Exegetical Practice

Exegetical Practice Student’s Name Institution Course # and Name Professor’s Name Submission Date Exodus 20:22–26 and Deuteronomy 12:13–14 both address the issue of where and how the Israelites are to worship and offer sacrifices, but they do so from different perspectives and contexts. God says in the Bible: “Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you” (New International Version, Exod. 20:24). This verse focuses on the construction of the altar and the manner of sacrifice in Israel. These instructions were given after Moses had received the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. God promises to bless those who will make an altar and offer sacrifices. This passage emphasizes the immediacy and accessibility of worship—wherever God chooses to reveal Himself, the Israelites are permitted to build an altar and offer sacrifices. On the other hand, God says: “Be careful not to sacrifice your burnt offerings anywhere you please. Offer them only at the place the Lord will choose in one of your tribes, and there observe everything I command you” (New International Version, Deut. 12.13-14). These verses reflect a later change in Israel’s religious development. At this point, Moses instructs the Israelites to only offer sacrifices at a place that God will choose. This means there were places dedicated to worship, and Israelites were to observe every religious law when praising God. Both passages deal with worsh...