Deuteronomy 26:13

Then you shall declare in the presence of the LORD your God, "I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all the commandments You have given me. I have not transgressed or forgotten Your commandments.

Study Bible

Then you shall declare in the presence of the LORD your God
This phrase emphasizes the importance of making a public declaration before God, highlighting the personal accountability and sincerity required in worship. The presence of the LORD signifies a sacred space, reminding the Israelites of God's omnipresence and their covenant relationship with Him. This act of declaration is a form of worship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

I have removed from my house the sacred portion
The "sacred portion" refers to the tithe, a tenth of one's produce, which was set apart for holy purposes. This practice was a tangible expression of faith and obedience, acknowledging God's provision and ownership of all resources. Removing it from one's house signifies a deliberate act of dedication and separation for God's use, reflecting the principle of firstfruits found throughout Scripture.

and have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow
This distribution underscores the social justice aspect of the Law, ensuring provision for those without land or means of support. The Levites, who served in the temple, depended on these offerings. The inclusion of the foreigner, fatherless, and widow highlights God's compassion and the call for His people to care for the marginalized, a theme echoed in James 1:27.

according to all the commandments You have given me
This phrase reflects the comprehensive nature of the Law, which covered various aspects of life. It underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands as a demonstration of faithfulness. The Israelites were to follow God's instructions fully, not selectively, which is a principle reiterated by Jesus in John 14:15.

I have not transgressed or forgotten Your commandments
This statement is a personal affirmation of faithfulness and diligence in observing God's laws. It reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience was a sign of loyalty and love. The emphasis on not forgetting highlights the need for continual remembrance and meditation on God's Word, as seen in Psalm 119:11.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, to whom the Israelites are making their declaration.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who are commanded to follow His laws and statutes, including the giving of tithes.

3. The Levite
Members of the tribe of Levi, who were set apart for religious duties and did not have a land inheritance.

4. The Foreigner (Sojourner)
Non-Israelites living among the Israelites, who were to be treated with justice and compassion.

5. The Fatherless and the Widow
Vulnerable members of society who were to be cared for by the community, reflecting God's justice and mercy.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Obedience
The declaration in Deuteronomy 26:13 emphasizes the importance of faithfully following God's commandments. Believers today are called to be diligent in their obedience to God's Word, ensuring that they do not forget or neglect His commands.

Generosity and Justice
The passage highlights God's heart for justice and generosity, particularly towards those who are vulnerable. Christians are encouraged to reflect God's character by being generous and just, supporting those in need within their communities.

Community Responsibility
The inclusion of the Levite, foreigner, fatherless, and widow in the distribution of the sacred portion underscores the communal responsibility to care for all members of society. Believers are called to actively participate in their communities, ensuring that no one is left without support.

Remembrance of God's Commands
The act of declaring one's faithfulness to God's commands serves as a reminder to continually keep His Word at the forefront of our lives. Regular reflection on Scripture helps believers remain aligned with God's will.

Holistic Worship
The giving of tithes and offerings is an act of worship that goes beyond ritual, reflecting a heart fully devoted to God. Christians are encouraged to view their giving as an integral part of their worship and relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to care for the Levite, foreigner, fatherless, and widow reflect God's character, and how can we apply this in our modern context?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not forgetting or neglecting God's commandments in our daily lives?

3. How does the principle of community responsibility in Deuteronomy 26:13 challenge our individualistic culture today?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate generosity and justice in our local church and community?

5. How can the act of giving be seen as an integral part of our worship and relationship with God, according to both the Old and New Testaments?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 27
Discusses the laws regarding tithes and offerings, providing a broader context for the sacred portion mentioned in Deuteronomy 26:13.

James 1:27
Emphasizes the importance of caring for orphans and widows, echoing the command to support the fatherless and the widow.

Malachi 3:10
Encourages bringing the full tithe into the storehouse, highlighting the importance of faithfulness in giving.

Matthew 25:35-40
Jesus speaks about serving "the least of these," which aligns with the care for the foreigner, fatherless, and widow.

Acts 6:1-7
The early church's response to the needs of widows, demonstrating the continued importance of this command in the New Testament.