CHAPTER XXVI _First-fruits must be offered to God_, 1, 2. _The form of confession to be used on the occasion_, 3-11. _The third year's tithe to be given to the Levites and the poor_, 12, _and the form of confession to be used on this occasion_, 13-15. _The Israelites are to take Jehovah for th... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Deuteronomy 26:2. _THOU SHALT TAKE OF THE FIRST OF ALL THE FRUIT, C._] This was intended to keep them in continual remembrance of the kindness of God, in preserving them through so many difficulties and literally fulfilling the promises he had made to them. God being the author of all their bl... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Deuteronomy 26:5. _A SYRIAN READY TO PERISH_ WAS _MY FATHER_] This passage has been variously understood, both by the ancient versions and by modern commentators. The _Vulgate_ renders it thus: _Syrus_ _persequebatur patrem meum_, "A Syrian persecuted my father." The _Septuagint_ thus: Συριαν... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Deuteronomy 26:8. _WITH A MIGHTY HAND, C._] Deuteronomy 4:34, Deuteronomy 4:34.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Deuteronomy 26:11. _THOU SHALT REJOICE_] God intends that his followers shall be happy; that they shall eat their bread with gladness and singleness of heart, praising him. Those who eat their meat grudgingly, under the pretence of their _unworthiness_, c., profane God's bounties and shall hav... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Deuteronomy 26:12. _THE THIRD YEAR_, WHICH IS _THE YEAR OF TITHING_] This is supposed to mean the third year of the seventh or Sabbatical year, in which the _tenths_ were to be given to the poor. See the law, Deuteronomy 14:28. But from the letter in both these places it would appear that the... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Deuteronomy 26:14. _I HAVE NOT - GIVEN AUGHT THEREOF FOR THE DEAD_] That is, I have not consecrated any of it to an _idol_ which was generally a dead man whom superstition and ignorance had deified. From 1 Corinthians 10:27, we learn that it was customary to offer that flesh to idols which was... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Deuteronomy 26:17. _THOU HAST AVOUCHED THE LORD_] The people _avouch _- publicly declare, that they have taken Jehovah to be their God.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Deuteronomy 26:18. _AND THE LORD HATH AVOUCHED_] Publicly declared, by the blessings he pours down upon them, that he has taken them to be his peculiar people. Thus the covenant is made and ratified between God and his followers.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Deuteronomy 26:19. _MAKE THEE HIGH ABOVE ALL NATIONS_] It is written, _Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any_ _people_, Proverbs 14:34. While Israel regarded God's word and kept his testimonies, they were the greatest and most respectable of all nations; but when they... [ Continue Reading ]