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Deuteronomy 12:18

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

Instead, you must eat them in the presence of the LORD your God at the place the LORD your God will choose. You, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levites living in your towns should all eat together there. And you should celebrate joyfully before the LORD your God in everything you do.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God is instructing His people to gather together at His chosen place to eat, celebrate, and enjoy His blessings as a community, including everyone from family members to servants.

📚 Historical Context

Moses was giving instructions to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land, establishing rules for worship and community life. This verse refers to eating the tithes and offerings at the central place of worship (later the temple in Jerusalem), rather than eating them wherever they pleased. The inclusion of servants and Levites emphasized God's desire for inclusive community celebration.

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