Deuteronomy 16: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Deuteronomy 16 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The Israelites are to observe the month of Abib and keep the Passover. This festival remembers how Yahweh brought them out of Egypt at night (vv. 1-2). They must eat unleavened bread for seven days and not allow yeast in their borders (vv. 3-4). The Passover sacrifice must occur at the place Yahweh chooses, not at home (vv. 5-6). They are to roast and eat it there, returning home the next morning (vv. 7-8).

Key verse

“You shall keep the feast of weeks to Yahweh your God with a tribute of a freewill offering of your hand, which you shall give, according as Yahweh your God blesses you.”
Deuteronomy 16:10 (WEB)

Outline

Deuteronomy 16:1–4 Observance of Passover
Deuteronomy 16:5–8 Sacrificing the Passover
Deuteronomy 16:9–12 Feast of Weeks Instructions
Deuteronomy 16:13–15 Celebrating the Feast of Tents
Deuteronomy 16:16–17 Annual Appearances Before God
Deuteronomy 16:18–22 Justice and Worship Guidelines

Discussion questions

In v2, what type of animal are the Israelites instructed to sacrifice for Passover?
What must not be seen in v4 during the Feast of Unleavened Bread?
The command in v12 to remember slavery in Egypt: how does this shape Israel's identity?
In v19, why does it say that a bribe 'blinds the eyes of the wise'?
When have you felt the need to celebrate and give thanks like in v11's communal rejoicing?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Deuteronomy 16: Exodus 34, Exodus 23, Exodus 12.

Before next time: read Deuteronomy 17.