“Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose.”
Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament, and it contains the final speeches of Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses addresses the regulations regarding holy things and vows.
Historical Context: Before understanding this verse, it’s important to consider its historical context. The Israelites were on the verge of entering the land promised to them by God, where they would establish a theocratic society under God’s guidance.
Holy Things: In Deuteronomy 12:26, “holy things” refers to various offerings and sacrifices designated for worship and dedicated to God. These holy things could include offerings of grain, animals, or other valuable items. The verse instructs the Israelites to bring their holy things to the place that the Lord would choose.
The Chosen Place: The phrase “the place which the LORD shall choose” refers to the central sanctuary that God would later establish for worship. Initially, it was the tabernacle, a portable tent of meeting. Eventually, it would be the temple in Jerusalem. This verse emphasizes the importance of offering sacrifices and fulfilling vows in the designated place of worship, as opposed to any random location.
Reverence and Obedience: By instructing the Israelites to bring their holy things to the chosen place, God emphasizes the importance of reverence, obedience, and centralized worship. It ensures that sacrifices are offered in the prescribed manner and not through individual altars or in idolatrous places as neighboring nations might practice.
Application: While this verse holds direct relevance to the Israelites in their ancient context, we can draw some general principles from it. It encourages believers to approach worship with reverence, offering their best and honoring their commitments to God. It also highlights the importance of gathering together as a community to worship, support, and encourage one another.
Overall, Deuteronomy 12:26 emphasizes the significance of honoring God’s prescribed ways of worship by bringing holy offerings and vows to the designated place of worship. It teaches us the value of obedience, reverence, and the communal aspect of worship.
