Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Deuteronomy 26:14
Deuteronomy 26:14. I have not eaten thereof in my mourning This is thought by Spencer to have respect to some idolatrous custom then in use: such as that of the Egyptians, who, when they offered the first-fruits of the earth, were wont to invoke Isis with doleful lamentations. But, as the Israelites were not allowed to eat of things consecrated to God, when they were in a state of mourning, (Hosea 9:4,) this may probably be all that is here intended. Or the declaration may mean, I have... read more
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 26:14
I have not eaten thereof in my mourning - When the Israelite would be unclean (compare the marginal references).Nor given ought thereof for the dead - The reference is not so much to the superstitious custom of placing food on or in tombs as to the funeral expenses, and more especially the usual feast for the mourners (compare Jeremiah 16:7; Ezekiel 24:17; Hosea 9:4; Tobit 4:17). The dedicated things were to be employed in glad and holy feasting, not therefore for funeral banquets; for death... read more