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, setting the stage for the detailed instructions regarding the presentation of firstfruits and tithes in the Promised Land. This verse articulates the pivotal moment of Israel's entry into and settlement within the land promised by God, emphasizing that this land is a divine gift and an inheritance. It thereby establishes the theological framework for the subsequent acts of grateful worship and acknowledgement of God's sovereign provision, underscoring the reciprocal relationship between divine blessing and human obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 26:1 marks a significant transition within Moses' concluding address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab. Following extensive legal instruction, which reiterated the Ten Commandments and expanded upon various statutes governing Israel's life (chapters 5-25), Moses now shifts focus to specific cultic practices. This verse acts as the immediate prelude to the laws concerning the offering of firstfruits and the triennial tithe (Deuteronomy 26:1-15), which are acts of worship intrinsically linked to the agricultural bounty of the land. It anticipates the successful completion of the conquest and the establishment of a settled national life, thereby connecting the reception of God's promised blessings to a mandated response of grateful obedience and worship. The preceding chapters, particularly [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), have detailed the blessings for covenant faithfulness and curses for disobedience, making the entry into the land a tangible manifestation of God's promised blessing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Deuteronomy 26:1 is critical: the Israelites stand on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, poised to enter Canaan after forty years of wilderness wandering. This generation, having been prepared for the task, is about to fulfill the ancient promise made to their patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The concept of "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, _nachalah_) was deeply significant in the ancient Near East, typically referring to ancestral land passed down through generations. However, for Israel, this inheritance was unique; it was not merely ancestral but divinely allocated, a direct gift from Yahweh. While agricultural practices like offering firstfruits and tithes were common in the region, for Israel, they were imbued with profound theological meaning, serving as tangible expressions of their covenant relationship with God and their acknowledgement of His absolute sovereignty over all provision and the very land itself.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 26:1 introduces and reinforces several foundational themes woven throughout the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully 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 of Land to Abraham") and [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - Covenant with Abraham")). The land is explicitly presented as a gracious "inheritance" bestowed by God, not something earned by human merit or conquest alone. 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 and military action, is ultimately depicted as divinely enabled, reinforcing the overarching theme of **God's Provision and Guidance**. Finally, this verse serves as a crucial theological 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 the prescribed acts of bringing firstfruits (as detailed in [Deuteronomy 26:2-11](/deuteronomy/26-2-11 "Deuteronomy 26:2-11 - The Firstfruits Offering")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Land (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** This term (H776) refers specifically to the Promised Land of Canaan. Derived from a root meaning "to be firm," _ʼerets_ here denotes a specific geographical territory that is not merely physical space but the tangible manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness. It is the divinely designated sphere where Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh is to be lived out, a 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 and sovereign will.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _nachălâh'_):** The word _nachălâh_ (H5159) denotes something inherited, an heirloom, or a divinely allocated possession. In this context, it powerfully conveys that the land is a sovereign gift from the LORD, a direct fulfillment of His ancient vows to the patriarchs. This emphasizes that Israel's claim to the land is not based on their own strength, military prowess, or righteousness, but solely on God's gracious promise and unmerited favor. It establishes a theological framework where the land is a sacred trust, requiring faithful stewardship and grateful acknowledgment of its divine source.
* **Possessest (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This verb (H3423) means "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place)," "to seize," or "to inherit." While the land is an "inheritance" (a gift from God), _yârash_ 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 the land) and human agency (Israel must actively possess it).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be, when thou [art] come in unto the land":** This opening clause sets the precise temporal and spatial condition for the subsequent commands regarding firstfruits and tithes. The phrase "it shall be" (וְהָיָה, _vehayah_) often introduces a significant divine decree or consequence, signaling the importance and certainty of what follows. It points to a future, yet assured, event—Israel's successful entry into the Promised Land, assuming 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 both the nature of the land and the ultimate source of its possession. It is not a land acquired by Israel's own might or cunning, but a divine gift from "the LORD thy God," emphasizing Yahweh's unique covenant relationship with His people. The term "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, _nachalah_) underscores that their claim to the land is rooted entirely in God's gracious promise to their ancestors, establishing it as a permanent, divinely-granted possession rather than a temporary conquest.
* **"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, dispossessing of its current inhabitants, and the establishment of Israelite control. "And dwellest therein" (וְיָשַׁבְתָּ בָּהּ, _veyashavta vah_) indicates a state of settled, permanent residence, signifying the attainment of peace, security, and the establishment of a stable national life. Together, these clauses depict the full realization of God's promise: not just entry, but secure, lasting habitation and flourishing.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 26:1 employs several effective literary devices that enhance its theological impact. The most prominent is **Prolepsis** (or anticipation), where Moses speaks of a future event—Israel's entry into and settling of the land—as if it were a certainty, thereby instilling confidence and reinforcing the unshakeable nature of God's covenant promises. The verse also utilizes rich **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 and benevolent Provider. Furthermore, the progression from "come in" to "possessest" to "dwellest" creates a sense of **Climax** or **Gradation**, illustrating the sequential 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 accompany it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 26:1 serves as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering faithfulness and the gracious nature of His covenant. It unequivocally establishes that the Promised Land is not a reward earned by Israel's merit or military might, but rather a sovereign, unmerited inheritance bestowed by Yahweh. This foundational truth underscores His unwavering commitment to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This divine gift forms the indispensable basis for all subsequent commands regarding worship and obedience; Israel's prescribed response of bringing firstfruits and tithes is presented as a natural outflow of grateful acknowledgment for God's sovereign and benevolent 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, thanksgiving, and faithful stewardship.

* [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/105-42-45 "Psalm 105:42-45 - God Remembers His Holy Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 26:1 offers timeless and profound principles for contemporary believers, calling us to a deeper understanding of divine provision and human response. 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 profound gratitude for all that we have received. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true security, peace, and flourishing come not from our own efforts, achievements, or accumulated wealth, but solely from God's gracious hand. It compels us to recognize that every blessing in our lives—be it spiritual, material, relational, or vocational—is fundamentally a gift, an "inheritance" from the Lord. This recognition should naturally lead to a life characterized by worship, faithful stewardship, and generous obedience, where our resources, talents, and our very lives are offered back to God in thanksgiving. It encourages us to live with an active 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 specific areas of my life do I tend to view my blessings as earned through my own efforts rather than as gracious gifts from God?**
* **How does a deep acknowledgment of God as the ultimate source of all provision transform my attitude towards stewardship, generosity, and contentment?**
* **What tangible "inheritances" or blessings in my life can I intentionally pause to thank God for today, and how can I express that gratitude in practical ways?**

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

Answer: The term "inheritance" (Hebrew: _nachalah_, H5159) is profoundly significant because it emphasizes that the land of Canaan was not something Israel earned through conquest or merit, but rather a sovereign, unmerited gift from God. It signifies a divinely allocated possession, rooted in God's unbreakable 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 absolute faithfulness and boundless 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, distinguishing it from temporary occupation.

**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 essential theological basis for the commands regarding firstfruits and tithes that immediately follow. By emphasizing that the land is a divine "inheritance" and a gracious gift from "the LORD thy God," the verse frames the subsequent acts of worship—the offering of firstfruits and tithes—as a direct, grateful response to God's gracious provision. It ensures that Israel understands that their agricultural bounty and overall prosperity are not merely the result of their labor but a direct blessing from God. Therefore, bringing the firstfruits and tithes is not just a ritual obligation, but a tangible expression of acknowledging God's sovereignty, His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, and their utter 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 profound 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, temporal 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 for you" ([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 supremely "given" us His Son, and in Him, "we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will" ([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 boundless blessings of salvation and "dwelling" in Christ, experiencing His rest and peace—a rest far greater and more enduring than that offered by the physical land ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "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, eternal life, making Him the glorious 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.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 17:14

¶ When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that [are] about me;

Numbers 15:18

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land whither I bring you,

Deuteronomy 6:1

¶ Now these [are] the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do [them] in the land whither ye go to possess it:

Deuteronomy 6:10

And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,

Deuteronomy 7:1

¶ When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;

Deuteronomy 5:31

But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do [them] in the land which I give them to possess it.

Deuteronomy 13:1

¶ If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,