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Deuteronomy 26

19 verses

TL;DR

When Israel enters the promised land, they bring the firstfruits to the altar, recount the Exodus, and proclaim adherence to God’s commandments.

Summary

Deuteronomy 26 describes Israel’s entry into the land of their inheritance and the first offering of the firstfruits. The people bring a basket of produce to the chosen place and present it before the priest and the altar. They recite the history of their liberation from Egypt, emphasizing God’s mighty power and the land’s bounty of milk and honey. The Israelites declare that they have obeyed all commandments, including tithing to the Levite, strangers, fatherless, and widows. They affirm that they will keep God’s statutes with all their heart and soul. The chapter ends with a prayer for God’s blessing upon the people and the land. It reflects themes of covenant fidelity, gratitude, and communal responsibility.

Outline
  1. Entry into the land and firstfruits offering
  2. Historical proclamation of liberation and covenant
  3. Affirmation of obedience and request for blessing
Themes
Faithfulness to covenantGratitude for divine provisionCommunal responsibility and tithing
Keywords
firstfruitstithingLeviteIsraelmilk and honeycovenantexodusblessing
People
LORDmy fatherLevitestrangerfatherlesswidowIsrael
Places
Egyptthe land of the LORDplace chosen by the LORDaltar
Things
firstfruitsbaskettithesmilk and honey
Key Verses
  • Deuteronomy 26:1: Marks the moment of entering the promised land and beginning the offering
  • Deuteronomy 26:5: Recounts the ancestral journey and establishes Israel’s identity
  • Deuteronomy 26:12: Highlights the covenantal act of tithing and sharing with the vulnerable
Questions
  • What does the firstfruits offering symbolize for the Israelites?
  • How does the historical recount of the Exodus reinforce Israel’s covenant with God?
  • In what ways does the passage address social justice through tithing?
  • How might this chapter inform contemporary practices of worship and generosity?
Sentiment

positive
Celebratory tone emphasizing covenant faithfulness and divine blessing.