Deuteronomy chapter 26

vs 1

So, now we're back to some more ways to live in the land.

Not that they should stop doing most of these things when they enter the land - but some they can start doing now, others have to wait.

vs 2

Ahh, firstfruits. They are an indicative symbol which shows that the entire crop belongs to God. So when they sell that first box of mangos at the fish markets, it really belongs to God.

vs 3

But this particular firstfruits has another special purpose. By harvesting it and offering it to God, the person is saying, well, what's been said here. It is reminding them that God's promise of a fruitful land has, pardon the pun, bore fruit.

vs 4

I'm not sure what else he would do to it - set it on fire? "My basket! Damn you!"

vs 5

So now the idea seems to be that, in dedicating the fruit to God, they recount their history, and what has brought them there. Note that it's their father who was the wandering Aramean - does this mean that inheritence went through the father? I only question it because sometimes it pops up that it comes through the mother (something to do with Mary). Anyway, it's most likely "ancestor" rather than father, because after all they're talking about something that happened 400 years ago.

vs 6

Indeed.

vs 7

The question is, did it take 400 years for them to cry out, or 400 years for God to hear them?

vs 8

This attestation is of immense importance - without God bringing them out of Egypt, they would never have made it to the promised land.

vs 9

Don't forget the fruit!

vs 10

So this first of the firstfruits offerings is yet one more step in the Israelites remembering their beginnings, the history of their people and the road they have travelled. It reminds them of God's promise, how it has been fulfilled every step of the way, and how now they are living the good life because of God.