| 2. Linguistic Exegesis The verse begins with the vav-consecutive perfect in vezavachta {וְזָבַ֥חְתָּ | wə-zā-ḇaḥ-tā} “and you shall sacrifice,” marking a divine command. The direct object pesach {פֶּסַח | pê-saḥ} “Passover” names the festival sacrifice. The beneficiary phrase la-Yahweh Eloheikha {לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ | la-Yə-hō-wāh ʾĕ-lō-hê-kā} “to the LORD your God” emphasizes Israel’s covenant relation. The coordinated tson u-bakar {צֹאן וּבָקָר | ṣōn ū-bā-qār} “flock and cattle” specifies the permissible offerings. The locative ba-makom {בַּמָּקוֹם | ba-mā-qōm} “in the place” is further defined by the relative clause asher yivchar {אֲשֶׁר־יִבְחַר | ʾă-šer yiv-ḥar} “which he will choose,” highlighting God’s choice of site. Finally, the Piel infinitive le-shakken {לְשַׁכֵּן | lə-ša-kên} “to cause to dwell” with its object shemo {שְׁמוֹ | še-mō} “his name” expresses the purpose of God’s presence in that location. |