1) Dt. is often a neglected resource I first point us toward a fine book by dennis Olson of Princeton Seminary, Dt. and the Death of Moses.He reminds us tha tthe book is not only a recapitulation of the 10 Commandments but a long commentary on them. By this point, we are looking at the coveting issue. As Olson says (115) we are in the place of stewardship being an antidote to coveting.
2) this passage stands against american individualism or the Romney version in the last insipid campaign, I built it. It shows the social corporate nature of possessions and our responsibility toward inheritance (nahalah) of all types.Look at how v. 6 incorporates the praying people into the story itself.
3) first fruits can be a provocative image. In our time, what would be the equivalent? Note tha tit is a ritual offering that seems to be returned to the one offering it in ch. 14.
4) The almost credal recitation af the offering is a remarkable attempt to bring past tradition into the present and the future. Indeed, that is one of the goals of the entire book, is it not?
5) Gift pervades this passage. What sort of relationship exists between giver and receiver? the book, the Giver keeps rattling around in my mind as I write this. Valentine's Day just happened before this passage is read. One could do a serious or hilarious bit on the giving and receiving of Valentine's day presents.
6) Notice at the end of the passage the community nature of a celebration and who gets invited.
7) how are we still wandering Arameans? Where are we treated harshly? Where could people pray this against us? What would the land of milk and honey look like to you right now? (Now I think of Springsteen's evoking of the promised land in some of his songs)
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