Deuteronomy 12 Study Notes
General
What reason does 12:23 give for the ban on eating blood?
Answer: Life itself resides in the animal's blood
Even when eating ordinary meat at home, Israel was forbidden to consume blood. It was to be drained onto the ground as one would spill water, since an animal's life is in its blood, and the life was not to be eaten with the flesh (12:16, 23-24). Moses adds a motive: doing this would be right in the LORD's eyes, and it would go well with them and their children (12:25). The rule goes back to Noah (Genesis 9:4), and Leviticus explains that God gave blood on the altar to make atonement, that is, to cover sin (Leviticus 17:11). This respect for blood points to the truth that sins are forgiven only through blood that is shed (Hebrews 9:22), finally fulfilled in the blood of Christ.
- Deuteronomy 12:23-25 (BSB)“Only be sure not to eat the blood, because the blood is the life, and you must not eat the life with the meat. You must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water. Do not eat it, so that it may go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD.”The blood must not be eaten because it is the life; it is to be poured out so that it may go well with Israel.
- Genesis 9:4 (BSB)“But you must not eat meat with its lifeblood still in it.”The prohibition on eating meat with its lifeblood goes back to God's word to Noah.
- Leviticus 17:11 (BSB)“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”God explains that the life is in the blood and that He gave it on the altar for atonement.
- Hebrews 9:22 (BSB)“According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”Hebrews notes that under the law nearly everything was purified with blood, and there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood.
Theological
What rationale does 12:23 supply for the prohibition on consuming blood?
Answer: Life itself resides in the animal's blood
The rationale is that the animal's life resides in its blood, and life may not be consumed with the flesh; the blood is drained onto the ground as one spills water (12:16, 23-24), with a motive clause promising well-being to the obedient and their children, since this pleases the LORD (12:25). The prohibition predates Sinai (Genesis 9:4), and Leviticus connects it to atonement, since God appointed the blood on the altar to atone for souls (Leviticus 17:11). Hebrews draws the principle that forgiveness comes only through shed blood (Hebrews 9:22), a principle fulfilled in Christ's sacrifice.
- Deuteronomy 12:23-25 (BSB)“Only be sure not to eat the blood, because the blood is the life, and you must not eat the life with the meat. You must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water. Do not eat it, so that it may go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD.”The blood must not be eaten because it is the life; it is to be poured out so that it may go well with Israel.
- Genesis 9:4 (BSB)“But you must not eat meat with its lifeblood still in it.”The prohibition on eating meat with its lifeblood goes back to God's word to Noah.
- Leviticus 17:11 (BSB)“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”God explains that the life is in the blood and that He gave it on the altar for atonement.
- Hebrews 9:22 (BSB)“According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”Hebrews notes that under the law nearly everything was purified with blood, and there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood.
General
True or False: Under 12:13-14, an Israelite could offer a burnt offering at any spot that looked suitable to him.
Answer: False
This is false. Moses warns Israel not to offer burnt offerings at just any place they happened to see, but only at the site the LORD would pick in one of the tribal territories (12:13-14). In the wilderness, sacrifices likewise had to be presented at the Tent of Meeting (Leviticus 17:8-9). Israel took this seriously in Joshua's day: when the eastern tribes built an altar by the Jordan, they insisted it was only a memorial and not for sacrifice, because only the LORD's altar was lawful (Joshua 22:29). Later, King Jeroboam set up rival worship centers at Bethel and Dan so his people would not go to Jerusalem, and this became a sin (1 Kings 12:28-30).
- Deuteronomy 12:13-14 (BSB)“Be careful not to offer your burnt offerings in just any place you see; you must offer them only in the place the LORD will choose in one of your tribal territories, and there you shall do all that I command you.”Israel must not offer burnt offerings wherever they like, but only at the place the LORD chooses.
- Leviticus 17:8-9 (BSB)“Tell them that if anyone from the house of Israel or any foreigner living among them offers a burnt offering or a sacrifice but does not bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to sacrifice it to the LORD, that man must be cut off from his people.”In the wilderness, sacrifices had to be brought to the Tent of Meeting on pain of being cut off.
- Joshua 22:29 (BSB)“Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD and turn away from Him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices, other than the altar of the LORD our God, which stands before His tabernacle.””The eastern tribes insist their altar by the Jordan was not for sacrifice, since only the LORD's altar was lawful.
- 1 Kings 12:28-30 (BSB)“After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves.”Jeroboam's rival worship centers at Bethel and Dan became a sin for Israel.
Theological
True or False: Deuteronomy 12:13-14 leaves the location of burnt offerings to the worshiper's own judgment.
Answer: False
This is false. Burnt offerings are restricted to the single place the LORD chooses within one of the tribes, and offering them at any place one sees is forbidden (12:13-14). The principle continues the wilderness requirement that sacrifices be presented at the Tent of Meeting (Leviticus 17:8-9). The Transjordan tribes affirm it in disavowing any rival altar for sacrifice (Joshua 22:29), and Jeroboam's alternative sanctuaries at Bethel and Dan are condemned as sin (1 Kings 12:28-30).
- Deuteronomy 12:13-14 (BSB)“Be careful not to offer your burnt offerings in just any place you see; you must offer them only in the place the LORD will choose in one of your tribal territories, and there you shall do all that I command you.”Israel must not offer burnt offerings wherever they like, but only at the place the LORD chooses.
- Leviticus 17:8-9 (BSB)“Tell them that if anyone from the house of Israel or any foreigner living among them offers a burnt offering or a sacrifice but does not bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to sacrifice it to the LORD, that man must be cut off from his people.”In the wilderness, sacrifices had to be brought to the Tent of Meeting on pain of being cut off.
- Joshua 22:29 (BSB)“Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD and turn away from Him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices, other than the altar of the LORD our God, which stands before His tabernacle.””The eastern tribes insist their altar by the Jordan was not for sacrifice, since only the LORD's altar was lawful.
- 1 Kings 12:28-30 (BSB)“After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves.”Jeroboam's rival worship centers at Bethel and Dan became a sin for Israel.
General
What were the Israelites commanded to do with the Canaanite places of worship in 12:2-3?
Answer: Destroy them completely, with every altar and idol
The nations of Canaan worshiped their gods on high mountains, on hills, and under leafy trees. Israel was to wipe out all these sites: break down the altars, shatter the sacred stone pillars, burn the Asherah poles (wooden objects linked to a Canaanite goddess), cut down the carved idols, and erase the names of those gods from each place (12:2-3). Moses had given the same command before (7:5), as God had on the plains of Moab (Numbers 33:52). The reason, given elsewhere in the book, was to keep Israel from being drawn into idolatry (7:4). Centuries later King Hezekiah did just this (2 Kings 18:4). Erasing the names of false gods also prepares for the contrast in 12:5, where God chooses a place for His own Name.
- Deuteronomy 12:2-3 (BSB)“Destroy completely all the places where the nations you are dispossessing have served their gods—atop the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree. Tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, burn up their Asherah poles, cut down the idols of their gods, and wipe out their names from every place.”Israel is to destroy every place and object the nations used to worship their gods.
- Deuteronomy 7:5 (BSB)“Instead, this is what you are to do to them: tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire.”Moses had already commanded Israel to tear down the altars, pillars, and Asherah poles of the nations.
- Deuteronomy 7:4 (BSB)“because they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods. Then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and He will swiftly destroy you.”Moses gives the reason: the nations would turn Israel away to serve other gods.
- Numbers 33:52 (BSB)“you must drive out before you all the inhabitants of the land, destroy all their carved images and cast idols, and demolish all their high places.”On the plains of Moab God commanded Israel to demolish the high places of the land's inhabitants.
- 2 Kings 18:4 (BSB)“He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze snake called Nehushtan that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it.”King Hezekiah later removed the high places, shattered the pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles.
Theological
What does 12:2-3 require regarding the cult sites of the dispossessed nations?
Answer: Destroy them completely, with every altar and idol
The command is total destruction of the nations' worship sites on mountains, hills, and under green trees: altars torn down, pillars smashed, Asherah poles burned, idols cut down, and the names of the gods obliterated (12:2-3). It repeats 7:5 and the charge given on the plains of Moab (Numbers 33:52), and its stated purpose in the book is to guard Israel from being led into idolatry (7:4), within Israel's unique theocratic setting. Hezekiah's reform is a later example of this kind of obedience (2 Kings 18:4). The erasure of the gods' names deliberately sets up 12:5, where the LORD establishes His own Name at a site of His choosing.
- Deuteronomy 12:2-3 (BSB)“Destroy completely all the places where the nations you are dispossessing have served their gods—atop the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree. Tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, burn up their Asherah poles, cut down the idols of their gods, and wipe out their names from every place.”Israel is to destroy every place and object the nations used to worship their gods.
- Deuteronomy 7:5 (BSB)“Instead, this is what you are to do to them: tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire.”Moses had already commanded Israel to tear down the altars, pillars, and Asherah poles of the nations.
- Deuteronomy 7:4 (BSB)“because they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods. Then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and He will swiftly destroy you.”Moses gives the reason: the nations would turn Israel away to serve other gods.
- Numbers 33:52 (BSB)“you must drive out before you all the inhabitants of the land, destroy all their carved images and cast idols, and demolish all their high places.”On the plains of Moab God commanded Israel to demolish the high places of the land's inhabitants.
- 2 Kings 18:4 (BSB)“He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze snake called Nehushtan that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it.”King Hezekiah later removed the high places, shattered the pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles.
General
What does 12:32 require of Israel regarding Moses' commands?
Answer: Do all of them, adding nothing and removing nothing
The chapter ends by telling Israel to be careful to do everything Moses commanded, without adding anything or taking anything away (12:32), the same charge he had given earlier (4:2). It comes right after the warning not to ask how the nations served their gods in order to copy them (12:30-31), so Israel was not to reshape the LORD's worship with borrowed customs or ideas of its own. Proverbs likewise warns against adding to God's words (Proverbs 30:6), Nadab and Abihu died when they offered fire God never authorized (Leviticus 10:1-2), and Jesus says worship is in vain when people pass off human rules as God's teaching (Matthew 15:9). Historically, many Reformed churches have drawn from passages like this one what is called the regulative principle of worship, the conviction that God is to be worshiped only in the ways He has appointed; it is one historic application of the verse.
- Deuteronomy 12:32 (BSB)“See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it.”Moses closes the section by commanding Israel to do all he commands, with no additions or deletions.
- Deuteronomy 4:2 (BSB)“You must not add to or subtract from what I command you, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you.”Moses had given the same command near the start of his address.
- Proverbs 30:6 (BSB)“Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.”Proverbs warns against adding to God's words.
- Leviticus 10:1-2 (BSB)“Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.”Nadab and Abihu died after offering unauthorized fire contrary to God's command.
- Matthew 15:9 (BSB)“They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’””Jesus, quoting Isaiah, says worship built on human precepts taught as doctrine is in vain.
Theological
What does 12:32 require concerning the commands Moses is giving?
Answer: Do all of them, adding nothing and removing nothing
The closing charge demands careful and complete obedience, neither adding to nor subtracting from what Moses commands (12:32), repeating 4:2. Placed directly after the prohibition on inquiring into the nations' worship in order to imitate it (12:30-31), the charge guards the LORD's worship against additions borrowed from the nations or devised by Israel itself. Scripture elsewhere warns against adding to God's words (Proverbs 30:6), records judgment on Nadab and Abihu for fire God never authorized (Leviticus 10:1-2), and gives Jesus' verdict that worship is vain when human precepts are taught as divine doctrine (Matthew 15:9). Historically, many Reformed churches have drawn from passages like this one the regulative principle of worship, that God is to be worshiped only in the ways He has appointed; it is one historic application of the verse.
- Deuteronomy 12:32 (BSB)“See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it.”Moses closes the section by commanding Israel to do all he commands, with no additions or deletions.
- Deuteronomy 4:2 (BSB)“You must not add to or subtract from what I command you, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you.”Moses had given the same command near the start of his address.
- Proverbs 30:6 (BSB)“Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.”Proverbs warns against adding to God's words.
- Leviticus 10:1-2 (BSB)“Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.”Nadab and Abihu died after offering unauthorized fire contrary to God's command.
- Matthew 15:9 (BSB)“They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’””Jesus, quoting Isaiah, says worship built on human precepts taught as doctrine is in vain.
General
What does Moses warn Israel not to do once the nations of Canaan had been removed (12:30)?
Answer: Look into how those nations worshiped, to imitate it
Even after the nations were gone, Israel could still be trapped by their ways. Moses warns them not to become curious about those gods, wondering how the nations worshiped so they could do the same (12:30). Israel must never worship the LORD that way, because those nations practiced every detestable thing the LORD hates in serving their gods, even burning their own children as sacrifices (12:31). The law had already forbidden giving children to Molech (Leviticus 18:21). Tragically, Israel later did these very things: King Ahaz sacrificed his son (2 Kings 16:3), and the psalmist mourns that Israel mingled among the peoples and sacrificed its sons and daughters (Psalm 106:35-38).
- Deuteronomy 12:30-31 (BSB)“be careful not to be ensnared by their ways after they have been destroyed before you. Do not inquire about their gods, asking, “How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.” You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods.”Israel must not ask how the nations served their gods in order to copy them, for they even burned their children.
- Leviticus 18:21 (BSB)“You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.”The law already forbade giving children to be sacrificed to Molech.
- 2 Kings 16:3 (BSB)“Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.”King Ahaz of Judah later sacrificed his son in the fire, following the abominations of the nations.
- Psalm 106:35-38 (BSB)“but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them. They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. They shed innocent blood—the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood.”The psalmist laments that Israel adopted the nations' customs and sacrificed its sons and daughters.
Theological
What is Israel warned against in 12:30 after the nations have been dispossessed?
Answer: Look into how those nations worshiped, to imitate it
The danger outlives the nations themselves: Israel must not be ensnared by inquiring into how they served their gods with a view to imitation (12:30). Such practices cannot be transferred to the LORD's worship, for they include every abomination He hates, culminating in child sacrifice (12:31), already prohibited in Leviticus 18:21. Israel's later history confirms the warning, from Ahaz's sacrifice of his son in imitation of the nations God had expelled before Israel (2 Kings 16:3) to the psalmist's summary of Israel adopting the nations' customs and shedding the blood of its children (Psalm 106:35-38).
- Deuteronomy 12:30-31 (BSB)“be careful not to be ensnared by their ways after they have been destroyed before you. Do not inquire about their gods, asking, “How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.” You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods.”Israel must not ask how the nations served their gods in order to copy them, for they even burned their children.
- Leviticus 18:21 (BSB)“You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.”The law already forbade giving children to be sacrificed to Molech.
- 2 Kings 16:3 (BSB)“Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.”King Ahaz of Judah later sacrificed his son in the fire, following the abominations of the nations.
- Psalm 106:35-38 (BSB)“but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them. They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. They shed innocent blood—the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood.”The psalmist laments that Israel adopted the nations' customs and sacrificed its sons and daughters.
General
Why does 12:12 call for including the Levite in the rejoicing before the LORD?
Answer: He had no share of land among the tribes
Each family was to celebrate in the LORD's presence with sons, daughters, servants, and the Levite living in their town, because the Levite had received no share of land among them (12:12). The Levites were the tribe set apart to serve at the sanctuary, and they received no tribal territory; the LORD Himself was their inheritance (10:9), and He gave them Israel's tithe, the tenth of the people's produce, to live on (Numbers 18:24). So Moses warns Israel never to overlook the Levites for as long as they lived in the land (12:19), a command repeated in the tithe law (14:27). Caring for those who served at God's house was part of Israel's worship.
- Deuteronomy 12:12 (BSB)“And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.”The Levite is included in the rejoicing because he has no portion or inheritance.
- Deuteronomy 12:19 (BSB)“and be careful not to neglect the Levites as long as you live in your land.”Israel is warned not to neglect the Levites as long as they live in the land.
- Deuteronomy 10:9 (BSB)“That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him.”The LORD Himself is the Levites' inheritance instead of a share of land.
- Numbers 18:24 (BSB)“For I have given to the Levites as their inheritance the tithe that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.””God gave the Levites the Israelites' tithe as their inheritance.
- Deuteronomy 14:27 (BSB)“And do not neglect the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.”The tithe law repeats the command not to neglect the landless Levite.
Theological
What reason does 12:12 give for including the Levite in the household rejoicing?
Answer: He had no share of land among the tribes
The Levite is included because he holds no tribal allotment of land (12:12). His inheritance is the LORD Himself (10:9), and his provision comes through Israel's tithe (Numbers 18:24). The chapter presses the obligation with a standing warning never to forsake the Levites for the whole time Israel dwells in the land (12:19), echoed in 14:27. Sanctuary joy is thus bound up with provision for the landless tribe devoted to the LORD's service.
- Deuteronomy 12:12 (BSB)“And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.”The Levite is included in the rejoicing because he has no portion or inheritance.
- Deuteronomy 12:19 (BSB)“and be careful not to neglect the Levites as long as you live in your land.”Israel is warned not to neglect the Levites as long as they live in the land.
- Deuteronomy 10:9 (BSB)“That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him.”The LORD Himself is the Levites' inheritance instead of a share of land.
- Numbers 18:24 (BSB)“For I have given to the Levites as their inheritance the tithe that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.””God gave the Levites the Israelites' tithe as their inheritance.
- Deuteronomy 14:27 (BSB)“And do not neglect the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.”The tithe law repeats the command not to neglect the landless Levite.
General
What were Israelite households to do at the chosen place after bringing their offerings (12:7)?
Answer: Eat before the LORD and rejoice in His blessing
Moses lists what Israel was to bring to the chosen place: burnt offerings and other sacrifices, tithes (a tenth of their produce), special contributions, vow offerings, freewill gifts, and firstling animals from their cattle and flocks (12:6). Then, in the LORD's presence, each family was to feast and be glad in all their work, because the LORD had blessed them (12:7). Worship at the sanctuary was not only solemn; it was a joyful meal before God. The same joy marks the festival tithe (14:26) and the Feast of Weeks (16:11), and when the law was read in Nehemiah's day, the people were told to feast because gladness in the LORD would be their strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
- Deuteronomy 12:6-7 (BSB)“To that place you are to bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and heave offerings, your vow offerings and freewill offerings, as well as the firstborn of your herds and flocks. There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you.”Israel is to bring every kind of offering to the chosen place and there eat and rejoice with their households.
- Deuteronomy 14:26 (BSB)“Then you may spend the money on anything you desire: cattle, sheep, wine, strong drink, or anything you wish. You are to feast there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice with your household.”The festival tithe is likewise to be enjoyed as a household feast before the LORD.
- Deuteronomy 16:11 (BSB)“and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you.”The Feast of Weeks is again marked by rejoicing before the LORD with the whole household and the needy.
- Nehemiah 8:10 (BSB)“Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.””When the law was read in Nehemiah's day, the people were told to feast and share, because the joy of the LORD was their strength.
Theological
According to 12:7, what were households to do in the LORD's presence at the chosen place?
Answer: Eat before the LORD and rejoice in His blessing
After enumerating the full range of offerings to be brought to the central sanctuary, from burnt offerings to tithes, contributions, vows, freewill gifts, and firstlings (12:6), Moses describes the setting as a communal meal: households eat before the LORD and are glad in all their undertakings because He has blessed them (12:7). Sanctuary worship includes covenant fellowship and gladness, a theme repeated for the festival tithe (14:26) and the Feast of Weeks (16:11), and echoed in Nehemiah's charge that gladness in the LORD is Israel's strength (Nehemiah 8:10). The rejoicing is grounded in God's prior blessing.
- Deuteronomy 12:6-7 (BSB)“To that place you are to bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and heave offerings, your vow offerings and freewill offerings, as well as the firstborn of your herds and flocks. There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you.”Israel is to bring every kind of offering to the chosen place and there eat and rejoice with their households.
- Deuteronomy 14:26 (BSB)“Then you may spend the money on anything you desire: cattle, sheep, wine, strong drink, or anything you wish. You are to feast there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice with your household.”The festival tithe is likewise to be enjoyed as a household feast before the LORD.
- Deuteronomy 16:11 (BSB)“and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you.”The Feast of Weeks is again marked by rejoicing before the LORD with the whole household and the needy.
- Nehemiah 8:10 (BSB)“Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.””When the law was read in Nehemiah's day, the people were told to feast and share, because the joy of the LORD was their strength.
General
Which of these could NOT be eaten at home but had to be eaten at the chosen place (12:17-18)?
Answer: The tenth of their grain harvest and wine
Ordinary meat could be eaten in the towns, but holy gifts could not. The tithe (the tenth set apart) of grain, wine, and olive oil, firstling animals of the herds and flocks, vow offerings, freewill offerings, and special gifts had to be eaten before the LORD at the site He chose, shared with family, servants, and the Levite, a member of the tribe that served at the sanctuary (12:17-18). The same rule appears in the tithe law (14:22-23) and for the firstborn animals (15:19-20). Moses returns to this in 12:26-27: holy things were to be taken to the chosen place, where burnt offerings, both flesh and blood, went on the altar, and for other sacrifices the blood was poured next to it while the worshipers ate the meat.
- Deuteronomy 12:17-18 (BSB)“Within your gates you must not eat the tithe of your grain or new wine or oil, the firstborn of your herds or flocks, any of the offerings that you have vowed to give, or your freewill offerings or special gifts. Instead, you must eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the place the LORD your God will choose—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates. Rejoice before the LORD your God in all you do,”Tithes, firstborn animals, vows, and freewill gifts may not be eaten at home but only before the LORD at the chosen place.
- Deuteronomy 12:26-27 (BSB)“But you are to take your holy things and your vow offerings and go to the place the LORD will choose. Present the meat and blood of your burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD your God. The blood of your other sacrifices must be poured out beside the altar of the LORD your God, but you may eat the meat.”Holy things and vow offerings are taken to the chosen place, with burnt offerings and blood presented at the altar.
- Deuteronomy 14:22-23 (BSB)“You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce brought forth each year from your fields. And you are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks, in the presence of the LORD your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.”The tithe law also requires the tithe and firstborn to be eaten at the place God chooses.
- Deuteronomy 15:19-20 (BSB)“You must set apart to the LORD your God every firstborn male produced by your herds and flocks. You are not to put the firstborn of your oxen to work, nor are you to shear the firstborn of your flock. Each year you and your household are to eat it before the LORD your God in the place the LORD will choose.”The firstborn of herd and flock is to be eaten each year before the LORD at the chosen place.
Theological
Under 12:17-18, which of the following was restricted to consumption at the chosen place?
Answer: The tenth of their grain harvest and wine
The chapter draws a firm line between profane slaughter, allowed locally, and sacred portions, which must be eaten before the LORD at the chosen place: the tithe of grain, wine, and olive oil, firstlings of herd and flock, vows, freewill offerings, and contributions, all shared with the household and the Levite (12:17-18). The rule is repeated for the tithe (14:22-23) and the firstborn (15:19-20). Verses 26-27 add the altar procedure: burnt offerings, both meat and blood, are presented on the altar, while for other sacrifices the blood is poured next to the altar and the flesh eaten.
- Deuteronomy 12:17-18 (BSB)“Within your gates you must not eat the tithe of your grain or new wine or oil, the firstborn of your herds or flocks, any of the offerings that you have vowed to give, or your freewill offerings or special gifts. Instead, you must eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the place the LORD your God will choose—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates. Rejoice before the LORD your God in all you do,”Tithes, firstborn animals, vows, and freewill gifts may not be eaten at home but only before the LORD at the chosen place.
- Deuteronomy 12:26-27 (BSB)“But you are to take your holy things and your vow offerings and go to the place the LORD will choose. Present the meat and blood of your burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD your God. The blood of your other sacrifices must be poured out beside the altar of the LORD your God, but you may eat the meat.”Holy things and vow offerings are taken to the chosen place, with burnt offerings and blood presented at the altar.
- Deuteronomy 14:22-23 (BSB)“You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce brought forth each year from your fields. And you are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks, in the presence of the LORD your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.”The tithe law also requires the tithe and firstborn to be eaten at the place God chooses.
- Deuteronomy 15:19-20 (BSB)“You must set apart to the LORD your God every firstborn male produced by your herds and flocks. You are not to put the firstborn of your oxen to work, nor are you to shear the firstborn of your flock. Each year you and your household are to eat it before the LORD your God in the place the LORD will choose.”The firstborn of herd and flock is to be eaten each year before the LORD at the chosen place.
General
True or False: Deuteronomy 12:4 allowed Israel to worship the LORD at the Canaanite hilltop sites once the idols were removed.
Answer: False
This is false. Right after commanding the destruction of the Canaanite shrines, Moses forbids Israel to worship the LORD in that manner (12:4). The nations chose their own sites on each hilltop and beneath each tree; Israel was instead to go to the one place the LORD Himself would choose (12:5). Later history shows how slowly this took hold. Before the temple was built, the people were still offering sacrifices at high places, that is, hilltop shrines (1 Kings 3:2), and the northern kingdom built high places throughout its towns, one of the sins that led to its exile (2 Kings 17:9-11). The LORD, not the worshiper, would choose the place of His worship.
- Deuteronomy 12:4 (BSB)“You shall not worship the LORD your God in this way.”Moses forbids worshiping the LORD in the way the nations worshiped their gods.
- Deuteronomy 12:5 (BSB)“Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go.”Instead, Israel must go to the place the LORD would choose.
- 1 Kings 3:2 (BSB)“The people, however, were still sacrificing on the high places because a house for the Name of the LORD had not yet been built.”Even in Solomon's early reign the people still sacrificed at high places before the temple was built.
- 2 Kings 17:9-11 (BSB)“The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. They burned incense on all the high places like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them. They did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger.”The northern kingdom's high places on every hill are later listed among the sins that led to exile.
Theological
True or False: 12:4 permitted Israel to use the former Canaanite high places for the LORD's worship after the idols were cleared away.
Answer: False
This is false. The prohibition of 12:4 follows directly on the command to destroy the nations' sites: Israel may not serve the LORD in their fashion, with self-selected places on each hilltop and beneath each tree. Instead Israel is to seek the single place of the LORD's choosing (12:5). The later narrative shows persistent failure at this point, from sacrifice at the high places before the temple was built (1 Kings 3:2) to the northern kingdom's proliferation of high places, listed among the causes of its exile (2 Kings 17:9-11). The initiative in worship belongs to God.
- Deuteronomy 12:4 (BSB)“You shall not worship the LORD your God in this way.”Moses forbids worshiping the LORD in the way the nations worshiped their gods.
- Deuteronomy 12:5 (BSB)“Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go.”Instead, Israel must go to the place the LORD would choose.
- 1 Kings 3:2 (BSB)“The people, however, were still sacrificing on the high places because a house for the Name of the LORD had not yet been built.”Even in Solomon's early reign the people still sacrificed at high places before the temple was built.
- 2 Kings 17:9-11 (BSB)“The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. They burned incense on all the high places like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them. They did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger.”The northern kingdom's high places on every hill are later listed among the sins that led to exile.
General
What did 12:20-21 permit when the chosen place was too far away?
Answer: Slaughtering and eating ordinary meat at home
Once the LORD enlarged Israel's territory and people wanted meat, they could slaughter animals from their herds and flocks and eat them in their own towns if the chosen place was too far away (12:20-21). This meat was ordinary food, not a sacrifice, eaten the way one eats wild game such as gazelle and deer (animals never offered on the altar), and so both people who were ritually clean (fit to take part in worship) and those who were unclean could eat it (12:15). In the wilderness, while Israel lived in one camp around the tabernacle, animals slaughtered had to be presented at the Tent of Meeting (Leviticus 17:3-5). Deuteronomy shows the same concern for distance in the tithe law (14:24). God fitted His law to Israel's new life spread across the land.
- Deuteronomy 12:15 (BSB)“But whenever you want, you may slaughter and eat meat within any of your gates, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you. Both the ceremonially clean and unclean may eat it as they would a gazelle or deer,”Ordinary meat may be slaughtered and eaten in the towns, by clean and unclean alike.
- Deuteronomy 12:20-21 (BSB)“When the LORD your God expands your territory as He has promised, and you crave meat and say, “I want to eat meat,” you may eat it whenever you want. If the place where the LORD your God chooses to put His Name is too far from you, then you may slaughter any of the herd or flock He has given you, as I have commanded you, and you may eat it within your gates whenever you want.”When the territory grows and the chosen place is too far, Israelites may slaughter and eat at home.
- Leviticus 17:3-5 (BSB)“‘Anyone from the house of Israel who slaughters an ox, a lamb, or a goat in the camp or outside of it instead of bringing it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to present it as an offering to the LORD before His tabernacle—that man shall incur bloodguilt. He has shed blood and must be cut off from among his people. For this reason the Israelites will bring to the LORD the sacrifices they have been offering in the open fields. They are to bring them to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and offer them as sacrifices of peace offerings to the LORD.”In the wilderness camp, animals slaughtered had to be brought to the Tent of Meeting as offerings.
- Deuteronomy 14:24 (BSB)“But if the distance is too great for you to carry that with which the LORD your God has blessed you, because the place where the LORD your God will choose to put His Name is too far away,”Deuteronomy makes a similar allowance for distance in the law of the tithe.
Theological
What allowance does 12:20-21 make for Israelites living far from the chosen place?
Answer: Slaughtering and eating ordinary meat at home
The chapter distinguishes sacrificial from non-sacrificial slaughter. With territorial expansion and distance from the sanctuary, animals from herd and flock may be slaughtered and eaten locally (12:20-21), treated like game such as gazelle and deer, so that ritual purity is not required of the eaters (12:15). This adapts the wilderness arrangement, where slaughter in the camp had to be presented at the Tent of Meeting (Leviticus 17:3-5), to settled life across the land, and parallels the allowance for distance in the tithe law (14:24). Holy offerings remain bound to the sanctuary.
- Deuteronomy 12:15 (BSB)“But whenever you want, you may slaughter and eat meat within any of your gates, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you. Both the ceremonially clean and unclean may eat it as they would a gazelle or deer,”Ordinary meat may be slaughtered and eaten in the towns, by clean and unclean alike.
- Deuteronomy 12:20-21 (BSB)“When the LORD your God expands your territory as He has promised, and you crave meat and say, “I want to eat meat,” you may eat it whenever you want. If the place where the LORD your God chooses to put His Name is too far from you, then you may slaughter any of the herd or flock He has given you, as I have commanded you, and you may eat it within your gates whenever you want.”When the territory grows and the chosen place is too far, Israelites may slaughter and eat at home.
- Leviticus 17:3-5 (BSB)“‘Anyone from the house of Israel who slaughters an ox, a lamb, or a goat in the camp or outside of it instead of bringing it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to present it as an offering to the LORD before His tabernacle—that man shall incur bloodguilt. He has shed blood and must be cut off from among his people. For this reason the Israelites will bring to the LORD the sacrifices they have been offering in the open fields. They are to bring them to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and offer them as sacrifices of peace offerings to the LORD.”In the wilderness camp, animals slaughtered had to be brought to the Tent of Meeting as offerings.
- Deuteronomy 14:24 (BSB)“But if the distance is too great for you to carry that with which the LORD your God has blessed you, because the place where the LORD your God will choose to put His Name is too far away,”Deuteronomy makes a similar allowance for distance in the law of the tithe.
General
In 12:5, who decides where Israel's central place of worship would be?
Answer: The LORD Himself, choosing it for His Name
Moses tells Israel to seek out the site the LORD would pick out of all the tribal lands, to set His Name there as His dwelling, and to go there (12:5). God's Name stands for God Himself, His presence and His ownership. The place was not named yet. God first placed His Name at Shiloh (Jeremiah 7:12) and later chose Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 6:6). Even then Solomon confessed that no building could hold God, since not even the heavens above the heavens are large enough (1 Kings 8:27). Jesus later said a time had come when true worship of the Father would be bound neither to the Samaritans' mountain nor to Jerusalem, but offered in spirit and truth, since the Father, who is Spirit, seeks such worshipers (John 4:21-24).
- Deuteronomy 12:5 (BSB)“Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go.”Israel is to seek the place the LORD will choose to put His Name.
- Jeremiah 7:12 (BSB)“But go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for My Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel.”God later says He first made a dwelling for His Name at Shiloh.
- 2 Chronicles 6:6 (BSB)“But now I have chosen Jerusalem for My Name to be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’”Solomon reports that God chose Jerusalem as the place for His Name.
- 1 Kings 8:27 (BSB)“But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.”At the temple's dedication Solomon confesses that even the highest heavens cannot contain God.
- John 4:21-24 (BSB)““Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.””Jesus teaches that true worship is no longer bound to one mountain or city but offered in spirit and truth.
Theological
According to 12:5, who determines the location of the central sanctuary?
Answer: The LORD Himself, choosing it for His Name
The sanctuary's location is left to divine choice: Israel is to look for the site the LORD will select from all the tribes to establish His Name as dwelling there (12:5). The Name signifies God's self-revealed presence and claim. Historically the choice rested first on Shiloh (Jeremiah 7:12) and then on Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 6:6), yet Solomon's own confession guards against localizing God, whom not even the heavens of heavens can hold (1 Kings 8:27). The New Testament development is Christ's announcement that the hour has come when true worship is tied neither to the Samaritans' mountain nor to Jerusalem, since the Father, who is Spirit, seeks worshipers in spirit and truth (John 4:21-24).
- Deuteronomy 12:5 (BSB)“Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go.”Israel is to seek the place the LORD will choose to put His Name.
- Jeremiah 7:12 (BSB)“But go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for My Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel.”God later says He first made a dwelling for His Name at Shiloh.
- 2 Chronicles 6:6 (BSB)“But now I have chosen Jerusalem for My Name to be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’”Solomon reports that God chose Jerusalem as the place for His Name.
- 1 Kings 8:27 (BSB)“But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.”At the temple's dedication Solomon confesses that even the highest heavens cannot contain God.
- John 4:21-24 (BSB)““Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.””Jesus teaches that true worship is no longer bound to one mountain or city but offered in spirit and truth.
General
According to 12:10-11, when would the LORD choose a dwelling place for His Name?
Answer: After Israel settled in safety, free of enemies
Moses links the choosing of the place to Israel's settlement: after they crossed the Jordan, lived in their inheritance, and received rest from the enemies around them so that they lived safely, then the LORD would select a home for His Name, the destination for all their offerings (12:10-11). This helps explain why the permanent temple came when it did. David wanted to build God a house once he had rest from his enemies (2 Samuel 7:1), and Solomon explained that his father could not because of constant wars, but now God had given peace on all sides (1 Kings 5:3-5). At the dedication Solomon praised God that not one of the good promises given through Moses had failed (1 Kings 8:56).
- Deuteronomy 12:10-11 (BSB)“When you cross the Jordan and live in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and He gives you rest from all the enemies around you and you dwell securely, then the LORD your God will choose a dwelling for His Name. And there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice offerings you vow to the LORD.”Once Israel lives securely with rest from enemies, the LORD will choose a dwelling for His Name.
- 2 Samuel 7:1 (BSB)“After the king had settled into his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him,”David's desire to build a house for God arises once the LORD has given him rest from his enemies.
- 1 Kings 5:3-5 (BSB)““As you are well aware, due to the wars waged on all sides against my father David, he could not build a house for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD had put his enemies under his feet. But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or crisis. So behold, I plan to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, according to what the LORD said to my father David: ‘I will put your son on your throne in your place, and he will build the house for My Name.’”Solomon explains that David could not build because of wars, but now God had given peace on all sides.
- 1 Kings 8:56 (BSB)““Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel according to all that He promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises He made through His servant Moses.”At the temple's dedication Solomon praises God for giving rest just as He promised through Moses.
Theological
What precondition does 12:10-11 set for the LORD's choice of a home for His Name?
Answer: After Israel settled in safety, free of enemies
The sequence is settlement, rest from surrounding enemies, and security, followed by the LORD's choice of a home for His Name, to which all offerings are then brought (12:10-11). The historical books trace the temple project along exactly this line: David's intention arises when the LORD has given him rest (2 Samuel 7:1), Solomon cites peace on all sides as the reason he can now build (1 Kings 5:3-5), and the dedication prayer celebrates the fulfillment of every good word spoken through Moses (1 Kings 8:56).
- Deuteronomy 12:10-11 (BSB)“When you cross the Jordan and live in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and He gives you rest from all the enemies around you and you dwell securely, then the LORD your God will choose a dwelling for His Name. And there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice offerings you vow to the LORD.”Once Israel lives securely with rest from enemies, the LORD will choose a dwelling for His Name.
- 2 Samuel 7:1 (BSB)“After the king had settled into his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him,”David's desire to build a house for God arises once the LORD has given him rest from his enemies.
- 1 Kings 5:3-5 (BSB)““As you are well aware, due to the wars waged on all sides against my father David, he could not build a house for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD had put his enemies under his feet. But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or crisis. So behold, I plan to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, according to what the LORD said to my father David: ‘I will put your son on your throne in your place, and he will build the house for My Name.’”Solomon explains that David could not build because of wars, but now God had given peace on all sides.
- 1 Kings 8:56 (BSB)““Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel according to all that He promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises He made through His servant Moses.”At the temple's dedication Solomon praises God for giving rest just as He promised through Moses.
General
What does Moses say about Israel's present way of worship in 12:8-9?
Answer: Each person was doing whatever he himself saw fit
Moses tells Israel that in the land they must not keep doing as they were doing that day, with each person doing whatever he judged best, because they had not yet arrived at the rest and inheritance the LORD was giving them (12:8-9). The wilderness was a temporary situation; once they settled in the land, worship would be ordered around the place God chose. The same phrase later sums up the chaos of the judges' period, when people set up their own shrines and Israel had no king (Judges 17:6; 21:25). Looking back on Israel's entry into the land under Joshua, Hebrews says that it was not the final rest, for a Sabbath rest still remains for God's people (Hebrews 4:8-9).
- Deuteronomy 12:8-9 (BSB)“You are not to do as we are doing here today, where everyone does what seems right in his own eyes. For you have not yet come to the resting place and the inheritance that the LORD your God is giving you.”Moses contrasts the present unsettled practice with the order to come once Israel reaches its rest.
- Judges 17:6 (BSB)“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”In the period of the judges the same phrase describes Israel's disorder, including private shrines.
- Judges 21:25 (BSB)“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”The book of Judges closes with the same verdict.
- Hebrews 4:8-9 (BSB)“For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God.”Hebrews says Joshua did not give the final rest; a Sabbath rest still remains for God's people.
Theological
How does 12:8-9 characterize Israel's present practice?
Answer: Each person was doing whatever he himself saw fit
Moses describes the current situation as each man doing what seems right to him, and ties its end to Israel's arrival at the rest and inheritance the LORD is giving (12:8-9). The unsettled conditions of the wilderness are provisional; settled life in the land is to bring ordered, God-appointed worship. The phrase reappears as the refrain of Judges, describing the religious and moral disorder of the pre-monarchic period (Judges 17:6; 21:25). Reflecting on the rest Israel entered under Joshua, Hebrews says a Sabbath rest still remains for God's people (Hebrews 4:8-9).
- Deuteronomy 12:8-9 (BSB)“You are not to do as we are doing here today, where everyone does what seems right in his own eyes. For you have not yet come to the resting place and the inheritance that the LORD your God is giving you.”Moses contrasts the present unsettled practice with the order to come once Israel reaches its rest.
- Judges 17:6 (BSB)“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”In the period of the judges the same phrase describes Israel's disorder, including private shrines.
- Judges 21:25 (BSB)“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”The book of Judges closes with the same verdict.
- Hebrews 4:8-9 (BSB)“For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God.”Hebrews says Joshua did not give the final rest; a Sabbath rest still remains for God's people.