Deuteronomy 26:1-19
Q.1. What was to be done with the initial first fruits of the crops produced in the Promised Land? What attitude did the Lord want to instil in the hearts of His people? – (Dt.26:1-11)
There was to be a ground-breaking offering of the first fruits when Israel possessed the Promised Land. It was to be kept separate in a basket and brought to the officiating priest in the place designated by God. Each Israelite family was to confirm in God’s presence, the miraculous turn of events that had brought them to this day. They had been oppressed as slaves, and now were redeemed by God, Who had dramatically changed their fortunes – 8 and … brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with great terror and with signs and wonders; 9 and He has brought us to this place and has given us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey (Dt.26:8-9). They were to come in reverent worship and share what they brought – you and the Levite and the alien who is among you shall rejoice in all the good which the Lord your God has given you and your household (Dt.26:11).
Q.2. Who was to be given the tithe from the increase of Israelite families? What accountability did God build into the Israel’s giving? Why? – (Dt.26:12-15)
The tithes were to support the Lord’s servants. They were also to be distributed amongst the needy in the land – … you shall give it to the Levite, to the stranger, to the orphan and to the widow, that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied (Dt.26:12). God, Who knows the deceitfulness of the hearts of people, made them declare that they had faithfully laid aside all their tithes. This kept them accountable. Their obedience would give them confidence to pray – Look down from Your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless Your people Israel, and the ground which You have given us, a land flowing with milk and honey, as You swore to our fathers.’ (Dt.26:15). This sacrifice safeguarded their blessings and fruitfulness.
Q.3. What made the day special for this new generation? What were the conditions of God’s Covenant blessings? How were the people to respond? – (Dt.26:16-19)
As the nation set out to conquer this land of giants (c.f. Num.13:27-33), it was a brand-new beginning – You have today declared the Lord to be your God, and that you would walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments, and His ordinances, and listen to His voice (Dt.26:17). They were to obey with all their heart and soul. In return – 18 The Lord has today declared you to be His people, a treasured possession, as He promised you, and that you should keep all His commandments; 19 and that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, for praise, fame, and honour; and that you shall be a consecrated people to the Lord your God, as He has spoken.”(Dt.26:18-19). Moses would then go on to give a detailed outline of the terms of the Covenant. They were a kind of BLUEPRINT for Israel’s successive history.