Deuteronomy 26:1

KJV

¶ And it shall be, when thou [art] come in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance, and possessest it, and dwellest therein;

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be, when thou art come in {H935} unto the land {H776} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth {H5414} thee for an inheritance {H5159}, and possessest {H3423} it, and dwellest {H3427} therein;

Complete Jewish Bible

"When you have come to the land ADONAI your God is giving you as your inheritance, taken possession of it and settled there;

Berean Standard Bible

When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and you take possession of it and settle in it,

American Standard Version

And it shall be, when thou art come in unto the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and possessest it, and dwellest therein,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 26:1 serves as a foundational preamble to the detailed instructions regarding the presentation of firstfruits and tithes in the Promised Land. It sets the stage for a critical moment in Israel's history—their entry into and settlement within the land promised to their ancestors—by emphasizing that the land is a divine gift and inheritance, thereby preparing the people for subsequent acts of grateful worship and acknowledgement of God's sovereign provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 26:1 marks a pivotal transition within Moses' final address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab. Having reiterated the Ten Commandments and expanded upon various laws and statutes (Deuteronomy 5-25), Moses now shifts from general legal instruction to specific cultic practices that will be observed once Israel is settled in the Promised Land. This verse serves as the preamble to the laws concerning the presentation of firstfruits and the triennial tithe (Deuteronomy 26:1-15), which are acts of worship directly tied to the agricultural bounty of the land. It anticipates the successful completion of the conquest and the establishment of a settled national life, thereby linking the reception of God's blessing to a mandated response of grateful obedience and worship. The preceding chapters have detailed the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, making this verse a tangible manifestation of the blessings promised for faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Deuteronomy 26:1 is immediately prior to Israel's crossing of the Jordan River into Canaan, a land already inhabited by various peoples. The Israelites had spent forty years wandering in the wilderness, and the generation that had rebelled at Kadesh Barnea had largely passed away. This new generation stood on the cusp of fulfilling the ancient promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The concept of "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, _nachalah_) was deeply significant in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often referring to ancestral land passed down through generations. For Israel, this inheritance was unique: it was not merely ancestral but divinely allocated, a gift from Yahweh. The agricultural practices of firstfruits and tithes were common in the region, but for Israel, they were imbued with theological meaning, serving as tangible expressions of their covenant relationship with God and their acknowledgement of His sovereignty over all provision.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 26:1 introduces and reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness**, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the land grant made to Abraham's descendants (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham") and [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - Covenant with Abraham")). The land is presented as a gracious "inheritance" bestowed by God, not something earned by human merit. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Possession and Dwelling**, anticipating the Israelites' successful conquest ("possessest it") and permanent settlement ("dwellest therein") in Canaan. This process, while requiring human effort, is ultimately depicted as divinely enabled, reinforcing the theme of **God's Provision and Guidance**. Finally, this verse serves as a foundational premise for the subsequent commands regarding worship, establishing the principle that divine blessing and provision should be met with a responsive attitude of **Grateful Obedience and Worship**, particularly through acts like bringing firstfruits (as detailed in [Deuteronomy 26:2-11](/deuteronomy/26-2 "Deuteronomy 26:2-11 - The Firstfruits Offering")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Land (Hebrew, _'eretz'_):** This term, often translated as "land" or "earth," carries profound theological significance here. It refers specifically to the Promised Land of Canaan, which is not merely a geographical territory but the physical manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness and the sphere in which Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh is to be lived out. It is the place of rest, blessing, and the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham's descendants. Its divine bestowal underscores that Israel's existence and prosperity are entirely dependent on God's grace.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _nachalah'_):** The word _nachalah_ denotes a possession, often one received by hereditary right or divine allocation, rather than through personal acquisition. In this context, it powerfully conveys that the land is a sovereign gift from the LORD, a fulfillment of His ancient vows to the patriarchs. This emphasizes that Israel's claim to the land is not based on their own strength or righteousness, but solely on God's gracious promise and unmerited favor. It establishes a theological framework where the land is a trust, requiring faithful stewardship.
* **Possessest (Hebrew, _yarash'_):** This verb means "to inherit," "to take possession of," or "to dispossess." While the land is an "inheritance" (a gift), _yarash_ implies the active process of taking hold of it, often through conquest or occupation. It acknowledges the human responsibility in the fulfillment of God's promise – the Israelites must actively enter, fight, and settle. This word highlights the dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty (God gives) and human agency (Israel possesses).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be, when thou [art] come in unto the land":** This opening clause sets the temporal and spatial condition for the subsequent commands. It points to a future, yet certain, event—Israel's successful entry into the Promised Land. The phrase "it shall be" (וְהָיָה, _vehayah_) often introduces a significant divine decree or consequence, signaling the importance of what follows. It assumes the fulfillment of God's promise to bring them into Canaan.
* **"which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance":** This central declaration defines the nature of the land and the source of its possession. It is not a land conquered by Israel's might, but a divine gift from "the LORD thy God," emphasizing Yahweh's covenant relationship with them. The term "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, _nachalah_) underscores that their claim to the land is rooted in God's gracious promise to their ancestors, establishing it as a permanent, divinely-granted possession.
* **"and possessest it, and dwellest therein;":** These two phrases describe the culmination of the process initiated by entering the land. "Possessest it" (וִירִשְׁתָּהּ, _virishtah_) signifies the active taking hold of the land, implying the necessary conquest and establishment of control. "And dwellest therein" (וְיָשַׁבְתָּ בָּהּ, _veyashavta vah_) indicates a state of settled, permanent residence, signifying peace, security, and the establishment of a national life. Together, these clauses depict the full realization of God's promise: not just entry, but secure, lasting habitation.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 26:1 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Anticipation** or **Prolepsis**, where Moses speaks of a future event (entering and settling the land) as if it were a certainty, thereby instilling confidence and reinforcing the unshakeable nature of God's promises. The verse also utilizes **Covenant Language**, particularly in the phrase "the LORD thy God giveth thee," which explicitly links the land to Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel, emphasizing His role as the faithful Provider. Furthermore, the progression from "come in" to "possessest" to "dwellest" creates a sense of **Climax** or **Gradation**, illustrating the stages of God's promise fulfillment, moving from initial entry to secure, permanent habitation. This sequential phrasing also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the divine gift and the responsibilities that come with it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 26:1 serves as a profound theological statement on God's faithfulness and the nature of His covenant. It establishes that the Promised Land is not a reward earned by Israel's merit, but a gracious inheritance bestowed by Yahweh, underscoring His unwavering commitment to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This divine gift forms the basis for all subsequent commands regarding worship and obedience; Israel's response of bringing firstfruits and tithes is a natural outflow of grateful acknowledgement for God's sovereign provision. The verse thus sets a precedent for understanding all blessings, both material and spiritual, as originating from God's benevolent hand, calling humanity to a posture of humility and thanksgiving.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Joshua 21:43](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43 - God Gives Israel All the Land He Swore")
* [Psalm 105:42-45](/psalms/105-42 "Psalm 105:42-45 - God Remembers His Holy Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 26:1 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. Just as the Israelites were called to remember and acknowledge God as the ultimate source of their inheritance and provision, so too are we challenged to cultivate a heart of gratitude for all that we have received. This verse reminds us that true security and flourishing come not from our own efforts or achievements, but from God's gracious hand. It calls us to recognize that every blessing—spiritual, material, relational—is a gift, an "inheritance" from the Lord. This recognition should naturally lead to a life of worship and stewardship, where our resources and our very lives are offered back to God in thanksgiving and obedience. It encourages us to live with an awareness of God's past faithfulness, which strengthens our trust in His future provision and prompts us to live in a manner that honors Him in every sphere of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I tend to view my blessings as earned rather than as gifts from God?**
* **How does acknowledging God as the source of all provision impact my attitude towards stewardship and generosity?**
* **What specific "inheritances" or blessings in my life can I intentionally pause to thank God for today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the land being called an "inheritance"?**

Answer: The term "inheritance" (Hebrew: _nachalah_) is crucial because it emphasizes that the land of Canaan was not something Israel earned through conquest or merit, but rather a sovereign gift from God. It signifies a divinely allocated possession, rooted in God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). This theological understanding underscores God's faithfulness and grace, establishing that Israel's presence and prosperity in the land were entirely dependent on His benevolent provision, not their own strength or righteousness. It also implies a permanent, divinely secured possession.

**Why is this verse placed at the beginning of the section on firstfruits and tithes?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 26:1 serves as a foundational preamble, establishing the theological basis for the commands regarding firstfruits and tithes that follow. By emphasizing that the land is a divine "inheritance" and a gift from "the LORD thy God," the verse frames the subsequent acts of worship as a direct, grateful response to God's gracious provision. It ensures that Israel understands that their agricultural bounty is not merely the result of their labor but a direct blessing from God. Therefore, bringing the firstfruits and tithes is not just a ritual, but a tangible expression of acknowledging God's sovereignty, His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, and their dependence upon Him for all sustenance and blessing (see [Deuteronomy 26:10](/deuteronomy/26-10 "Deuteronomy 26:10 - Acknowledging God's Provision")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 26:1, with its emphasis on a promised land given as an inheritance, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the physical land of Canaan was a tangible expression of God's faithfulness to Old Testament Israel, it ultimately pointed to a greater, eternal inheritance. Believers in Christ are no longer defined by a geographical land but by their spiritual union with Him, through whom they receive an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Just as God "gave" the land to Israel, He has "given" us His Son, and in Him, "we have obtained an inheritance" ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). The "possessing" and "dwelling" in the land foreshadow the spiritual reality of believers "possessing" the blessings of salvation and "dwelling" in Christ, experiencing His rest and peace, a rest far greater than that offered by the physical land ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")). Jesus is the ultimate "land" where God's people find their true home, security, and the abundant life, making Him the fulfillment of all God's promises, including the promise of an eternal inheritance ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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.