NOT TAKE BRIBES, (18-19).
B. The happiness they seek in the Promised Land will depend on good judges, (20)
Conclusion: The chapter ends with a warning to not make room for any false idol worship, (21-22).