Deuteronomy 26:12-19 Click here for Bible Verses
Today’s passage is Deuteronomy 26:12-19 Let’s go!
Deuteronomy 26:12 (NIV)
12 When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied.
On verse 12: To tithe means to give one tenth of your income to the church. A “tithe” literally means “one tenth”. This verse tells us two of God’s purposes for tithing: to supply the needs of those who have dedicated their working careers to serving in the church – “that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied” – and to enable the church to reach people in need – “the alien, the fatherless and the widow”. There are other good reasons to tithe: tithing is a reminder that every good gift ultimately comes from God, it’s a practical way to put God first, and it’s us giving God room to bless us even more.
(By the way, what is the significance of “the third year”? Why is it called “the year of the tithe”? It is not entirely clear and has been the subject of some debate among scholars. In any event, this verse shows us the importance of tithing and a couple reasons why God wants us to tithe.)
Deuteronomy 26:13-17 (NIV)
13 Then say to the LORD your God: “I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow, according to all you commanded. I have not turned aside from your commands nor have I forgotten any of them.
14 I have not eaten any of the sacred portion while I was in mourning, nor have I removed any of it while I was unclean, nor have I offered any of it to the dead. I have obeyed the LORD my God; I have done everything you commanded me.
15 Look down from heaven, your holy dwelling place, and bless your people Israel and the land you have given us as you promised on oath to our forefathers, a land flowing with milk and honey.”
16 The LORD your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul.
17 You have declared this day that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in his ways, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws, and that you will obey him.
On verses 13-17: God made us to obey Him perfectly, “to keep all His commands” (v18) “with all your heart and with all your soul” (v16). And like the Israelites in verse 17, we sometimes declare and even sing that we will obey Him perfectly. But how can anyone say “I have not turned aside from Your commands” (v13) and “done everything You commanded me” (v14)? None of us can. If perfect obedience is the condition we must meet for God to bless us, then none of us deserve God’s blessing. But praise God. Although our obedience to Him was far from perfect, God sent His Son Jesus Christ to obey God’s commands perfectly. Jesus also died on the cross for our sins. So by being in Christ and by trusting in His perfect obedience, we mercifully get to receive all of God’s complete blessings and His inheritance for us. Thank You Jesus!
Deuteronomy 26:18 (NIV)
18 And the LORD has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands.
On verse 18: This verse shows what God’s heart is like for you. You are “His treasured possession”, His people. See also Deuteronomy 7:6. Since we are God’s treasured possession, we are to stay close to God.
Deuteronomy 26:19 (NIV)
19 He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he promised.
On verse 19: We often think that God is the one deserving of praise, fame and honour high above all nations. And He is. But here God flips the script and says to His people, “I want to set you in praise, fame and honour high above all nations”. It shows that we serve a humble God who loves to lift His children up and set them on His shoulders. You are God’s “treasured possession” (v18). Just as a parent is proud when others praise their child, God’s desire is that His children would live such exceptional lives that others will give praise, fame and honour not just to them but to the God they are living for. “Let your light shine before men, “ Jesus says, “that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Heavenly Father, thank You that I am Your treasured possession! Thank You for sending Jesus for me, and that His perfect obedience won me Your perfect blessing. Because You love me, may I seek to love You with all my heart and soul, in the way I speak, think, live and give. May I live such an exceptional life that others give You praise, fame and honour. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
