to the priest who is serving at that time, and say to him, "I declare today to the LORD your God that I have entered the land that the LORD swore to our fathers to give us." to the priest who is serving at that timeThis phrase indicates the role of the priesthood in Israelite society, serving as intermediaries between God and the people. The priesthood was established through Aaron, the brother of Moses, and his descendants (Exodus 28:1). The priest serving "at that time" suggests the continuity and succession of the priestly office, which was essential for maintaining the religious and ceremonial life of Israel. The priest's role was to receive offerings and declarations from the people, acting as a representative of God. This reflects the importance of the priesthood in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel. and say to him “I declare today to the LORD your God that I have entered the land that the LORD swore to our fathers to give us.” Persons / Places / Events 1. The PriestThe religious leader serving at the time, representing the people before God and facilitating their worship and offerings. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who promised the land to the forefathers of the Israelites. 3. The Land The Promised Land, Canaan, which God swore to give to the ancestors of the Israelites. 4. The Forefathers The patriarchs of Israel, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to whom God made the promise of the land. 5. The Israelites The people of God, who are entering and taking possession of the land promised to their ancestors. Teaching Points Acknowledgment of God's FaithfulnessThe declaration to the priest is an acknowledgment of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers today can reflect on God's faithfulness in their own lives and give thanks for His provision and guidance. The Importance of Testimony The act of declaring before the priest serves as a public testimony of God's work. Christians are encouraged to share their testimonies of God's faithfulness and provision with others, strengthening the faith community. The Role of Spiritual Leadership The priest's role in receiving the declaration highlights the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding and supporting the faith journey of believers. Christians should seek and respect godly leadership within their communities. Living in the Fulfillment of God's Promises Just as the Israelites entered the Promised Land, believers are called to live in the reality of God's promises, trusting in His continued faithfulness and provision. Gratitude and Worship The declaration is an act of worship and gratitude. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a heart of gratitude, regularly expressing thanks to God for His blessings and faithfulness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the act of declaring God's faithfulness to the priest in Deuteronomy 26:3 relate to the practice of sharing personal testimonies in the church today?2. In what ways can we acknowledge and celebrate God's faithfulness in our own lives, similar to the Israelites' declaration upon entering the Promised Land? 3. How does understanding the role of the priest in ancient Israel inform our view of spiritual leadership in the church today? 4. What are some promises of God that you are currently living in, and how can you express gratitude for these in your daily life? 5. How do the promises made to the forefathers of Israel and their fulfillment encourage you in your personal faith journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:7This verse records God's promise to Abraham to give his descendants the land, establishing the foundation for the declaration in Deuteronomy 26:3. Exodus 3:8 God reiterates His promise to deliver the Israelites from Egypt and bring them to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey. Joshua 21:43-45 These verses confirm the fulfillment of God's promise, as the Israelites take possession of the land. Hebrews 11:8-10 This passage highlights the faith of Abraham, who obeyed and went to the land he would later receive as an inheritance.
People Egyptians, MosesPlaces Beth-baal-peor, EgyptTopics Declare, Declared, Entered, Fathers, Forefathers, Hast, Oath, Office, Priest, Profess, Sware, Swore, Sworn, To-day, WitnessDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 26:1-11Library The Quiet LandGerhard Ter Steegen Deut. xxvi. 9 Stillness midst the ever-changing, Lord, my rest art Thou; So for me has dawned the morning, God's eternal NOW. Now for me the day unsetting, Now the song begun; Now, the deep surpassing glory, Brighter than the sun. Hail! all hail! thou peaceful country Of eternal calm; Summer land of milk and honey, Where the streams are balm. There the Lord my Shepherd leads me, Wheresoe'er He will; In the fresh green pastures feeds me, By the waters still. Well I know them, … Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of Alexander the Great to the Accession of Herod The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras, Falls to Plundering. Manner of Covenanting. Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 26:3 NIVDeuteronomy 26:3 NLT Deuteronomy 26:3 ESV Deuteronomy 26:3 NASB Deuteronomy 26:3 KJV Deuteronomy 26:3 Commentaries Bible Hub |