Deuteronomy 26
BSB1 When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and you take possession of it and settle in it, 2 you are to take some of the firstfruits of all your produce from the soil of the land that the LORD your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for His Name, 3 to the priest who is serving at that time, and say to him, “I declare today to the LORD your God that I have entered the land that the LORD swore to our fathers to give us." 4 Then the priest shall take the basket from your hands and place it before the altar of the LORD your God, 5 and you are to declare before the LORD your God, “My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down to Egypt few in number and lived there and became a great nation, mighty and numerous. 6 But the Egyptians mistreated us and afflicted us, putting us to hard labor. 7 So we called out to the LORD, the God of our fathers; and the LORD heard our voice and saw our affliction, toil, and oppression. 8 Then the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror, signs, and wonders. 9 And He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 10 And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land that You, O LORD, have given me.” Then you are to place the basket before the LORD your God and bow down before Him. 11 So you shall rejoice—you, the Levite, and the foreigner dwelling among you—in all the good things the LORD your God has given to you and your household. 12 When you have finished laying aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you are to give it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat and be filled within your gates. 13 Then you shall declare in the presence of the LORD your God, “I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all the commandments You have given me. I have not transgressed or forgotten Your commandments. 14 I have not eaten any of the sacred portion while in mourning, or removed any of it while unclean, or offered any of it for the dead. I have obeyed the LORD my God; I have done everything You commanded me. 15 Look down from Your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless Your people Israel and the land You have given us as You swore to our fathers—a land flowing with milk and honey." 16 The LORD your God commands you this day to follow these statutes and ordinances. You must be careful to follow them with all your heart and with all your soul. 17 Today you have proclaimed that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in His ways, keep His statutes and commandments and ordinances, and listen to His voice. 18 And today the LORD has proclaimed that you are His people and treasured possession as He promised, that you are to keep all His commandments, 19 that He will set you high in praise and name and honor above all the nations He has made, and that you will be a holy people to the LORD your God, as He has promised.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 26
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Deuteronomy 26
- Themes from Deuteronomy 26
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 26
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Deuteronomy 26:1-19 instructs the Israelites on the proper procedure for offering firstfruits and tithes, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging God as the source of their blessings. In Deuteronomy 26:1-11, the people are commanded to offer their firstfruits to God, declaring their faithfulness to Him and expressing gratitude for His provision. Deuteronomy 26:12-15 outlines the procedure for giving tithes to the Levites, foreigners, and orphans, demonstrating God's care for the marginalized. Deuteronomy 26:16-19 serves as a conclusion, reminding the people of their covenant with God and the importance of obeying His commands. Throughout the chapter, the emphasis is on the Israelites' relationship with God and their responsibility to honor Him through obedience and gratitude.
Context for the Chapter
Deuteronomy 26 is situated within the larger context of the book of Deuteronomy, which serves as a reminder to the Israelites of their covenant with God and their responsibility to obey His commands. The chapter is part of the section that outlines the Israelites' responsibilities in the Promised Land, emphasizing their need to trust and obey God as they settle and establish their new home. This chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, where the themes of gratitude, obedience, and care for the marginalized are woven throughout the story of God's relationship with His people.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Deuteronomy 26, we are reminded of the importance of gratitude and obedience in our own relationship with God. We should prioritize acknowledging and thanking God for His provision in our lives, recognizing that everything we have comes from Him. This chapter encourages us to respond to God's love with faithfulness and devotion, caring for those in need and demonstrating His heart of love to the world around us.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Deuteronomy 26 teaches us to be thankful for what God has given us and to take care of those in need. We should give God the first and best of what we have, just like the Israelites offered their firstfruits. This chapter reminds us that God loves and cares for the poor, foreigners, and orphans, and we should too, as seen in Deuteronomy 26:12-13.
Voices from the Church
“The firstfruits of our substance should be given to God, for He is the giver of all we have. Let us not be slow to acknowledge His goodness and provision in our lives.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The law of tithes is a reminder of our responsibility to care for the poor and the marginalized, demonstrating God's love and concern for those in need.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Offering of Firstfruits (Deuteronomy 26:1-11) — The Israelites are commanded to offer their firstfruits to God, acknowledging His provision and expressing gratitude for their harvest.
- The Procedure for Tithes (Deuteronomy 26:12-15) — The people are instructed on the proper procedure for giving tithes to the Levites, foreigners, and orphans, demonstrating God's care for the marginalized.
- The Covenant and Obedience (Deuteronomy 26:16-19) — The chapter concludes with a reminder of the Israelites' covenant with God and their responsibility to obey His commands, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and devotion.
- The Significance of Gratitude and Obedience — The chapter highlights the significance of gratitude and obedience in the Israelites' relationship with God, demonstrating the importance of acknowledging and responding to His love and provision.
- The Connection to the Broader Biblical Narrative — Deuteronomy 26 is connected to the broader biblical narrative, where the themes of gratitude, obedience, and care for the marginalized are woven throughout the story of God's relationship with His people.
Core Doctrines
- Providence
- Deuteronomy 26 teaches us that God is the provider of all we have, and we should acknowledge and thank Him for His provision in our lives.
- Stewardship
- The chapter emphasizes our responsibility to care for the poor and the marginalized, demonstrating God's love and concern for those in need.
- Covenant
- The Israelites' covenant with God is highlighted in this chapter, reminding us of our responsibility to obey His commands and trust in His faithfulness.
- Gratitude
- Deuteronomy 26 teaches us the importance of gratitude in our relationship with God, acknowledging and thanking Him for His provision and blessings in our lives.
Lessons from Deuteronomy 26
- The Importance of Prioritizing God — Deuteronomy 26 teaches us to prioritize God and acknowledge His provision in our lives, demonstrating the significance of gratitude and obedience in our relationship with Him.
- The Value of Caring for the Marginalized — The chapter highlights God's care for the poor, foreigners, and orphans, reminding us of our responsibility to demonstrate His love and concern for those in need.
- The Significance of Faithfulness and Devotion — Deuteronomy 26 emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and devotion in our relationship with God, reminding us to trust and obey Him in all areas of our lives.
- The Connection to the Gospel — The chapter's emphasis on gratitude, obedience, and care for the marginalized points to the heart of the gospel, where we acknowledge God's provision and respond with faithfulness and devotion.
- The Practical Application of Biblical Principles — Deuteronomy 26 teaches us to apply biblical principles to our daily lives, prioritizing gratitude, obedience, and care for the marginalized, and trusting in God's faithfulness and provision.
Themes from Deuteronomy 26
- Gratitude and Obedience — Deuteronomy 26 emphasizes the importance of gratitude and obedience in our relationship with God, demonstrating the significance of acknowledging and responding to His love and provision.
- Care for the Marginalized — The chapter highlights God's care for the poor, foreigners, and orphans, reminding us of our responsibility to demonstrate His love and concern for those in need.
- Faithfulness and Devotion — Deuteronomy 26 emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and devotion in our relationship with God, reminding us to trust and obey Him in all areas of our lives.
- Providence and Stewardship — The chapter teaches us that God is the provider of all we have, and we should acknowledge and thank Him for His provision, while also caring for the poor and the marginalized.
- Covenant and Obedience — Deuteronomy 26 reminds us of our responsibility to obey God's commands and trust in His faithfulness, demonstrating the significance of our covenant with Him.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways you can express gratitude to God for His provision in your life?
- How can you demonstrate God's love and care for the marginalized in your community?
- What are some areas in your life where you struggle to obey God's commands, and how can you seek to trust and follow Him more faithfully?
- How does Deuteronomy 26 relate to the broader biblical narrative, and what themes or doctrines are emphasized in this chapter?
- What are some practical ways you can apply the principles of Deuteronomy 26 to your daily life, prioritizing gratitude, obedience, and care for the marginalized?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Offering of Firstfruits (Deuteronomy 26:1-11)
| 26:1 | The Israelites are commanded to offer their firstfruits to God, acknowledging His provision and expressing gratitude for their harvest. |
| 26:2 | The people are instructed to take some of the firstfruits of the ground and bring them to the place God chooses, demonstrating their dependence on Him. |
| 26:3 | The Israelites are to declare to the priest that they have come to offer their firstfruits, acknowledging God's provision and expressing gratitude. |
| 26:4 | The priest is to take the basket from the Israelites and set it down before the altar, symbolizing God's acceptance of their offering. |
| 26:5 | The people are to declare their history and God's faithfulness, reminding themselves of His love and provision. |
| 26:6 | The Israelites are to recall their ancestors' experience in Egypt and God's deliverance, acknowledging His power and care. |
| 26:7 | The people are to remember God's provision and care in the wilderness, demonstrating His faithfulness and love. |
| 26:8 | The Israelites are to acknowledge God's bringing them into the Promised Land, expressing gratitude for His provision and blessing. |
| 26:9 | The people are to declare that they have come to the place God chose, demonstrating their dependence on Him and their desire to obey His commands. |
| 26:10 | The Israelites are to offer their firstfruits to God, acknowledging His provision and expressing gratitude for their harvest. |
| 26:11 | The people are to rejoice before God, celebrating His provision and care for them. |
2. The Procedure for Tithes (Deuteronomy 26:12-15)
| 26:12 | The Israelites are instructed to give a tithe of their harvest to the Levites, foreigners, and orphans, demonstrating God's care for the marginalized. |
| 26:13 | The people are to declare that they have removed the sacred portion from their house and given it to the Levites, demonstrating their faithfulness to God's commands. |
| 26:14 | The Israelites are to acknowledge that they have not eaten any of the tithe while in mourning or given any to the dead, demonstrating their respect for God's commands and their desire to obey Him. |
| 26:15 | The people are to look down from heaven and see that they have obeyed God's commands, demonstrating their faithfulness and devotion. |
3. The Covenant and Obedience (Deuteronomy 26:16-19)
| 26:16 | The Israelites are reminded of their covenant with God and their responsibility to obey His commands, demonstrating the significance of faithfulness and devotion. |
| 26:17 | The people are to acknowledge God as their God, demonstrating their dependence on Him and their desire to obey His commands. |
| 26:18 | The Israelites are to declare that God has declared them to be His people, demonstrating His love and care for them. |
| 26:19 | The people are to be declared by God to be a holy people, demonstrating His faithfulness and love for them. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of offering firstfruits in Deuteronomy 26?
The offering of firstfruits is a symbol of gratitude and dependence on God, acknowledging His provision and expressing thankfulness for the harvest, as seen in Deuteronomy 26:1-11.
How does Deuteronomy 26 relate to the broader biblical narrative?
The chapter is connected to the broader biblical narrative, where the themes of gratitude, obedience, and care for the marginalized are woven throughout the story of God's relationship with His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 26:1-19 and other biblical passages.
What is the importance of caring for the marginalized in Deuteronomy 26?
The chapter highlights God's care for the poor, foreigners, and orphans, reminding us of our responsibility to demonstrate His love and concern for those in need, as seen in Deuteronomy 26:12-13.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 26:1 → Leviticus 23:9-14 | The offering of firstfruits is also discussed in Leviticus 23:9-14, highlighting the significance of acknowledging God's provision and expressing gratitude. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 26:12 → Numbers 18:21-24 | The tithe is also discussed in Numbers 18:21-24, demonstrating God's care for the Levites and the importance of supporting those who serve Him. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 26:16 → Exodus 19:5-6 | The covenant between God and the Israelites is also discussed in Exodus 19:5-6, highlighting the significance of faithfulness and devotion in their relationship with Him. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 26:18 → Genesis 17:7-8 | God's declaration of the Israelites as His people is also seen in Genesis 17:7-8, demonstrating His love and care for them. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 26:19 → Leviticus 20:26 | The declaration of the Israelites as a holy people is also seen in Leviticus 20:26, highlighting the significance of their relationship with God and their responsibility to obey His commands. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 26:1 → Romans 11:16 | The offering of firstfruits is also discussed in Romans 11:16, highlighting the significance of acknowledging God's provision and expressing gratitude in the context of the gospel. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 26:12 → Acts 2:44-45 | The tithe is also discussed in Acts 2:44-45, demonstrating the early church's commitment to caring for the poor and the marginalized. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 26:16 → Hebrews 8:6-13 | The covenant between God and the Israelites is also discussed in Hebrews 8:6-13, highlighting the significance of faithfulness and devotion in their relationship with Him. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 26:18 → 1 Peter 2:9-10 | God's declaration of the Israelites as His people is also seen in 1 Peter 2:9-10, demonstrating His love and care for them. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 26:19 → Revelation 1:6 | The declaration of the Israelites as a holy people is also seen in Revelation 1:6, highlighting the significance of their relationship with God and their responsibility to obey His commands. |
Sermons on Deuteronomy 26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Deuteronomy 26-29 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Moses addresses the children of Israel and reminds them of the covenant they have with God. He emphasizes that despite witnessing great miracles and signs, they hav |
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Promise Believers #1 - Man's Promises or God's Promises by Bob Hoekstra | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the assurance that God will never leave or forsake His people. He encourages believers to boldly declare that the Lord is their helper, guar |
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Tithes & the Levites by Gareth Evans | Gareth Evans preaches on the significance of the Levites as ministers of the tabernacle, chosen by God for various responsibilities such as judging the people, teaching the law, of |
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Synopsis of the Books of the Bible - Deuteronomy by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby discusses the Book of Deuteronomy, emphasizing its moral warnings and the importance of Israel's obedience to God's commandments as they stand on the brink of Can |
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To His Parents by George Fox | Greek Word Studies for an aid_number 34617 preaches on the concept of 'Possession' as described in Titus 2:14, where believers are depicted as Christ's costly possession and distin |
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The Christian Urged to an Express Act of Self-Dedication to the Service of God by Philip Doddridge | Philip Doddridge preaches about the importance of making a solemn surrender of oneself to God, urging believers to declare their dedication in the divine presence with deliberate, |
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The Life of Obedience by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of following what is just and righteous to experience a fulfilling life, as commanded by the Lord in Deuteronomy 16:20. She urges bel |
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Deuteronomy 26 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby expounds on Deuteronomy 26, emphasizing the unique perspective of the Israelites as they inhabit the promised land, focusing on their responsibility to worship an |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Deuteronomy 26
In Deuteronomy 26, we see the Israelites' responsibility to acknowledge and thank God for His provision, demonstrated through the offering of firstfruits and tithes. This chapter serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and care for His people, emphasizing the importance of gratitude, obedience, and faithfulness in their relationship with Him. As Matthew Henry notes, the Israelites' declaration of their history and God's faithfulness serves as a reminder of His love and provision, demonstrating the significance of acknowledging and responding to His goodness in our lives. This chapter encourages us to prioritize God, care for the marginalized, and trust in His faithfulness, reflecting the heart of the gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Gratitude
The chapter emphasizes the need for the Israelites to acknowledge and thank God for His provision, demonstrating the significance of gratitude in their relationship with Him. This is seen in their offering of firstfruits and tithes, which serve as a tangible expression of their appreciation.
The Care for the Marginalized
Deuteronomy 26 highlights God's concern for the Levites, foreigners, and orphans, demonstrating His heart for those in need. The Israelites are commanded to care for these groups, reflecting God's character and love for the vulnerable.
The Emphasis on Obedience
Throughout the chapter, the Israelites are reminded of their responsibility to obey God's commands, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and devotion in their relationship with Him. This obedience is not merely a legalistic requirement but a response to God's love and provision.