Deuteronomy 14:26

KJV

And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt bestow {H5414} that money {H3701} for whatsoever thy soul {H5315} lusteth after {H183}, for oxen {H1241}, or for sheep {H6629}, or for wine {H3196}, or for strong drink {H7941}, or for whatsoever thy soul {H5315} desireth {H7592}: and thou shalt eat {H398} there before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, and thou shalt rejoice {H8055}, thou, and thine household {H1004},

Complete Jewish Bible

and exchange the money for anything you want - cattle, sheep, wine, other intoxicating liquor, or anything you please - and you are to eat there in the presence of ADONAI your God, and enjoy yourselves, you and your household.

Berean Standard Bible

Then you may spend the money on anything you desire: cattle, sheep, wine, strong drink, or anything you wish. You are to feast there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice with your household.

American Standard Version

and thou shalt bestow the money for whatsoever thy soul desireth, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul asketh of thee; and thou shalt eat there before Jehovah thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou and thy household.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 14:26 offers a profound insight into God's benevolent character, providing detailed instructions for the use of the festival tithe when the journey to the central sanctuary was impractical for transporting physical goods. This verse grants the Israelites remarkable freedom to convert their tithe into money and then purchase whatever their soul genuinely desired—including livestock, wine, and strong drink—to be joyfully consumed "before the LORD" with their entire household. It powerfully conveys that worship is not merely a solemn obligation but a vibrant, communal celebration of God's abundant provision, intended to be a source of profound delight and thanksgiving.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 14:26 is intricately woven into a larger section of Mosaic law concerning clean and unclean foods, and more specifically, the detailed regulations for tithing within the Israelite community. The preceding verses, [Deuteronomy 14:22-23](/deuteronomy/14-22-23 "Deuteronomy 14:22-23 - The Annual Tithe and Its Consumption"), establish the foundational command to set aside a tithe of all agricultural produce and livestock annually, and to consume it "before the LORD your God in the place he will choose." [Deuteronomy 14:24](/deuteronomy/14-24 "Deuteronomy 14:24 - Converting Tithes to Money") then introduces a practical concession for those living far from the designated sanctuary, permitting the conversion of the tithe into money. [Deuteronomy 14:25](/deuteronomy/14-25 "Deuteronomy 14:25 - Taking Money to the Sanctuary") instructs them to carry this money to the chosen place. Verse 26, our focus, then elaborates on the expenditure of this money, emphasizing personal choice and communal celebration. The subsequent verse, [Deuteronomy 14:27](/deuteronomy/14-27 "Deuteronomy 14:27 - Inclusion of the Levite"), reminds the Israelites to include the Levite, who possessed no tribal inheritance, in their feasting, ensuring their provision. Finally, [Deuteronomy 14:28-29](/deuteronomy/14-28-29 "Deuteronomy 14:28-29 - The Triennial Tithe for the Needy"), introduces a distinct triennial tithe for the poor and the Levite. Thus, Deuteronomy 14:26 stands as a pivotal verse, illustrating God's desire for His people's joyful and unburdened participation in worship, transforming a duty into a delightful act of thanksgiving.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Deuteronomy 14:26 are deeply embedded in the agrarian and pilgrimage culture of ancient Israel. The Israelites were commanded to gather at a central sanctuary (which would eventually be Jerusalem) for three major annual pilgrimage festivals: Passover/Unleavened Bread, Weeks (Pentecost), and Booths (Tabernacles). These festivals were not merely religious observances but pivotal national and spiritual gatherings, combining solemn worship, historical remembrance, and exuberant celebration of God's faithful provision. The concept of "eating before the LORD" was a significant practice in the ancient Near East, often signifying a covenant meal, a shared communion with the deity, and a communal act of worship. Unlike many surrounding ancient religions that often demanded severe self-deprivation or austere rituals, the God of Israel explicitly encouraged His people to enjoy the abundant fruits of their labor and His blessings in His sacred presence. The allowance to convert tithes to money, and then to purchase desired items for consumption at the sanctuary, reflects a practical, compassionate, and wise divine understanding of the logistical challenges faced by a geographically dispersed population, while simultaneously reinforcing the theological importance of the centralized worship site as the locus of national unity and divine encounter.
* **Key Themes:** This verse serves as a powerful conduit for several overarching themes present throughout Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly highlights **Divine Provision and Generosity**, demonstrating that God not only commands His people to honor Him through giving but also delights in their flourishing and their enjoyment of His abundant blessings. The extraordinary allowance to purchase "whatsoever thy soul lusteth after" or "desireth" underscores His lavishness and His desire for their genuine contentment. Secondly, it emphatically emphasizes **Joy and Celebration in Worship**. Far from being a somber, burdensome obligation, worship is presented as a vibrant, joyful, and even exuberant experience. This theme resonates throughout the Psalms, where gladness in God's presence is a recurring motif (e.g., [Psalm 100:2](/psalms/100-2 "Psalm 100:2 - Serve the Lord with Gladness")). The explicit command to "rejoice, thou, and thine household" elevates joy to an integral, commanded component of their covenant relationship. Thirdly, the verse speaks to **Freedom and Personal Choice** within the established bounds of God's law. The repeated emphasis on "whatsoever thy soul lusteth after/desireth" grants significant personal liberty, indicating God's trust in His people to make legitimate choices for their enjoyment within a sacred and consecrated context. Finally, it reinforces the paramount importance of **Communal and Family Worship**. The instruction to eat "before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household" underscores the corporate nature of faith and the vital role of family participation in spiritual festivals, fostering unity, shared delight, and the transmission of faith within the covenant community, much like the early church's communal meals described in [Acts 2:46](/acts/2-46 "Acts 2:46 - Breaking Bread from House to House").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lusteth after / desireth (Hebrew, _ʼâvâh'_ - H183):** This Hebrew verb (אָוָה) signifies a strong, legitimate longing, craving, or desire. While the English word "lust" often carries a negative, sinful connotation (e.g., covetousness or illicit sexual desire), in this context, _ʼâvâh'_ is used positively, indicating a permissible and even divinely encouraged desire for good things. It implies a deep personal preference or craving that God permits His people to fulfill for their enjoyment during this sacred festival. This usage highlights God's benevolent character, allowing His people to indulge in their legitimate appetites within a consecrated setting, expressing His desire for their joy and satisfaction.
* **strong drink (Hebrew, _shêkâr'_ - H7941):** The Hebrew word (שֵׁכָר) refers to any intoxicating beverage, not exclusively wine (yayin, H3196). It could include fermented drinks made from barley, dates, or other fruits, often intensely alcoholic. The inclusion of _shêkâr'_ alongside wine, oxen, and sheep underscores the broad scope of permissible enjoyment and festivity. It indicates that the celebration was meant to be truly joyful and abundant, allowing for a wide range of provisions, including those that could contribute to a festive atmosphere, provided they were consumed responsibly and in the context of worship before the Lord. This demonstrates God's desire for genuine, uninhibited celebration.
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _sâmach'_ - H8055):** This verb (שָׂמַח) is a fundamental term for joy, gladness, and celebration in the Old Testament. It denotes an inner state of happiness that often manifests in outward expressions of festivity, such as singing, dancing, and feasting. Here, it is not merely a suggestion but a direct command: "and thou shalt rejoice." This emphasizes that joy is an integral, commanded component of worship and the covenant relationship. It is a profound theological statement that God delights in the happiness and gladness of His people as they acknowledge His goodness, provision, and presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after":** This opening clause grants remarkable freedom and personal agency to the worshiper. Having converted their tithe into money due to the practical challenges of distance, they are now empowered to use that money to purchase items that genuinely appeal to them, reflecting their personal preferences and desires for the festival. This is a profound expression of God's trust and generosity, allowing His people to customize their celebration.
* **"for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink":** These specific examples illustrate the wide range of permissible purchases. Oxen (H1241, _bâqâr'_) and sheep (H6629, _tsôʼn'_) represent substantial meat for feasting, while wine (H3196, _yayin'_) and strong drink (H7941, _shêkâr'_) signify beverages for celebration. The list points to a lavish, abundant meal, not a meager one, reinforcing the idea that God desires His people to enjoy rich provision in His presence.
* **"or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God":** This phrase reiterates and expands upon the initial grant of freedom ("whatsoever thy soul lusteth after"), emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the allowance. The crucial qualifier "and thou shalt eat there before (H6440, _pânîym'_) the LORD (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_) thy God (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym'_)" places the entire act of consumption within a sacred, worshipful context. The feasting is not for mere self-indulgence but is an act of communion and thanksgiving in God's presence, transforming a physical meal into a spiritual encounter.
* **"and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,":** This concluding command is the culmination and ultimate purpose of the instruction. The freedom and abundance granted are ultimately for the purpose of joy (H8055, _sâmach'_). This rejoicing is to be shared communally, involving the entire household (H1004, _bayith'_), highlighting the family as the primary unit of worship and celebration in Israel. This communal joy before the Lord signifies the health, unity, and prosperity of the covenant community, demonstrating that God delights in the happiness of His people.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 14:26 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its message of divine generosity and commanded joy. **Repetition** is prominently featured with the phrases "whatsoever thy soul lusteth after" and "whatsoever thy soul desireth," which frame the list of permissible items. This repetition serves to underscore the extraordinary breadth of personal choice and the extent of God's permission for individual enjoyment. The verse's structure also exhibits a form of **Inclusio**, beginning and ending with broad permission for personal desire, effectively enclosing specific examples. This reinforces the idea that the examples provided are illustrative, not exhaustive, and that the underlying principle is one of freedom and abundance. Furthermore, the verse uses **Emphasis** through direct command ("thou shalt rejoice"), making joy an imperative rather than an optional emotion. The listing of specific, desirable items (oxen, sheep, wine, strong drink) alongside the general "whatsoever" creates a vivid sense of **Abundance** and even **Hyperbole**, painting a picture of a lavish, unconstrained celebration. These devices collectively underscore God's benevolent character and His profound desire for His people to experience deep, uninhibited joy in His presence as an integral part of their worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 14:26 reveals a profound theological truth about God's character: He is not a God who delights in deprivation or austerity for its own sake, but one who desires the flourishing, contentment, and joy of His people. This verse challenges any notion that spirituality must be devoid of pleasure or that material blessings are inherently unholy. Instead, it sanctifies the enjoyment of good things when received with gratitude and consumed in His presence as an act of worship. It establishes a divine pattern where obedience to God's commands (the tithe) leads directly to an experience of His lavish generosity and a commanded joy. This principle extends beyond the specific tithe, teaching us that true worship encompasses both solemn reverence and exuberant celebration, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all good gifts. It portrays a God who is intimately involved in the well-being and happiness of His covenant people.

* [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")
* [Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")
* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Rejoice in the Lord Always")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 14:26 offers timeless principles for believers today, inviting us to reconsider our approach to giving, receiving, and rejoicing in our faith. It challenges us to see generosity not as a burdensome loss, but as an open door to experiencing God's abundant provision and the deep, commanded joy that accompanies it. This passage encourages a balanced perspective on material blessings: they are neither ends in themselves, nor are they inherently evil, but rather gifts from a benevolent Creator to be enjoyed responsibly, with gratitude, and in His presence. Our worship should not be confined to solemn moments but should overflow with genuine delight and celebration for God's goodness and faithfulness. Furthermore, the emphasis on the household rejoicing together underscores the vital importance of communal and family participation in our spiritual lives, fostering shared experiences of God's grace and strengthening the bonds of faith within our homes and wider communities. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of joy in all circumstances, recognizing that God desires our happiness as we walk in obedience and trust, transforming our daily lives into acts of worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "rejoicing before the LORD" challenge or affirm your current understanding of worship and spiritual practice?**
* **In what ways can you responsibly and gratefully enjoy God's good gifts in a manner that honors Him, rather than succumbing to mere self-indulgence?**
* **How might you intentionally cultivate more joy and celebration within your personal faith journey and with your household or faith community?**
* **What does this verse teach you about God's character and His desires for His people, particularly regarding provision and pleasure?**

### FAQ
**Does "lusteth after" in this verse imply sinful desires?**

Answer: No, in the specific context of [Deuteronomy 14:26](/deuteronomy/14-26 "Deuteronomy 14:26 - Freedom to Rejoice Before the Lord"), the Hebrew word translated "lusteth after" or "desireth" (אָוָה, _ʼavâh'_) carries the meaning of a strong, legitimate longing or craving, not a sinful or illicit desire. It emphasizes that God permits, and even encourages, the enjoyment of pleasant things that are good and wholesome. The surrounding context of a commanded festival and eating "before the LORD" ensures that these desires are to be fulfilled within the bounds of worship and responsible enjoyment, not self-indulgent sin. God is granting freedom for His people to choose what would bring them genuine delight in His holy presence, underscoring His benevolent nature.

**Does this verse encourage excessive indulgence or drunkenness?**

Answer: While [Deuteronomy 14:26](/deuteronomy/14-26 "Deuteronomy 14:26 - Freedom to Rejoice Before the Lord") permits the purchase of "wine" and "strong drink" for celebration, it does not encourage excessive indulgence or drunkenness. The crucial phrase "and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God" places the entire act of consumption within a sacred, worshipful context. The purpose is "rejoicing," not reckless abandon. The Bible consistently condemns drunkenness (e.g., [Proverbs 23:20-21](/proverbs/23-20-21 "Proverbs 23:20-21 - Do Not Be Among Drunkards"), [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be Filled with the Spirit")). Therefore, the freedom granted here is for joyful, responsible enjoyment within the bounds of God-honoring conduct, not for sinful excess.

**How does this "second tithe" differ from other tithes mentioned in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The Old Testament describes several types of tithes, each with a distinct purpose. The first tithe, often called the Levitical tithe, is mentioned in [Leviticus 27:30-33](/leviticus/27-30-33 "The Tithe is Holy to the Lord") and [Numbers 18:21-24](/numbers/18-21-24 "Tithes for the Levites"), and was given to the Levites for their support as they served in the tabernacle/temple. The tithe in [Deuteronomy 14:22-26](/deuteronomy/14-22-26 "The Annual Tithe for Celebration") is often referred to as the "festival tithe" or "second tithe." This tithe was to be brought by the worshiper to the central sanctuary and consumed by them and their household in a celebratory meal before the Lord, with provisions for converting it to money if the journey was too long. Additionally, [Deuteronomy 14:28-29](/deuteronomy/14-28-29 "The Triennial Tithe for the Needy") describes a triennial tithe (every third year) that was to be stored locally and used to support the Levites, the foreigners, the fatherless, and the widows in their towns. Thus, the tithe in verse 26 was unique in its purpose of promoting personal and communal celebration in God's presence, fostering joy and communion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 14:26, with its emphasis on God's abundant provision, commanded joy, and communal feasting in His presence, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament tithes and feasts, including this festival tithe, were but shadows pointing to the glorious reality found in Him. No longer do believers need to travel to a physical sanctuary with their tithes to eat before the Lord; through Christ, we have direct, unhindered access to God's presence at all times ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). Jesus Himself is the ultimate provision for our souls, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering not just physical sustenance but eternal life and abundant joy ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ")). The extraordinary freedom granted to the Israelites to purchase "whatsoever thy soul desireth" foreshadows the spiritual freedom and boundless grace we receive in Christ, where we are no longer bound by the letter of the law but live by the Spirit, whose fruit includes joy, peace, and self-control ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). The communal feasting before the Lord is transformed and perfected in the New Covenant through the Lord's Supper, where believers gather to remember Christ's sacrifice and anticipate His glorious return, partaking in a new covenant meal that proclaims His death until He comes ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). Ultimately, the commanded rejoicing of [Deuteronomy 14:26](/deuteronomy/14-26 "Deuteronomy 14:26 - Freedom to Rejoice Before the Lord") culminates in the eschatological hope of the [Wedding Feast of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Wedding Feast of the Lamb"), where all believers will forever feast and rejoice in the eternal presence of Christ, the true source of everlasting joy and the fulfillment of every good and godly desire ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 6:12

¶ All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

1 Corinthians 6:13

Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body [is] not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.

Psalms 106:14

But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.

Deuteronomy 12:7

And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

Matthew 21:12

¶ And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

Deuteronomy 26:11

And thou shalt rejoice in every good [thing] which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that [is] among you.

Ecclesiastes 9:7

Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.