Offering of First Fruits And Thanksgiving

Deuteronomy 26:1–19
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When Israel took possession of the promised land (v. 1) they were to celebrate two rituals. There were the “offering of the first fruits” (vv. 2-11) and the “tithe in the third year” (vv. 12-15). It seems that they were to be practiced only one time, the one after Israel’s first harvest and the other after being in the land for three years. The purpose was to celebrate Israel’s transition from a nomadic existence to a settled community.

Moses commands the people to bring the first fruits of the land and present them to the Lord at the designated place of worship as a symbol that they had finally conquered the land. The offering of the fruit was a practical confession by the Israelites that they were indebted to God for the gift of the land. The first ritual consisted of taking the first fruits of the initial harvest and presenting them to the priest at the central sanctuary.

The “tithe of the third year” consisted of a positive statement (v. 13), a negative statement (v. 14) and a prayer for blessing (v. 15). It seems that this confession was probably made in people’s homes, rather than a sanctuary. A person was to cleanse his house by making sure that everything was tithed, such as cattle, crops etc. was paid.

Application

The personal confession of God’s dealing with His people helped them remember what God had done for them. How often have you put into clear, and concise words what God has done for you? He not only gave me eternal life, but He gave me new hope, new purpose, and new goals in this life. It is my desire to share this good news with everyone I can.