Deuteronomy 26:13 - You shall say before Yahweh your God, “I have put away the holy things out of my house, and also have given them to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all your commandment which you have commanded me. I have not transgressed any of your commandments, neither have I forgotten them.
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What does "Deuteronomy 26:13" mean?
This verse (Deuteronomy 26:13) is part of a declaration that Israelites were to make to God after they had tithed their produce in the third year, which was designated as a "tithing year." Let's break down the meaning:
"You shall say before Yahweh your God...": This emphasizes that this is a formal, public declaration made directly to God, not a private thought. It highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in their obedience.
"I have put away the holy things out of my house...": "Holy things" refers to the tithes, specifically the tenth of their produce that was set aside as holy for God. "Putting them away" means they have properly separated and distributed these tithes.
"...and also have given them to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow...": This specifies who received the tithes. The Levites, being without a land inheritance, were supported by tithes. The foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow represent the vulnerable and marginalized members of society who were to be cared for. The distribution of the tithes to these groups served as a form of social welfare and justice.
"...according to all your commandment which you have commanded me.": This is a crucial statement of obedience. The speaker is claiming that they have followed God's instructions precisely.
"I have not transgressed any of your commandments, neither have I forgotten them.": This is a strong assertion of integrity. The speaker is stating that they have neither intentionally violated God's laws nor neglected them out of forgetfulness. This is a claim of complete and conscious adherence to God's instructions regarding tithing.
In essence, the verse represents a declaration of faithfulness and obedience. It shows that the Israelite has:
Acknowledged God's ownership: By setting aside the tithe as "holy."
Obeyed God's commands: By distributing the tithes to the designated recipients.
Cared for the vulnerable: By using the tithes to support the Levites and those in need.
Declared their integrity: By stating that they have not knowingly disobeyed or neglected God's law.
Important Considerations:
The context is crucial. This declaration comes after a long process of planting, harvesting, and tithing.
The claim of complete obedience is significant. It highlights the importance of not just performing the outward act of tithing, but also doing so with a heart of faithfulness and integrity.
This verse is a reminder of the social justice aspects of the Old Testament law. Tithing wasn't just about supporting the religious institutions; it was also about caring for the poor and marginalized.
Some scholars debate the absolute nature of this claim. Was it meant to be a perfect, literal claim of flawless obedience, or more of a general expression of a sincere effort to follow God's commands? Different interpretations exist.
The verse provides insight into the Israelites' covenant relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of obedience, social justice, and integrity in their worship and daily life.
Deuteronomy 26:13 - You shall say before Yahweh your God, “I have put away the holy things out of my house, and also have given them to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all your commandment which you have commanded me. I have not transgressed any of your commandments, neither have I forgotten them.
What does "Deuteronomy 26:13" mean?
This verse (Deuteronomy 26:13) is part of a declaration that Israelites were to make to God after they had tithed their produce in the third year, which was designated as a "tithing year." Let's break down the meaning:
"You shall say before Yahweh your God...": This emphasizes that this is a formal, public declaration made directly to God, not a private thought. It highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in their obedience.
"I have put away the holy things out of my house...": "Holy things" refers to the tithes, specifically the tenth of their produce that was set aside as holy for God. "Putting them away" means they have properly separated and distributed these tithes.
"...and also have given them to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow...": This specifies who received the tithes. The Levites, being without a land inheritance, were supported by tithes. The foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow represent the vulnerable and marginalized members of society who were to be cared for. The distribution of the tithes to these groups served as a form of social welfare and justice.
"...according to all your commandment which you have commanded me.": This is a crucial statement of obedience. The speaker is claiming that they have followed God's instructions precisely.
"I have not transgressed any of your commandments, neither have I forgotten them.": This is a strong assertion of integrity. The speaker is stating that they have neither intentionally violated God's laws nor neglected them out of forgetfulness. This is a claim of complete and conscious adherence to God's instructions regarding tithing.
In essence, the verse represents a declaration of faithfulness and obedience. It shows that the Israelite has:
Acknowledged God's ownership: By setting aside the tithe as "holy."
Obeyed God's commands: By distributing the tithes to the designated recipients.
Cared for the vulnerable: By using the tithes to support the Levites and those in need.
Declared their integrity: By stating that they have not knowingly disobeyed or neglected God's law.
Important Considerations:
The context is crucial. This declaration comes after a long process of planting, harvesting, and tithing.
The claim of complete obedience is significant. It highlights the importance of not just performing the outward act of tithing, but also doing so with a heart of faithfulness and integrity.
This verse is a reminder of the social justice aspects of the Old Testament law. Tithing wasn't just about supporting the religious institutions; it was also about caring for the poor and marginalized.
Some scholars debate the absolute nature of this claim. Was it meant to be a perfect, literal claim of flawless obedience, or more of a general expression of a sincere effort to follow God's commands? Different interpretations exist.
The verse provides insight into the Israelites' covenant relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of obedience, social justice, and integrity in their worship and daily life.