Definition: And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 14:26. It’s a really important part of how God wants us to treat money and our desires. Here's a simple explanation: Essentially, it says: “Don’t be greedy with your money. When you want something, give some of it to God as an offering.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after…” – This is the core of the verse. "Soul lust" means wanting something specifically – something that brings you pleasure, excitement, or satisfaction. It's about desire. Think about it like wanting a new toy, a fancy car, or a specific piece of jewelry. “…for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth…” – This list shows the types of things that are considered tempting and potentially problematic. It’s not just about wanting anything ; it's about things that are often associated with temptation and sin. “…and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household.” – This is where it gets really important. It tells us to give some of that money to God as a sacrifice. "Eat there before the LORD thy God..." - This means to give it to God in a specific way - to honor Him and show gratitude for His provision. "...and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household." – This is the reward . Giving money to God brings joy and blessings to you and your family. It’s about expressing thanks and recognizing that God provides for us. The Big Idea - A Focus on Gratitude and Worship This verse isn't just about how much money we give, it’s about the attitude behind giving. It encourages us to be grateful for what God gives us – food, shelter, and even wealth – and to worship Him through that gratitude. It's a reminder to put our hearts into giving, rather than focusing on what we want. Why is this important? Historically, in ancient Israel, the focus was on accumulating wealth. This verse emphasizes that true wealth comes from God, and it’s a way to show respect and devotion. It's about aligning our lives with God's will and recognizing His provision for us. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Deuteronomy/14/26](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Deuteronomy/14/26) The Bible Project: [https://thebibleproject.com/deuteronomy-14-26/](https://thebibleproject.com/deuteronomy-14-26/) Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Talk about the historical context of this passage?