Deut. 26 The compression, thanksgiving, and rejoicing before the Lord of him who offereth first-fruits, Deut. 26:1–11; as also of the three years’ tithes, Deut. 26:12–15. The covenant between God and his people ratified, Deut. 26:16–19.

This seems to be required of each particular master of a family, either upon his first settlement, or once every year at one of their three feasts, when they were obliged to go up to Jerusalem, as here they are. Of all the fruit of the earth; either of their corn, or of the fruit of trees.

Unto the priest, i.e. to any of the priests, who shall be appointed in God’s stead to receive these oblations and acknowledgements.

Jacob was a Syrian, partly, by his original, as being born of Syrian parents, as were Abraham and Rebekah, both of Chaldea or Mesopotamia, which was a part of Syria largely so called, as is confessed by Strabo, b. 16. and by Pliny, b. 5. c.

Thou shalt set, to wit, mediately, by the priest, who was to set it there, Deut. 26:4. Set it, i.e. the basket of first-fruits, Deut. 26:2.

Thou shalt rejoice; i.e. either, 1. Thou shalt hereby be enabled to rejoice and take comfort in all thy enjoyments, when thou hast sanctified them by giving God his portion. Or, 2.

Of the tithes, See Poole on “Deut. 14:28”. The year of tithing, Heb. the year of that tithe; so called, either, 1. Because these tithes were gathered only in that year. Or rather, 2.

Before the Lord, i.e. either before the tabernacle or temple; or rather, in thy private and domestic addresses to God; for this is to be said presently upon the distribution of these tithes, which was not done at Jerusalem, but in their own private gates or dwellings; except we will suppose that…

In my mourning, i.e. either, 1. In my funeral solemnities for the dead. But this falls in with the last branch. Or, 2. In my distress or poverty, or upon pretence of my own want, in which case men are tempted and inclined to fall upon sacred or forbidden things. Or, 3.

After that solemn profession of their obedience to God’s commands, they are taught to pray for God’s blessing upon their land, whereby they are instructed how vain and ineffectual the prayers of unrighteous or disobedient persons are.

Avouched, or declared, or professed, or owned. This day, i.e. at this time, in this wilderness, where thou hast accepted and ratified God’s covenant.

Hath owned thee for such before all the world by eminent and glorious communications and manifestations of his power and grace and favour in time and for thee, by a solemn entering into covenant with thee, and giving peculiar laws, promises, and privileges to thee above all mankind.