And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.
DEUTERONOMY 14:23KJVWhat does Deuteronomy 14:23 mean?
Deuteronomy 14:23 instructs the Israelites to bring a tenth (tithe) of their crops and animals to a special place chosen by God, where they are to eat these offerings in God’s presence. This practice is meant to help them continually learn respect and reverence for the LORD their God.
In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The instruction is about a regular act of worship involving the tithe (a tenth part) of their produce and livestock. The verse highlights that this act is not just about giving, but about participating in a meal before God, reinforcing a relationship of dependence, gratitude, and awe toward God.
The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 14:23
- "Tithe" (מַעֲשֵׂר, ma‘ăśēr): This word means a tenth part, specifically set aside from crops or livestock. Here, it refers to a concrete practice of setting apart a portion of one’s increase as an act of worship.
- "Eat" (אָכַל, ’āḵal): The instruction is not just to give, but to eat the tithe in God’s presence. This emphasizes participation and fellowship, not just sacrifice.
- "Place" (מָקוֹם, māqôm) and "choose" (בָּחַר, bāḥar): God will select a specific location for this worship, underlining that worship is to happen where God directs, not wherever people wish.
- "Learn" (לָמַד, lāmad) and "fear" (יָרֵא, yārē’): The purpose is to learn to fear (meaning to deeply respect and honor) the LORD always. This connects the practice to ongoing spiritual formation, not just a one-time act.
Why Deuteronomy 14:23 matters
- Deuteronomy 14:23 clarifies that tithing in ancient Israel was not only about giving away resources, but also about celebrating and remembering God’s provision together in a communal setting.
- The verse emphasizes that reverence for God is something learned through repeated, concrete actions, not just beliefs or feelings.
- This instruction ties worship to a specific place chosen by God, which sets the stage for the later importance of Jerusalem and the temple in Israel’s worship life.