A Chiasm Framed by 2 Parallelisms in Deut 16-17

Let every house keep the feasts focused on Jerusalem and as God prescribed, be very careful to ensure fair and objective justice for all people, and do not tolerate open idolatry among the people or the disease will even infect the most sacred place and function of the Temple. Whether in church or state, the people usually get the leadership they deserve.

• Deuteronomy 16:16-17 – Parallelism A, part 1
  1. Three feasts every year
  2. Don’t appear empty-handed
  3. Every man give as he is able
  4. According to God’s blessings
• Deuteronomy 16:18-20 – Parallelism B, part 1
  1. Appoint rulers in the towns God gives you
  2. Be very careful to follow justice and not pervert it
  3. You will live
• Deuteronomy 16:21 – Don’t plant a sacred tree beside the altar
• Deuteronomy 16:22 – Don’t set up a pillar
• Deuteronomy 17:1 – Don’t sacrifice a blemished animal
• Deuteronomy 17:2-5 – Parallelism B, part 2
  1. In the towns God gives you, someone has done evil
  2. Inquire diligently and convict only if judgment is certain
  3. The perpetrator will die
• Deuteronomy 17:6-12 – Parallelism A, part 2
  1. Two or three witnesses
  2. By the hands of the witnesses
  3. If you are unable to judge
  4. The Cohanim will judge for you