Deuteronomy 26
Deuteronomy 26:1-11: The Offering of First-Fruits This passage gives instructions about bringing the first-fruits of the harvest as an offering to God. Every year, each person was to bring a basket with the first and best fruits from their land to the place God chose. This act was not only a way to give thanks, but also a reminder that all good things come from God. It taught the Israelites to honor God first, even with the things they might want most for themselves. The law also included a special speech to be made when presenting the offering, helping people remember their history and God’s goodness. The offering was linked to worship and to joy, reminding Israel to be grateful and happy for God’s blessings (Deuteronomy 26:1-11 a).v. 1-2: God commands the Israelites to bring a basket of their first and best fruits to Him every year. This was to be done at the place God would choose, after they had settled in the land. This was different from the sheaf of first-fruits offered for the whole land at Passover (Leviticus 23:10 b). Each person was to bring their own basket, especially at the Feast of Pentecost, also called the Feast of First-Fruits (Exodus 34:22 c). The act reminded everyone to thank God for what He gave and to put Him first, even before their own desires (Micah 7:1 d). – v. 3-4: When someone brought their first-fruits, they had to make a special statement before giving the basket to the priest. The person bringing the offering was to say that God had kept His promise by bringing them to the land He had sworn to give their ancestors. This was especially meaningful after the long journey in the wilderness. It showed that God always keeps His promises (Deuteronomy 26:3-4; 1 Kings 8:56 e). The priest would then place the basket before the altar as an offering to God, recognizing God as the true owner of the land. Recognizing God’s faithfulness makes His gifts even more special, and this act of worship reminded the Israelites of their dependence on God's provision and promises. – v. 5-6: The offerer was also to remember Israel’s humble beginnings. They were to confess that their ancestor, Jacob, was “a Syrian ready to perish,” because he lived in Padan-Aram and faced many dangers. The Israelites also had to remember that their nation started as slaves in Egypt and was treated very badly. They had no right to be proud or to forget God, since their blessings came from Him alone (Deuteronomy 26:5-6 f). – v. 7-8: The Israelites were to thank God for rescuing them from Egypt. God saw their suffering and brought them out with great power. This great salvation was a reason to be thankful each year, and it reminded them that their good land was a gift from God, not something they earned themselves (Deuteronomy 26:7-8 g). – v. 9: The person was to thank God for giving the land to Israel. They should be grateful not just for their own harvest, but for the whole land and the blessings given to everyone. Each year’s harvest was a reminder of God’s kindness in the past, present, and future . v. 10: The offerer would then officially present the basket of first-fruits to God, saying it was from the land God had given him. This reminded everyone that everything they had actually belonged to God (1 Chronicles 29:14 h). The priests received these offerings because of their special role (Numbers 18:12 i). v. 11: After giving the offering, the person was supposed to worship God and rejoice. God wanted His people to be happy with His blessings and to enjoy them, both in worship and in daily life. God gives good things so that His people can have joy, as long as they remember to thank Him for every blessing . Deuteronomy 26:12-15: Appropriation of Tithes This passage explains what the Israelites should do with their tithes in the third year, called the year of tithing. Unlike the first two years, when tithes were used for special feasts, in the third year the tithes were kept at home to help the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows. Because this was done privately, God required the people to make a public declaration at the next feast, stating that they had used the tithes as God commanded. This ensured honesty and reminded everyone to care for the poor and to obey God's laws regarding giving (Deuteronomy 14:28-29 j).v. 12: The Israelites were told to give their tithes every third year to the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows . This tithe was not used for celebrations, but for helping those in need. Because the priests did not watch over this, the people had to be honest and faithful in giving. v. 13-14: After distributing the tithes, the people had to make a declaration at the sanctuary (Deuteronomy 26:13-14 k). They had to say that they had given all the sacred tithes and not kept any back for themselves. They also had to promise that they had followed God’s command by giving to the poor and had not misused the tithe in any way. This included not eating it during mourning (when they would be unclean), not using it for ordinary purposes, and not offering it for the dead or to idols. This public statement encouraged everyone to be honest and careful with what belonged to God. If anyone could not make this declaration honestly, they had to bring a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:15 l). – v. 15: After making their declaration, the people were to pray for God’s blessing on all Israel and on the land God had given them . They looked to God as holy and powerful, and they trusted that only God’s favor could bring true happiness and success. This prayer also reminds us to care about the whole community and to ask God to bless everyone, not just ourselves (Psalm 67:6; Galatians 6:16 m). Deuteronomy 26:16-19: Israel Reminded of the Covenant In these verses, Moses reminds Israel about the importance of keeping God’s laws. He tells the people that these commands come directly from God, not from human ideas. Moses also explains that their relationship with God is like a covenant, or a special promise, between them and God. Both sides have responsibilities: Israel must obey God, and God promises to make them His special people. Obeying God brings honor and blessing, and God wants Israel to be holy and different from other nations (Deuteronomy 26:16-19 n).v. 16: Moses says that the laws he has given are God’s commands . The people should obey them with all their heart and soul, because God is their King and has the right to be obeyed. They are not just suggestions, but must be followed fully and sincerely. v. 17: The people of Israel have promised that Lord will be their God . By agreeing to this covenant, they are committing themselves to obey God’s laws. This is like a promise or oath that they must keep faithfully (Exodus 24:1-8 o). v. 18: God, in turn, has chosen Israel to be His special people, just as He promised. Their obedience is both the condition for staying in this special relationship and the reason God chose them, so that they would keep His commandments (Deuteronomy 26:18; 1 Peter 1:2 p; Ephesians 1:4; Titus 2:14 q). v. 19: God’s goal is to make Israel great—high in praise, in reputation, and in honor above all nations. But most of all, God wants them to be a holy people who belong to Him and live for Him. True honor comes from holiness and obedience to God (Deuteronomy 26:19; Romans 2:29 r; Zephaniah 3:19-20; Jeremiah 13:11 s).
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