Deuteronomy 26:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 26:13
13 Then thou shalt say before the LORD thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them:
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 26 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, prayer, faith. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-19: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 26:13
13 Then thou shalt say before the LORD thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them:
Analysis
Then thou shalt say before the LORD thy God—after distributing the third-year tithe, the worshiper made formal declaration in God's presence, probably at the sanctuary. I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house—the Hebrew bi'arti ha-qodesh (בִּעַרְתִּי הַקֹּדֶשׁ) means 'I have removed the holy portion,' referring to the consecrated tithe. And also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments—affirming complete obedience to tithing requirements.
I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them—the declaration included negative assertions: no violation, no neglect. This confession of obedience paralleled ancient Near Eastern treaty loyalty oaths. The worshiper testified that tithes were given properly, completely, and to the designated recipients. The public declaration created accountability, preventing deceit about charitable giving and ensuring the vulnerable actually received their due.
Historical Context
Delivered circa 1406 BC for implementation in Canaan's worship system. The sanctuary location for this declaration (probably at one of the annual feasts) meant the confession occurred in community context, not private devotion. Public attestation of obedience functioned as both worship and accountability. The practice presumed that failure to tithe properly was serious covenant violation, requiring affirmative declaration of compliance as part of right standing before God.
Reflection
- Why does God require public declaration of obedience rather than relying on private conscience?
- How does calling tithes 'hallowed things' elevate charitable giving to sacred worship?
- What accountability structures help Christians ensure financial commitments to ministry and the poor are actually fulfilled?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Word: Psalms 119:153, 119:176
- Parallel theme: Psalms 119:141