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Introduction open_in_new
Deuteronomy 12-26, 28. A code of laws (Deuteronomy 1-26) followed by promises to the obedient and threats of punishment for the rest (Deuteronomy 28): see Introd., p. 231. The great Deuteronomic law of one sanctuary is taught or implied in Deuteronomy 12:1 to Deuteronomy 19:13 and hardly in any other part of Dt. This section may, therefore, represent essentially the original Deuteronomic code (see Introd.).
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Deuteronomy 26:1-11 open_in_new
A preliminary offering of first-fruits (Deuteronomy 18:4) is to be presented annually in a basket (Deuteronomy 28:5; Deuteronomy 28:17) at the Temple, a hymn or liturgy, acknowledging Yahweh's goodness, to be recited at the same time. 1. = Deuteronomy 17:14 a.
Deuteronomy 26:2. Render, some of the first-fruits of the ground. This seems to have constituted a small sacrificial meal, anticipatory of that supplied by the rest of the first-fruits.
Deuteronomy 26:3. the priest (Deuteronomy 17:9; Deuteronomy 19:17): i.e. the principal of the priests at the central sanctuary, not the high priest of post-exilic times, of whom even Ezekiel knows nothing.
Deuteronomy 26:4 (the priest) and Deuteronomy 26:10 (thou) seem to contradict each other. For this and other reasons Steuernagel, Bertholet, and others omit Deuteronomy 26:3 f.; Deuteronomy 26:5 follows Deuteronomy 26:2 well.
Deuteronomy 26:5. answer: better, speak. The Heb. (- anah) means to be prompted to speak by something done or said. A Syrian: render, A wandering (mg.) Syrian was my father. Jacob is so called on account of his Syrian (Heb. Aramæ an) descent (see Genesis 24:4; Genesis 24:10). few: seventy according to Genesis 46:27 (MT., Syr., Sam., Targ., Vulg,) though the LXX (followed in Acts 7:14) has seventy-five.
Deuteronomy 26:6-9 consists mostly of bits taken from older sources (see RV refs.).
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Deuteronomy 26:12-15 open_in_new
The liturgical formula to be used when the triennial charity tithe (the Deuteronomic poor rate) is offered in the various localities (Deuteronomy 14:28 f.); for the tithes of the first and second year, see Deuteronomy 12:6; Deuteronomy 14:22 f.*
Deuteronomy 26:14. The offerer must declare that this triennial tithe was free from pollution through contact with a mourner (Hosea 9:4) or with an unclean person (Leviticus 22:1 f.), or through having been in part eaten at a funeral feast (or in a sacrifice to the dead? Deuteronomy 14:1 *).
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Deuteronomy 26:16-19 open_in_new
Concluding exhortations to obedience based upon the covenant (Deuteronomy 4:13 *) between Yahweh and Israel, with its mutual obligations.
Deuteronomy 26:17 f. avouched: Heb. caused to say, each of the contracting parties causing the other to acknowledge the obligations entered into; a strong anthropomorphism when applied to Yahweh.