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Deuteronomy 12:14 - Where does God command sacrifices?

Deuteronomy 12:14 - דברים 12:14

Hebrew Text

כִּי אִם־בַּמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר־יִבְחַר יְהוָה בְּאַחַד שְׁבָטֶיךָ שָׁם תַּעֲלֶה עֹלֹתֶיךָ וְשָׁם תַּעֲשֶׂה כֹּל אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוֶּךָּ׃

English Translation

but only 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.

Transliteration

Ki im-bamakom asher-yivchar Adonai be'achad shevateicha sham ta'aleh oloteicha vesham ta'aseh kol asher anochi metzavecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֣י אִם־בַּמָּק֞וֹם אֲשֶׁר־יִבְחַ֤ר יְהֹוָה֙ בְּאַחַ֣ד שְׁבָטֶ֔יךָ שָׁ֖ם תַּעֲלֶ֣ה עֹלֹתֶ֑יךָ וְשָׁ֣ם תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י מְצַוֶּֽךָּ׃
כִּ֣י אִם־בַּמָּק֞וֹם אֲשֶׁר־יִבְחַ֤ר יְהֹוָה֙ בְּאַחַ֣ד שְׁבָטֶ֔יךָ שָׁ֖ם תַּעֲלֶ֣ה עֹלֹתֶ֑יךָ וְשָׁ֣ם תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י מְצַוֶּֽךָּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Centralization of Sacrificial Worship

The verse (Devarim 12:14) establishes the mitzvah of Bamah Achas (a single altar), prohibiting sacrificial worship outside the designated place chosen by Hashem. Rashi explains that this refers to the Mishkan (Tabernacle) in Shiloh and later the Beis HaMikdash (Temple) in Yerushalayim. The Rambam (Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 1:1-2) codifies this as a permanent commandment, emphasizing that sacrifices may only be offered in the location sanctified for this purpose.

The Significance of Divine Selection

The phrase "asher yivchar Hashem" (which the Lord shall choose) is interpreted by the Sifrei as indicating that the location would be revealed through prophecy. The Talmud (Zevachim 119a) teaches that the selection process involved both Divine signs (a heavenly fire descending upon the altar) and prophetic designation (through David and Shmuel). This underscores that the sanctity of the place stems from Hashem's explicit choice, not human decision.

Comprehensive Service in the Chosen Place

The concluding phrase "v'sham ta'aseh kol asher anochi metzavecha" (there you shall do all that I command you) is expanded upon by the Ramban to include:

  • All categories of sacrifices (Olah, Chatas, Asham, etc.)
  • The mitzvah of aliyah l'regel (pilgrimage festivals)
  • The bringing of bikkurim (first fruits)
  • The requirement to rejoice before Hashem during festivals

Historical Context and Progression

The Midrash Tanchuma (Re'eh 8) notes this commandment marked a transition from the wilderness experience (where sacrifices were permitted on private altars) to the settled land. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that centralization of worship was meant to unify the nation spiritually and prevent idolatrous influences that might arise from decentralized worship sites.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 119a
The verse is discussed in the context of the centralization of sacrificial worship in Jerusalem, emphasizing the exclusive place chosen by God for offerings.
📖 Chullin 17a
Referenced in a discussion about the proper locations for slaughtering sacrifices and the sanctity of the chosen place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 12:14 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 12:14 teaches that sacrifices (like burnt offerings) may only be brought in the specific place that Hashem chooses—later revealed to be the Temple in Jerusalem (Rashi, Deuteronomy 12:5). This centralizes worship and prevents offering sacrifices in unauthorized locations.
Q: Why is the 'place Hashem chooses' important?
A: The 'place Hashem chooses' refers to the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) in Jerusalem, as explained by the Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:1-3). This teaches the importance of unified worship in Judaism and prevents idolatrous practices that could arise from scattered altars.
Q: How does this verse apply today without the Temple?
A: Since the Temple is currently destroyed, we cannot bring sacrifices. Instead, prayer (tefillah) replaces sacrifices (Berachot 26b). Orthodox Jews face Jerusalem during prayer (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 94:1) to maintain the connection to the 'place Hashem chose.'
Q: What can we learn from 'there you shall do all that I command you'?
A: This phrase teaches that the Temple is not only for sacrifices but also for fulfilling all mitzvot connected to it (Ramban on Deuteronomy 12:14). It emphasizes obedience to Torah commandments in the context of centralized holiness.
Q: Why did Hashem command sacrifices in only one place?
A: The Torah (and Rashi on Deuteronomy 12:4-5) explains this prevents assimilation with idolatrous practices of other nations, who had multiple altars. Centralizing worship in Jerusalem unified the Jewish people under one holy service to Hashem.