Two liturgical enactments having a clear and close reference to the whole of the preceding legislation, form a most appropriate and significant conclusion to it, namely, (1) the formal acknowledgment in deed and symbol of God’s faithfulness, by presentment of a basket filled with firstfruits, and i... [ Continue Reading ]
On the subject of firstfruits see the notes at Leviticus 23:9 ff. The firstfruits here in question are to be distinguished alike from those offered in acknowledgment of the blessings of harvest (compare Exodus 22:29) at the Feasts of Passover and Pentecost, and also from the offerings prescribed in... [ Continue Reading ]
A SYRIAN READY TO PERISH WAS MY FATHER - The reference is shown by the context to be to Jacob, as the ancestor in whom particularly the family of Abraham began to develop into a nation (compare Isaiah 43:22, Isaiah 43:28, etc.). Jacob is called a Syrian (literally, Aramaean), not only because of his... [ Continue Reading ]
See the marginal reference to Numbers and note. A strict fulfillment of the onerous and complicated tithe obligations was a leading part of the righteousness of the Pharisees: compare Matthew 23:23.... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE NOT EATEN THEREOF IN MY MOURNING - When the Israelite would be unclean (compare the marginal references). NOR GIVEN OUGHT THEREOF FOR THE DEAD - The reference is not so much to the superstitious custom of placing food on or in tombs as to the funeral expenses, and more especially the usual f... [ Continue Reading ]
A brief and earnest exhortation by way of conclusion to the second and longest discourse of the book. Deuteronomy 26:17 THOU HAST AVOUCHED - literally, “made to say:” so also in the next verse. The sense is: “Thou hast given occasion to the Lord to say that He is thy God,” i. e. by promising that... [ Continue Reading ]