Deuteronomy 26:3
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 time
This 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
The act of speaking to the priest underscores the personal responsibility of each Israelite to acknowledge God's provision and faithfulness. This verbal declaration was a public acknowledgment of God's promises and their fulfillment. It was not merely a ritual but a heartfelt expression of gratitude and recognition of God's sovereignty. This practice emphasizes the importance of confession and testimony in the life of faith, as seen in other scriptures like Romans 10:9-10, where confession is linked to salvation.

“I declare today to the LORD your God
The declaration is made "to the LORD your God," highlighting the personal relationship between the Israelites and Yahweh. The use of "your God" signifies the covenant relationship established at Sinai, where God chose Israel as His people (Exodus 19:5-6). This declaration is an act of worship and acknowledgment of God's lordship and faithfulness. It is a reminder of the covenant promises and the Israelites' identity as God's chosen people.

that I have entered the land
Entering the land represents the fulfillment of God's promise to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This phrase signifies the transition from the wilderness wanderings to the possession of the Promised Land, a central theme in the Pentateuch. The land was a tangible sign of God's faithfulness and a place where Israel was to live out its covenant relationship with God. This entry into the land is a type of the believer's entry into the spiritual rest and inheritance found in Christ, as discussed in Hebrews 4:1-11.

that the LORD swore to our fathers to give us.”
This phrase recalls the covenant promises made to the patriarchs, beginning with Abraham in Genesis 12:7, where God promised to give his descendants the land of Canaan. The fulfillment of this promise is a testament to God's faithfulness and the reliability of His word. It also serves as a reminder of the continuity of God's plan throughout generations. The land is not just a physical inheritance but a symbol of God's enduring covenant and the blessings associated with obedience and faithfulness to Him. This promise and its fulfillment foreshadow the ultimate promise of eternal life and the new creation in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Priest
The 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 Faithfulness
The 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 12:7
This 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.
Commemorations of National DeliveranceD. Davies Deuteronomy 26:1-11
The Dedication of the FirstfruitsR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 26:1-11
The Presentation of the First FruitsJ. Orr Deuteronomy 26:1-11
People
Egyptians, Moses
Places
Beth-baal-peor, Egypt
Topics
Declare, Declared, Entered, Fathers, Forefathers, Hast, Oath, Office, Priest, Profess, Sware, Swore, Sworn, To-day, Witness
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 26:1-11

     4442   firstfruits

Deuteronomy 26:1-15

     8444   honouring God

Deuteronomy 26:2-4

     5227   basket

Library
The Quiet Land
Gerhard 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 political connection of the Grecian world, and, with it, the conflict with Hellenism, may be said to have connected with the victorious progress of Alexander the Great through the then known world (333 b.c.). [6326] It was not only that his destruction of the Persian empire put an end to the easy and peaceful allegiance which Judæa had owned to it for about two centuries, but that the establishment of such a vast Hellenic empire. as was the aim of Alexander, introduced a new element into
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras, Falls to Plundering.
1. And thus were the disturbances of Galilee quieted, when, upon their ceasing to prosecute their civil dissensions, they betook themselves to make preparations for the war with the Romans. Now in Jerusalem the high priest Artanus, and do as many of the men of power as were not in the interest of the Romans, both repaired the walls, and made a great many warlike instruments, insomuch that in all parts of the city darts and all sorts of armor were upon the anvil. Although the multitude of the young
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

Manner of Covenanting.
Previous to an examination of the manner of engaging in the exercise of Covenanting, the consideration of God's procedure towards his people while performing the service seems to claim regard. Of the manner in which the great Supreme as God acts, as well as of Himself, our knowledge is limited. Yet though even of the effects on creatures of His doings we know little, we have reason to rejoice that, in His word He has informed us, and in His providence illustrated by that word, he has given us to
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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