Jennifer 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Deuteronomy 15:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Deuteronomy 15:20 is a verse found in the Old Testament, in a section where God gives commands to His people, Israel. This particular verse focuses on offerings and worship, specifically concerning the firstborn of flocks and herds.
The Context of Deuteronomy 15:20 KJV
The Book of Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and the last book of what is known as the Pentateuch or Torah. It records the words of Moses before the Israelites enter the Promised Land. These words are part reminder, part instruction, and part prophecy. The name “Deuteronomy” means “second law” or “repetition of the law.”
Moses, under the direction of God, reminds the Israelites of their history, God’s commandments, and the covenant relationship between them and the Lord. It is a call to obedience, faithfulness, and holiness.
Chapter 15 Overview
Deuteronomy 15 covers various laws regarding mercy, generosity, and worship. The first part of the chapter speaks about the year of release, where debts are forgiven every seven years. The next part discusses the release of Hebrew servants and how to treat them kindly.
Toward the end of the chapter, beginning in verse 19, the topic shifts to the laws concerning the firstborn of animals—specifically, the males of the herd and flock. These animals were considered holy and were to be set apart for the Lord.
Verses 19–23 give specific instructions on what to do with these firstborn animals, including how and where they should be eaten and what should be done if the animal is blemished or unfit for sacrifice.
Deuteronomy 15:20 (KJV)
“Thou shalt eat it before the Lord thy God year by year in the place which the Lord shall choose, thou and thy household.” — Deuteronomy 15:20 (KJV)
This verse is part of the command about offering the firstborn of your herd or flock. Instead of simply burning it or sending it to the priests, this command involves sharing the offering in a sacred meal before the Lord.
Deuteronomy 15:20 Meaning
The Firstborn Belongs to God
In verse 19, God tells the Israelites that every firstborn male of their herds and flocks is to be sanctified—or set apart—for Him. This command goes all the way back to the Exodus story. After God struck down the firstborn of Egypt, He spared the firstborn of Israel. In return, He declared that all the firstborn of Israel—both human and animal—belonged to Him (Exodus 13:2).
In Deuteronomy 15, God is reminding His people of this truth. The firstborn of the herd or flock is not for common use. It is holy.
Worship Through Shared Fellowship
Deuteronomy 15:20 is about how to worship God with the firstborn. It says that the family is to eat it “before the Lord thy God year by year.” This was not a private meal. It was a sacred act of worship. It was to be done in a special place that God would choose—eventually, this would be the temple in Jerusalem.
This meal was part of the Israelites’ ongoing relationship with God. It was a time of gratitude, celebration, and remembrance. The family would travel together to the place of worship, bringing the firstborn of their animals. They would offer it to God, and then share in a fellowship meal in His presence.
This teaches us that worship is not only about giving but also about enjoying God’s presence. God invites His people to come before Him, not in fear, but in joy and communion.
God’s Chosen Place
The phrase “in the place which the Lord shall choose” is repeated throughout Deuteronomy. It refers to the central place of worship that God would eventually designate. This was important because God wanted to prevent the people from worshiping in the wrong ways or in the wrong places.
By choosing the place of worship, God kept the people united and focused. This command also taught them to be obedient, to travel in faith, and to value the presence of God.
Family Involvement in Worship
The verse says, “thou and thy household.” Worship was not an individual act only. The whole family was involved. The father, mother, children, and servants would all come together to worship God and share the sacred meal.
This points to the importance of family in spiritual life. Worship was not just something for priests or elders. It was for everyone. It was a community experience.
Deuteronomy 15:20 Application in Life
1. Dedicate the First to God
This verse teaches us a key principle: give the first and best to God. The Israelites were not to wait until they had many animals and then choose which one to give. They were to give the firstborn.
In the same way, we should give God our first and best. This could mean the first moments of our day, the first portion of our income, or the first use of our talents. We should not give God leftovers.
Proverbs 3:9–10 says, “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty.” God blesses those who honor Him first.
2. Make Worship a Family Event
Deuteronomy 15:20 emphasizes the importance of including the household in worship. Today, families are often pulled in many directions. But God still desires families to come together in His presence.
This could be through attending church together, having family devotions, praying as a family, or even discussing Scripture around the dinner table. When families worship together, their bond is strengthened—not just with each other, but also with God.
3. Celebrate in God’s Presence
Worship should not always be solemn and quiet. There are times when worship is joyful, celebratory, and full of thanksgiving. Deuteronomy 15:20 shows that God’s people are invited to eat, enjoy, and celebrate in His presence.
As believers in Christ, we also gather for celebration—especially in the Lord’s Supper, or Communion. This sacred meal reminds us of Jesus, who became the perfect sacrifice for us.
We are not called to a religion of rules but to a relationship of joy, celebration, and holiness.
4. Be Obedient to God’s Instructions
God instructed the Israelites to worship in a certain place and in a certain way. This required obedience. Even when it was inconvenient or challenging, they were to follow God’s commands.
Today, we are not bound by the Old Testament law, but we are still called to obey God’s Word. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Obedience is an act of love and trust.
We may not be offering firstborn animals, but we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). That means we live in a way that honors God every day.
5. Live a Life of Gratitude
The act of offering and eating the firstborn in God’s presence was a reminder of His blessings. It was a way of saying, “Thank You, Lord, for what You have given.”
We should also live with thankful hearts. Gratitude guards us from pride and selfishness. It reminds us that all we have comes from God.
Colossians 3:17 tells us, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God.”
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 15:20 is a beautiful verse that reminds us of God’s desire for worship, obedience, and joyful fellowship. Though we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principle remains. God still calls us to set apart what is holy. He still calls us to worship in spirit and in truth. He still desires our hearts, our homes, and our lives. Let us come before the Lord with joy, offering our lives and our thanks, just as the Israelites brought their firstborn to Him. May we honor God not only with our words but also with our worship, our obedience, and our daily lives.
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