Deuteronomy 16:16 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Ver. 16. All thy males— i.e. all from twenty to fifty years old. Males only were obliged to be present on these occasions. 1. Because the weakness and infirmity of the female sex rendered them not able to bear so long a journey without great danger and fatigue. 2. Because their chastity would be exposed to many dangers in so vast a concourse of people. 3. Because the care of their families and their domestic offices must have been neglected. The chief intention of these solemnities was to keep the Israelites from corrupting their religion by idolatrous practices, or superstitious rites; and the providence of God is remarkable in defending their country during their absence at these seasons; there having been scarcely any instance of its being attacked by their enemies, though nothing could have invited them more strongly to an incursion, than the advantages which these occasions gave them. See Joseph Mede's Discourses.