Deuteronomy 14:22-29

A Tenth for the Lord

22 "Each year you are to set aside a tenth of all the produce grown in your fields.

23 You are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock, in the presence of the Lord your God at the place where He chooses to have His name dwell, so that you will always learn to fear the Lord your God.

24 But if the distance is too great for you to carry it, since the place where the Lord your God chooses to put His name is too far away from you and since the Lord your God has blessed you,

25 then exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place the Lord your God chooses.

26 You may spend the money on anything you want: cattle, sheep, wine, beer, or anything you desire. You are to feast there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice with your family.

27 Do not forget the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.^[a]

28 "At the end of [every] three years, bring a tenth of all your produce for that year and store [it] within your gates.

29 Then the Levite, who has no portion or inheritance among you, the foreign resident, fatherless, and widow within your gates may come, eat, and be satisfied.^[b] And the Lord your God will bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.

Deuteronomy 14:22-29 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY 14

In this chapter some cautions are given against the use of some rites and ceremonies in mourning for the dead, with the reason thereof, De 14:1,2 and instructions about what are lawful to be eaten, and what not, whether of beasts, fishes, or fowl, De 14:3-21, and concerning eating one sort of tithes both at the place God should choose, and within their own gates, De 14:22-29.

Footnotes

• [a]. Dt 12:12,18-19
• [b]. Dt 26:12