Deuteronomy 16

Today's reading reiterates the three yearly festivals that the Israelites were to have, with the added stipulation that they be celebrated 'in the place where the Lord chooses to locate His name' (verses 2, 11, and 16). This concept was introduced by Moses earlier in Deuteronomy, and is somewhat interesting. It seems that God was going to select locations in the Promised Land where festivals and sacrifices were to be carried out; temples, effectively, though perhaps without the fancy buildings and such. I wonder if we will get an account later of where those ended up being; furthermore, I wonder if any are still in use today.

The last paragraph is also cool - it instructs the people to select judges in each town, and indicates that they are to carry out their duties without showing favor or taking bribes. I'm sure that is pretty obvious, given the commandments that have come before it, but it is neat to see God's provision for taking care of day-to-day legal administration.