Jennifer 
The Bible is filled with stories and laws that teach us about God’s love, faithfulness, and expectations. One such verse is Deuteronomy 26:5, which comes from a passage where God teaches the Israelites how to offer their firstfruits. While the verse may seem like a historical reference at first glance, it holds deep spiritual truth that still applies to our lives today.
The Context of Deuteronomy 26:5 KJV
The Setting of the Book of Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible. It was written by Moses, the great leader of Israel, just before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. They had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, and now they were finally standing on the edge of the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Deuteronomy means “second law.” It is not a new law but a repetition and reminder of the laws already given to Israel. Moses wanted the people to remember God’s commands and keep them faithfully in their new land. He also reminded them of God’s care and protection throughout their journey.
The Purpose of Chapter 26
Deuteronomy 26 focuses on the offering of the firstfruits. God instructed the people to bring the first part of their harvest to Him. It was a way of showing gratitude for the blessings of the land. When the people brought their offering, they were to say certain words that declared God’s faithfulness to their ancestors.
Verse 5 is part of this declaration. It begins a short speech that every Israelite would say as they gave their offering. The speech reminded them of their humble beginnings and how God brought them out of slavery and into a good land.
Deuteronomy 26:5 (KJV)
“And thou shalt speak and say before the Lord thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous.” — Deuteronomy 26:5 (KJV)
This verse may sound mysterious at first, especially the phrase “A Syrian ready to perish.” But it carries a strong message about humility, history, and the power of God’s deliverance.
Let’s now break down the meaning of each part of this verse.
Deuteronomy 26:5 Meaning
“And thou shalt speak and say before the Lord thy God”
This line sets the scene. The person bringing the offering is to stand before God and make a declaration. This shows that giving was not just a physical act. It was also a spiritual one. The giver was not just dropping off food. He was speaking words of faith, gratitude, and remembrance.
God wanted His people to remember their story. This was not just about food—it was about identity, worship, and a relationship with the Lord.
“A Syrian ready to perish was my father”
This part refers to Jacob, also known as Israel. Jacob was the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. He lived in the region of Mesopotamia, which was often associated with Syria in biblical times. He left his homeland and went to Egypt during a time of famine.
The phrase “ready to perish” shows that Jacob was poor, vulnerable, and without a secure future. He was not a king or a powerful man. He was a wanderer, depending completely on God’s help.
This reminds the Israelites that their roots were humble. They did not come from wealth or power. They came from a man who had nothing but faith in God.
“And he went down into Egypt”
Jacob traveled to Egypt because of a famine in the land of Canaan. His son Joseph had already gone there and had become a ruler under Pharaoh. God used Joseph to save his family from hunger. So Jacob and his whole household moved to Egypt.
This journey was not planned for prosperity. It was a move made out of desperation. Yet God used it for good. This reminds us that God can turn difficult situations into blessings.
“And sojourned there with a few”
Jacob and his family—only about 70 people—lived in Egypt as foreigners. They were not citizens. They had no power. They were just visitors in a foreign land.
The word “sojourned” means they stayed there for a time but did not settle permanently. They were still God’s people, waiting for His promises.
This reminds us that God often begins His work in small, simple, and quiet ways. What seems weak in the world’s eyes is often the start of something powerful in God’s hands.
“And became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous”
Over time, the Israelites grew in number. Even though they were in a foreign land and later became slaves, God blessed them. From just a small family, they became a mighty nation.
This shows God’s faithfulness. He kept His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Even in hard times, God was working behind the scenes. He was building His people, preparing them for freedom and purpose.
This phrase is a declaration of God’s power. He takes what is small and makes it great. He takes what is weak and makes it strong.
Deuteronomy 26:5 Application in Life
1. Remember Where You Came From
This verse reminds us not to forget our past. Just like the Israelites remembered their humble beginnings, we should also remember how far God has brought us.
Many of us have come from difficult situations—broken homes, poverty, addiction, sin, or confusion. But God, in His mercy, has rescued us. We must not become proud or think we achieved everything by ourselves.
Remembering our past keeps us humble and thankful.
2. God Uses Small Things for Great Purposes
Jacob was just one man with a big family. He had no army, no land, and no fame. But God used him to create a great nation.
This tells us that God does not need much to do great things. If we feel small, weak, or unimportant, we should not be discouraged. God loves to use people like Jacob—ordinary people with trusting hearts.
God can take your small beginnings and turn them into something great if you remain faithful.
3. Trust God in Times of Trouble
Jacob went down to Egypt because of a famine. It was a hard time. But God used that move to save him and his family.
Sometimes, we also face hardships. We may feel like we are being pushed into places we don’t want to go. But if we trust God, He can turn those hard places into places of blessing.
God is always working, even when we cannot see it.
4. Give to God with Gratitude
This verse is part of a larger passage about giving. The Israelites were giving their firstfruits, the best part of their harvest, back to God. But they did not give out of duty—they gave out of thankfulness.
They remembered that everything they had came from God. Their homes, land, food, and freedom were all blessings from Him.
When we give to God—whether it’s money, time, or service—we should do it with a heart full of thanks.
5. Declare God’s Goodness
The person giving the offering spoke out loud. He declared the story of God’s faithfulness. This was not a private memory—it was a public testimony.
We also should speak of God’s goodness. We should tell others how He has helped us. When we share our testimony, we glorify God and encourage others.
Never be ashamed to tell your story. Your journey can inspire someone else to trust God.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 26:5 may look like a simple historical statement, but it carries rich meaning. It is a declaration of God’s faithfulness, a reminder of humble beginnings, and a call to thankfulness. The Israelites were commanded to speak these words as they gave their offerings, and those words connected their past to their present blessings.
Let us, like the Israelites, never forget what God has done for us. Let us bring our gifts with thankful hearts and speak boldly about His goodness. And let us trust that the same God who made a mighty nation out of one wandering man can do great things in and through us as well.
You Might Be Interested In: