Deuteronomy chapter 26

vs 11

Foreigners just seems thrown in there, really. But it is such an unlikely fit, it jars the brain almost, to think that they celebrate just as much as the person bringing the fruits, and the Levites who are overseeing the sacrifices. But celebrating would include being involved in the feasting, which is pretty special.

vs 12

The real question here is whether this 3rd year tithe is just the regular tithe, or is an extra above and beyond the regular tithe? There are arguments in both directions. If you add up all the various tithings and givings, assuming that they are all different, you end up with like 35% of your earnings being given away. I read that in a book about this subject when I was preaching on giving once.

Anyway, this third year tithing seems to be for the purpose of setting up a welfare system. So don't let anyone say, "Oh, back then they didn't have any welfare system." It's a tax, inspired by God, to give foreigners, widows and orphans something to eat.

vs 13

This prayer is to ensure that you understand what you are doing, and you pledge that it is being done appropriately.

vs 14

It's a list that I'm sure we wouldn't have any problems with. I assume the mourning thing is something to do with not working while mourning, so you might be tempted to dip into your tithe instead of your own stocks. The unclean thing is simply showing an understanding that, even though poor people are going to eat your tithe, it still belongs to God. I'd say the offering to the dead is just a statement against idolatry.

vs 15

Because one person obeys God, they can call down a prayer of blessing on the whole community. That's an excellent example of what it means to be community. I'll remember that verse.

vs 16

Wow, it almost sounds like Moses is wrapping up. But don't be fooled.

vs 17

The word 'listen' here is shema, it is the word that represents the overarching command of Deuteronomy to Israel - "Hear, o Israel." So we're linking all the way back to Deut 6 here. This is Moses tying Israel to their promises - as they stand there that day on the brink of the promised land, they are swearing to God to obey him.

vs 18

God's part of the promise is to make Israel his treasured, special people. But they have to follow his laws for that. It doesn't simply run in their blood. It's a relationship with God, not with your mum.

vs 19

God doesn't lump all the responsibility on them, though. He does promise that he will make them holy (the OT focus on holiness is much more about separation than purity - so simply putting his special seal on them goes a long way to make them holy), and also to make them famous. He does it all, too. As if they weren't famous enough for marching through the desert, destroying civilisations left and right.