Chapter Summary

Laws concerning annual feasts.

Discussion Questions for Deuteronomy, Chapter 16

1. What is the significance of roasting the lamb and making unleavened bread? How can you use this principle in your own life?
2. The Israelites did the Passover feast in remembrance of what the Lord did for them back in Egypt. What has the Lord done in your life that needs to be remembered?
3. Instructions for the Passover are found in Exodus 12 & 13. Pay special attention to the instructions found in Deuteronomy 16:1-8. How can you see Christ in these passages? If animals worked as sufficient sacrifices, why did Christ have to give His life?
4. Instructions for the festival of weeks are found in Leviticus 23:15-22. Pay special attention to the added instructions found in Deuteronomy 16:9-12. How do the additions reflect the ongoing theme of caring for the lowest in society? Why would this be important now but not in Leviticus?
5. The festival of weeks later went by another name: Pentecost. What connections can you make between the New Testament Pentecost story (Acts 2) and the instructions for the festival (found here and in Leviticus 23:15-22). How do you see Christ in this passage?
6. The festival of shelters (or tabernacles, or booths, or ingathering) instructions can be found in Leviticus 23:33-43. Pay special attention to the added instructions found in Deuteronomy 16:9-12. How do the additions reflect the ongoing theme of caring for the lowest in society? Why would this be important now but not in Leviticus?
7. What differences are there between the three festivals (Passover, Weeks, and Shelters) listed here? How would the Israelites use these festivals to focus on the character of the Lord and His provision? What can you do to remember all the ways the Lord has provided for you?
8. Why do you think the Lord allows the people to appoint their own leaders? Couldn't the Lord just pick the best ones for the job?
9. How have you shown partiality in your life? How can you begin to right that wrong?
10. The Lord has given the Israelites several reminders to stay away from idolatry throughout the Torah. Why does God give them another reminder here? How is this important for us today?

Key Words/Phrase

Feasts, v. 10.

Characters

God, Moses.

Strong Verse(s)

17