Deuteronomy 26:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 26:5
5 And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous:
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 26 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, wisdom, prayer. 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 26:5
5 And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous:
Analysis
The firstfruits confession begins: 'And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous.' This credal statement rehearses Israel's history from Abraham/Jacob ('Syrian'—referring to Paddan Aram origin) through Egyptian sojourn to nationhood. The phrase 'ready to perish' emphasizes vulnerability and God's gracious preservation. This confession, recited at firstfruits offering, grounds gratitude in historical memory—Israel's existence is miraculous, depending entirely on divine intervention.
Historical Context
The 'Syrian ready to perish' likely refers to Jacob, who fled to Paddan Aram (Syria/Aram) to escape Esau and later fled famine by going to Egypt. The 'few' (70 persons, Exodus 1:5) becoming 'great, mighty, and populous' (perhaps 2 million at the Exodus) demonstrates God's fulfillment of Abrahamic promises. This confession functioned as catechism, teaching covenant history to each generation. The liturgical context (firstfruits offering) connected present blessing to past deliverance, fostering gratitude.
Reflection
- How does rehearsing God's past faithfulness in your history strengthen present faith and gratitude?
- What role should corporate memory of God's acts play in worship and discipleship?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References God: Deuteronomy 10:22, Genesis 31:24, 45:7
- References Egypt: Genesis 46:27, Acts 7:15
- Parallel theme: Genesis 24:4, 25:20, 31:20, 43:12, 45:11