Bible Commentaries
Deuteronomy 26

Introduction

Deuteronomy 12-26, 28. A code of laws (Deuteronomy 1-26) followed by promises to the obedient and threats of punishment for the rest (Deuteronomy 28): see Introd., p. 231. The great Deuteronomic law of one sanctuary is taught or implied in Deuteronomy 12:1 to Deuteronomy 19:13 and hardly in any other part of Dt. This section may, therefore, represent essentially the original Deuteronomic code (see Introd.).

Verses 1-11

Deuteronomy 26:1-11 . A preliminary offering of first-fruits ( Deuteronomy 18:4) is to be presented annually in a basket ( Deuteronomy 28:5; Deuteronomy 28:17) at the Temple, a hymn or liturgy, acknowledging Yahweh’ s goodness, to be recited at the same time. 1. = Deuteronomy 17:14 a.

Deuteronomy 26:2. Render, “ some of the first-fruits of the ground.” This seems to have constituted a small sacrificial meal, anticipatory of that supplied by the rest of the first-fruits.

Deuteronomy 26:3 . the priest ( Deuteronomy 17:9, Deuteronomy 19:17): i.e. the principal of the priests at the central sanctuary, not the high priest of post-exilic times, of whom even Ezekiel knows nothing.

Deuteronomy 26:4 (“ the priest” ) and Deuteronomy 26:10 (“ thou” ) seem to contradict each other. For this and other reasons Steuernagel, Bertholet, and others omit Deuteronomy 26:3 f.; Deuteronomy 26:5 follows Deuteronomy 26:2 well.

Deuteronomy 26:5 . answer: better, “ speak.” The Heb. (‘ anah) means to be prompted to speak by something done or said.— A Syrian: render, “ A wandering ( mg.) Syrian was my father.” Jacob is so called on account of his Syrian (Heb. “ Aramæ an” ) descent (see Genesis 24:4; Genesis 24:10).— few: seventy according to Genesis 46:27 (MT., Syr., Sam., Targ., Vulg,) though the LXX (followed in Acts 7:14) has seventy-five.

Deuteronomy 26:6-9 consists mostly of bits taken from older sources (see RV refs.).

Verses 12-15

Deuteronomy 26:12-15 . The liturgical formula to be used when the triennial charity tithe (the Deuteronomic poor rate) is offered in the various localities ( Deuteronomy 14:28 f.); for the tithes of the first and second year, see Deuteronomy 12:6, Deuteronomy 14:22 f.*

Deuteronomy 26:14 . The offerer must declare that this triennial tithe was free from pollution through contact with a mourner ( Hosea 9:4) or with an unclean person ( Leviticus 22:1 f.), or through having been in part eaten at a funeral feast (or in a sacrifice to the dead? Deuteronomy 14:1 *).

Verses 16-19

Deuteronomy 26:16-19 . Concluding exhortations to obedience based upon the covenant ( Deuteronomy 4:13 *) between Yahweh and Israel, with its mutual obligations.

Deuteronomy 26:17 f. avouched: Heb. “ caused to say,” each of the contracting parties causing the other to acknowledge the obligations entered into; a strong anthropomorphism when applied to Yahweh.