Deuteronomy 26:13

Then thou shalt say before the LORD thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of [mine] house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten [them]:

Then thou shalt say {H559} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, I have brought away {H1197} the hallowed things {H6944} out of mine house {H1004}, and also have given {H5414} them unto the Levite {H3881}, and unto the stranger {H1616}, to the fatherless {H3490}, and to the widow {H490}, according to all thy commandments {H4687} which thou hast commanded {H6680} me: I have not transgressed {H5674} thy commandments {H4687}, neither have I forgotten {H7911} them:

you are to say, in the presence of ADONAI your God, 'I have rid my house of the things set aside for God and given them to the Levi, the foreigner, the orphan and the widow, in keeping with every one of the mitzvot you gave me. I haven't disobeyed any of your mitzvot or forgotten them.

Then you shall declare in the presence of the LORD your God, “I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all the commandments You have given me. I have not transgressed or forgotten Your commandments.

And thou shalt say before Jehovah thy God, I have put away the hallowed things out of my house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the sojourner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandment which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed any of thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them:

Deuteronomy 26:13 is part of a significant declaration made by an Israelite after bringing the "third-year tithe" or "triennial tithe." This verse captures the essence of obedience, stewardship, and compassion within the Old Testament covenant.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse follows the instructions for presenting firstfruits and a specific tithe that was collected every third year (sometimes called the "poor tithe" or "triennial tithe"). Unlike the annual tithe that went to the Levites, this particular tithe was stored within the towns to be shared with the Levites, resident foreigners (strangers), the fatherless, and widows. This practice underscored Israel's responsibility to care for the most vulnerable in society, as commanded by God. The declaration in this verse was a solemn affirmation before the Lord that the individual had faithfully distributed these "hallowed things"—that is, the portions set apart for these specific purposes—according to divine instruction. It was a moment of accountability and covenant renewal, demonstrating a heart committed to God's ways and His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Obedience and Covenant Fidelity: The declaration, "I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them," highlights the importance of wholehearted obedience to God's laws. It signifies not just mechanical compliance but a conscious effort to remember and uphold the covenant. This echoes the broader theme of blessings for obedience in Deuteronomy.
  • Care for the Vulnerable: A central theme throughout the Mosaic Law is God's profound concern for the marginalized. The specific mention of the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow emphasizes God's heart for those without land, family support, or a stable means of provision. This practice was a practical outworking of Israel's love for God and neighbor.
  • Accountability and Integrity: The act of declaring this before the LORD thy God signifies a public and personal commitment to integrity in stewardship. It was an acknowledgment that all resources ultimately belong to God, and individuals are accountable for how they manage what He has entrusted to them.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hallowed things" (Hebrew: קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) here refers not to items made sacred for temple rituals, but rather to things that have been "set apart" or consecrated for a specific, divinely ordained purpose—in this case, the distribution of the tithe to the designated recipients. It signifies that these portions were not for personal gain but were dedicated to God's purposes of supporting His ministers (the Levites) and providing for the needy.

Practical Application

While the specific practice of the triennial tithe is part of the Old Covenant law, the principles behind Deuteronomy 26:13 remain profoundly relevant for believers today.

  • Stewardship: We are reminded that all we have is a gift from God, and we are called to be faithful stewards of our resources, time, and talents. This includes giving back to Him and using our means to bless others.
  • Compassion and Charity: The verse powerfully calls us to remember and actively care for the vulnerable in our communities. This reflects God's own character and is a tangible expression of our faith. As Proverbs 19:17 states, "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD."
  • Obedience and Integrity: Our faith is not merely intellectual assent but requires active obedience to God's commands, including those related to generosity and justice. This declaration of obedience serves as a model for our own commitment to walk in integrity before God in all areas of our lives.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 119:141

    ¶ I [am] small and despised: [yet] do not I forget thy precepts.

  • Psalms 119:176

    ¶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

  • Psalms 119:153

    ¶ RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.

  • Psalms 26:6

    ¶ I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:

  • Proverbs 3:1

    ¶ My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

  • Deuteronomy 14:29

    And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which [are] within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

  • Psalms 26:1

    ¶ [A Psalm] of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; [therefore] I shall not slide.
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