About Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy contains Moses' final addresses to Israel, restating the Law and calling the new generation to covenant faithfulness.

Author: MosesWritten: c. 1406 BCReading time: ~4 minVerses: 32
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King James Version

Deuteronomy 12

32 verses with commentary

The Place of Worship

These are the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the LORD God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>These are the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the LORD God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.</strong><br><br>This verse introduces the legal corpus (chapters 12-26) known as the Deuteronomic Code. The phrase 'statutes and judgments' (<em>chuqqim u-mishpatim</em>, חֻקִּים וּמִשְׁפָּטִים) encompasses th...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XII. (1) **These are the statutes and judgments.**—The word *Mitzvah*—commandment, or duty—is not used here. Particular *institutions and requirements *are now before us.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**23-28. And ... ye came near unto me--**(See on Ex 20:19).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 12 Chapter Outline Monuments of idolatry to be destroyed.(1-4) The place of God's service to be kept.(5-32) **Verses 1-4** Moses comes to the statutes he had to give in charge to Israel; and begins with such as relate to the worship of God. The Israelites are charged not to bring the rites and usages of idolaters into the worship of God; not under colour of making it bett...
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Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: possess: or, inherit

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KJV Study Commentary

The command: 'Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods.' The Hebrew <em>abad te'abedun</em> (אַבֵּד תְּאַבְּדוּן, intensive absolute + verb) means 'utterly, completely destroy.' No syncretism was allowed—Canaanite worship sites must be eliminated. The locations specified: 'upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every gree...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Ye shall utterly destroy.**—First of all these requirements is the destruction of every vestige of idolatry. In the land of Jehovah there must be no trace of any other god but Him. The non-fulfilment of this command in the early history of Israel has led some to suppose that the command itself belongs to later times. But it must be observed that the destruction of these things is inextricabl...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**23-28. And ... ye came near unto me--**(See on Ex 20:19).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 12 Chapter Outline Monuments of idolatry to be destroyed.(1-4) The place of God's service to be kept.(5-32) **Verses 1-4** Moses comes to the statutes he had to give in charge to Israel; and begins with such as relate to the worship of God. The Israelites are charged not to bring the rites and usages of idolaters into the worship of God; not under colour of making it bett...
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And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place. overthrow: Heb. break down

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KJV Study Commentary

The destruction must be thorough: 'ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place.' This specifies complete eradication of idolatrous infrastructure. The Hebrew verbs are violent: <em>natats</em> (נָתַץ, overthrow/break down), <em>shabar</em> (שָׁבַר, s...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Destroy the names.**—The substitution in later times of *bosheth *for *baal *in the names Jerubbaal (Jerubbesheth), Eshbaal (Ishbosheth), Meribbaal (Mephibosheth), is a curious example of the literal fulfilment of this command, or, perhaps, rather of the command in Exodus 23:13, of which the spirit and purport agree with this.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**23-28. And ... ye came near unto me--**(See on Ex 20:19).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 12 Chapter Outline Monuments of idolatry to be destroyed.(1-4) The place of God's service to be kept.(5-32) **Verses 1-4** Moses comes to the statutes he had to give in charge to Israel; and begins with such as relate to the worship of God. The Israelites are charged not to bring the rites and usages of idolaters into the worship of God; not under colour of making it bett...
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Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God.</strong> This terse prohibition immediately follows the command to destroy Canaanite altars, pillars, Asherim, and idols (12:3). The <em>lo-ta'asun ken</em> (shall not do so) forbids adopting pagan worship methods even when redirected toward Yahweh. God's holiness demands worship according to His revealed will, not human innovation or syncretistic...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **Ye shall not do so**—i.e. shall not serve Him upon the high mountains, and hills, and under every green tree, after the manner of the nations.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**23-28. And ... ye came near unto me--**(See on Ex 20:19).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 12 Chapter Outline Monuments of idolatry to be destroyed.(1-4) The place of God's service to be kept.(5-32) **Verses 1-4** Moses comes to the statutes he had to give in charge to Israel; and begins with such as relate to the worship of God. The Israelites are charged not to bring the rites and usages of idolaters into the worship of God; not under colour of making it bett...
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But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

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KJV Study Commentary

The positive command contrasts with verse 2-3's destruction: 'unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there...shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come.' This introduces worship centralization—one authorized sanctuary where God places His Name. The Hebrew <em>maqom</em> (מָקוֹם, place) will be specified later as first Shiloh, then Jerusalem. The ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **But unto the place which the Lord your God shall choose out of all your tribes.**—The very form of the order proves its antiquity. No one who was acquainted with the removal of that “place” from Shiloh to Nob, from Nob to Gibeon, from Gibeon to Jerusalem, could have written with such utter unconsciousness of later history as these words imply. It is noticeable that in the reading of this pre...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**23-28. And ... ye came near unto me--**(See on Ex 20:19).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:

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KJV Study Commentary

The worship elements to bring: 'thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks.' This comprehensive list covers all sacrificial and tributary offerings prescribed in Leviticus. The centralization means all worship expressions—mandator...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **And thither ye shall bring . . . your tithes**—*i.e., *what the Jews understand as the “second tithe;” on which see Deuteronomy 12:17.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**23-28. And ... ye came near unto me--**(See on Ex 20:19).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

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KJV Study Commentary

The purpose: 'And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.' Covenant worship involves celebration, not just solemn ritual. The Hebrew <em>samach</em> (שָׂמַח, rejoice) emphasizes joy in God's presence and blessing. The phrase 'eat before the LORD' refers to fellowship off...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**29. Oh, that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me--**God can bestow such a heart, and has promised to give it, wherever it is asked (Jr 32:40). But the wish which is here expressed on the part of God for the piety and steadfast obedience of the Israelites did not relate to them as individuals, so much as a nation, whose religious character and progress would have a mighty in...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.

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KJV Study Commentary

The contrast with current practice: 'Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.' In the wilderness, decentralized worship was permitted by necessity. But Canaan requires centralized, regulated worship. The phrase 'whatsoever is right in his own eyes' (הַיָּשָׁר בְּעֵינָיו, <em>hayashar be'enav</em>) describes subjectivism and indiv...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day.**—Another precept strongly marked with the condition of Israel in the wilderness. It has been too much overlooked by recent commentators that the law of Moses has a *prophetic side. *It was given to him and to Israel at a time when they were not in a position to keep it. It was the *law of the land *which God would give them. In ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you.

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KJV Study Commentary

The explanation for current flexibility: 'For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you.' The dual destination—'rest' (<em>menuchah</em>, מְנוּחָה) and 'inheritance' (<em>nachalah</em>, נַחֲלָה)—describes both cessation from wandering and permanent land possession. Until settled, full covenant stipulations don't apply. But once Israel possesses t...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance.**—Nor would the passage of Jordan and the conquest of Joshua bring them to it.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety;

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KJV Study Commentary

The future promise: 'But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety.' This verse reiterates the sequence: cross Jordan → possess land → receive rest from enemies → dwell securely. The Hebrew <em>shaqat</em> (שָׁקַט, 'rest') and <em>yashab betach</em> (יָשַׁב ב...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **When he giveth you rest.**—Rashi observes, “This was not until the days of David.” He cite 2Samuel 7:1 : “It came to pass when the king sat in his house, and the Lord had given him rest round about from all his enemies.”

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD: your choice: Heb. the choice of your vows

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KJV Study Commentary

The command restated: 'Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you.' The phrase 'to cause his name to dwell there' (לְשַׁכֵּן שְׁמוֹ שָׁם, <em>leshaken shemo sham</em>) uses Tabernacle language—God's Name/Presence dwells at the chosen sanctuary. The comprehensive 'all that I command you' (repeated ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Then there shall be a place.**—The building of Jerusalem and of the Temple brought with it in due time the accomplishment of the law which is appended to the prophecy.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.

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KJV Study Commentary

The command continues: 'ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.' The inclusivity is remarkable: family (sons, daughters), servants (male, female), and Levites all worship together. The Levites' landlessness (no triba...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest:

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KJV Study Commentary

The warning: 'Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest.' The Hebrew <em>hishamer</em> (הִשָּׁמֶר, 'guard/beware') warns against unauthorized worship. The phrase 'every place that thou seest' describes human assessment—choosing worship locations based on personal preference or visible appeal. But God, not man, chooses worship location. This guards ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13, 14) **Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest: But in the place which the Lord shall choose.**—An attempt is made by some modern writers to establish a contradiction between this precept and the one in Exodus 20:24 : “In all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.” But they are not really contradictory. Th...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 6 De 6:1-25. Moses Exhorts Israel to Hear God and to Keep His Commandments. **1-9. Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them ... whither ye go to possess it--**The grand design of all the institutions prescribed to Israel was to form a religious people, whose national character should be distingui...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee.

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KJV Study Commentary

The positive prescription: 'But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee.' The exclusivity is emphatic: 'the place'—singular, not plural. God will choose one tribe's territory for the sanctuary (ultimately Judah/Jerusalem). The phrase 'there...and there' emphasizes the exclusive locati...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 6 De 6:1-25. Moses Exhorts Israel to Hear God and to Keep His Commandments. **1-9. Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them ... whither ye go to possess it--**The grand design of all the institutions prescribed to Israel was to form a religious people, whose national character should be distingui...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart.

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KJV Study Commentary

A critical distinction: 'Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart.' This distinguishes sacrificial slaughter (only at central sanctuary) from ordinary slaughter for food (anywhere). Before...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh.**—This may very possibly be intended as a slight modification of a law made for the wilderness journey (Leviticus 17:3-4). There the “killing*” *of an ox, or lamb, or goat is forbidden anywhere except at the door of the tabernacle. The word “kill,” though often used sacrificially, cannot be limited to sacrifice in that place, although the anim...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 6 De 6:1-25. Moses Exhorts Israel to Hear God and to Keep His Commandments. **1-9. Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them ... whither ye go to possess it--**The grand design of all the institutions prescribed to Israel was to form a religious people, whose national character should be distingui...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
Read full commentary →

Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water.

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KJV Study Commentary

The blood prohibition: 'Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water.' This reiterates Levitical law (Leviticus 17:10-14). Blood represents life (<em>nephesh</em>, נֶפֶשׁ) and belongs to God. Pouring blood on ground shows respect for life and acknowledges God as life-giver. The comparison 'as water' indicates complete drainage—blood must not be consumed. This command p...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **Ye shall pour it upon the earth.**—This act was a necessary part of every slaughter of an animal for food. The blood, which is the life, must be poured upon the earth for God, whether the victim was consigned to the altar or not. It was a continual reminder of the necessity for the sacrifice of the death of Christ, to be continued until He should come. Thus the act was, in a sense, sacramen...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 6 De 6:1-25. Moses Exhorts Israel to Hear God and to Keep His Commandments. **1-9. Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them ... whither ye go to possess it--**The grand design of all the institutions prescribed to Israel was to form a religious people, whose national character should be distingui...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
Read full commentary →

Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:

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KJV Study Commentary

Further restrictions on local consumption: 'Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand.' While ordinary meat may be eaten locally (v.15), dedicated offerings must be consumed only at the central sanctuary....
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **The tithe.**—This is understood by Jewish commentators of what is called “the second tithe.” The disposal of it is more particularly specified in Deuteronomy 14:22-29. (See also on Deuteronomy 26:12, &c.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 6 De 6:1-25. Moses Exhorts Israel to Hear God and to Keep His Commandments. **1-9. Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them ... whither ye go to possess it--**The grand design of all the institutions prescribed to Israel was to form a religious people, whose national character should be distingui...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
Read full commentary →

But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.

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KJV Study Commentary

The consumption location for sacred items: 'But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose...and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.' Consecrated items must be eaten at the sanctuary 'before the LORD'—in His presence. The inclusivity repeats: 'thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, a...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **The Levite that is within thy gates.**—The distribution of the Levites throughout the several tribes (ordered in Numbers 35:1-8), and carried out by Joshua (Deuteronomy 21), is here anticipated. The Levites had this provision in Israel until Jeroboam and his sons cast them off, when they migrated to the kingdom of Judah (2Chronicles 11:13-14).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 6 De 6:1-25. Moses Exhorts Israel to Hear God and to Keep His Commandments. **1-9. Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them ... whither ye go to possess it--**The grand design of all the institutions prescribed to Israel was to form a religious people, whose national character should be distingui...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth. as long: Heb. all thy days

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KJV Study Commentary

The warning regarding Levites: 'Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.' The emphatic <em>hishamer</em> (הִשָּׁמֶר, 'guard yourself') warns against neglecting Levites. Their landlessness made them economically dependent on tithes and fellowship offerings. The temporal extent 'as long as thou livest' indicates permanent obligation. Supporting min...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 6 De 6:1-25. Moses Exhorts Israel to Hear God and to Keep His Commandments. **1-9. Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them ... whither ye go to possess it--**The grand design of all the institutions prescribed to Israel was to form a religious people, whose national character should be distingui...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

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KJV Study Commentary

Future territorial expansion: 'When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.' This anticipates blessing of increased territory making sanctuary even more distant. God accommodates this by permitting meat consumption despite distance. The...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **When the Lord thy God shall enlarge thy border. . . .—**This and the following verses (20-25) are perfectly intelligible as an expansion of Deuteronomy 12:15-16, and a modification of the strict rule introduced in Leviticus 18:2, &c. The distance from the central place of worship to the borders of the land would be manifestly too great for all feasting to be limited to that one spot.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 6 De 6:1-25. Moses Exhorts Israel to Hear God and to Keep His Commandments. **1-9. Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them ... whither ye go to possess it--**The grand design of all the institutions prescribed to Israel was to form a religious people, whose national character should be distingui...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the LORD hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

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KJV Study Commentary

Repetition for emphasis: 'If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock...and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.' The concession to distance ('too far') permits local slaughter while maintaining sanctuary exclusivity for sacrifice. The phrase 'to put his name there' reminds t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 6 De 6:1-25. Moses Exhorts Israel to Hear God and to Keep His Commandments. **1-9. Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them ... whither ye go to possess it--**The grand design of all the institutions prescribed to Israel was to form a religious people, whose national character should be distingui...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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Even as the roebuck and the hart is eaten, so thou shalt eat them: the unclean and the clean shall eat of them alike.

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KJV Study Commentary

Clarification: 'Even as the roebuck and the hart is eaten, so thou shalt eat them: the unclean and the clean shall eat of them alike.' The comparison to game animals (roebuck/gazelle and hart/deer) clarifies that non-sacrificial meat is like hunting—ritually neutral. Leviticus 11:1-47 lists clean/unclean animals for consumption, but this verse addresses ritual cleanness/uncleanness of persons, not...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh. be: Heb. be strong

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KJV Study Commentary

Repeating the blood prohibition: 'Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh.' The emphatic <em>chazaq</em> (חֲזַק, 'be strong/firm') stresses resolve needed to obey. The theological explanation: 'the blood is the life' (הַדָּם הוּא הַנָּפֶשׁ, <em>hadam hu hanephesh</em>, literally 'the blood is the soul/life'). Blood repres...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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Thou shalt not eat it; thou shalt pour it upon the earth as water.

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KJV Study Commentary

The command: 'Thou shalt not eat it; thou shalt pour it upon the earth as water.' This reiterates verses 16 and 23. Threefold repetition emphasizes importance. Pouring blood 'as water' indicates complete disposal—blood must return to earth, symbolizing life returning to God who gave it. The simplicity of command ('pour it out') makes obedience accessible—no complex ritual required, just respectful...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD.

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KJV Study Commentary

The motivation: 'Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD.' Obedience to blood prohibition brings blessing—'go well' (יִיטַב, <em>yitav</em>, prosper/flourish). The generational scope 'and with thy children after thee' shows obedience's long-term consequences. The phrase 'right in the sig...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **That it may go well with thee.**—Very possibly, the physical as well as the moral effect of the rule is contemplated here.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose:

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KJV Study Commentary

The requirement for consecrated items: 'Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose.' While ordinary meat can be consumed locally, 'holy things' (<em>qodashim</em>, קֳדָשִׁים, consecrated items) must go to the sanctuary. Vows (<em>nedarim</em>, נְדָרִים) create special obligations requiring sanctuary fulfillment. The phrase...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **Only thy holy things . . . and thy vows.**—The holy things probably mean the firstlings, which were necessarily holy, and must be made burnt offerings (Deuteronomy 12:6). The second tithe was also considered holy. The first tithe, or ordinary provision for the Levites (see Numbers 18), was not considered holy. The vows might be either burnt offerings or peace offerings.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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And thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, upon the altar of the LORD thy God: and the blood of thy sacrifices shall be poured out upon the altar of the LORD thy God, and thou shalt eat the flesh.

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KJV Study Commentary

Sacrificial procedure: 'And thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, upon the altar of the LORD thy God: and the blood of thy sacrifices shall be poured out upon the altar of the LORD thy God, and thou shalt eat the flesh.' This prescribes central sanctuary sacrifice. Burnt offerings (<em>olah</em>, עֹלָה) were wholly consumed on altar; worshipers ate none. But peace offering...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **The blood of thy sacrifices**—i.e., peace offerings, the only kind of which the worshipper as well as the priest might partake.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God.

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KJV Study Commentary

The concluding exhortation: 'Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God.' The dual command—'observe' (<em>shamar</em>, שָׁמַר, guard/keep) and 'hear' (<em>shama</em>, שָׁמַע, listen/obey)—demands attentive obedience. The result: perpetu...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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Warning Against Idolatry

When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; succeedest: Heb. inheritest, or, possessest them

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KJV Study Commentary

Warning against Canaanite practices: 'When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land.' This acknowledges God as agent of conquest—He 'cuts off' (יַכְרִית, <em>yakhrit</em>, destroys) the nations. Israel will 'succeed' (יָרַשׁ, <em>yarash</em>, inherit/dispossess) them, taking possession. The...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. by: Heb. after them

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KJV Study Commentary

The specific warning: 'Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.' The Hebrew <em>hishamer</em> (הִשָּׁמֶר, 'guard yourself') demands vigilance. The danger: being 'snared' (<em>naqash</em>, נָקַשׁ, trapped/ensnar...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared.**—A necessary caution. “The fear” of heathen deities often attached itself to their seats of worship. It was found necessary to caution Israel against the fear of them and the dread of them in much later times. (See Jeremiah 10:2-5.)

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. to the: Heb. of the

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KJV Study Commentary

The reason for prohibition: 'Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.' Canaanite worship included 'abominations' (<em>to'evah</em>, תּוֹעֵבָה, detestable things)—practices God 'hates' (שָׂנֵא, <em>sane</em>). Specifically mentione...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

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KJV Study Commentary

The concluding command: 'What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.' This establishes sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) principle. The Hebrew <em>shamar</em> (שָׁמַר, guard/observe) demands protection of God's revealed word. Two temptations are prohibited: adding to (<em>yasaph</em>, יָסַף) and subtracting from (<em>gara</em>, גָרַע) Scriptu...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) **What thing soever I command you.**—*No *later writer could put these words into the mouth of Moses, if he had altered the precepts of Moses to any appreciable extent. **Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. **Bible Hub

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-25. when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying--**The directions given for the instruction of their children form only an extension of the preceding counsels.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 5-32** The command to bring ALL the sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle, was now explained with reference to the promised land. As to moral service, then, as now, men might pray and worship every where, as they did in their synagogues. The place which God would choose, is said to be the place where he would put his name. It was to be his habitation, where, as King of Israel, he w...
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