Deuteronomy 26:10

KJV

And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O LORD, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the LORD thy God, and worship before the LORD thy God:

KJV (with Strong's)

And now, behold, I have brought {H935} the firstfruits {H6529}{H7225} of the land {H127}, which thou, O LORD {H3068}, hast given {H5414} me. And thou shalt set {H3240} it before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, and worship {H7812} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, as you see, I have now brought the firstfruits of the land which you, ADONAI, have given me.' You are then to put the basket down before ADONAI your God, prostrate yourself before ADONAI your God,

Berean Standard Bible

And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land that You, O LORD, have given me.” Then you are to place the basket before the LORD your God and bow down before Him.

American Standard Version

And now, behold, I have brought the first of the fruit of the ground, which thou, O Jehovah, hast given me. And thou shalt set it down before Jehovah thy God, and worship before Jehovah thy God:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 26:10 encapsulates the profound act of bringing the firstfruits offering, a central ritual for the Israelites upon entering the Promised Land. This verse articulates the worshiper's personal declaration of gratitude and humble acknowledgment of God as the sole provider of all blessings. It underscores the covenantal relationship between the LORD and His people, emphasizing that their prosperity in the land was a direct result of divine grace, culminating in an act of reverent worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 26:10 is situated within Moses' final discourses to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they cross into Canaan. Chapters 26-28 form a crucial section detailing the blessings and curses associated with covenant obedience and disobedience. Specifically, verses 1-11 of chapter 26 outline the ritual for presenting the firstfruits of the harvest, following the detailed legal codes and statutes presented in previous chapters (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12-25](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12-25 - Laws and Ordinances")). This particular verse is the worshiper's personal confession, serving as the climax of the firstfruits ceremony, emphasizing the individual's direct interaction with God in gratitude for the land's bounty. It transitions from the general command to the specific act of worship, ensuring that the heart attitude accompanies the ritual.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the cusp of inheriting the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey, a direct fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abram")). After forty years of wilderness wandering, they were about to transition from a nomadic existence to an agrarian society. The firstfruits offering was a common practice in the ancient Near East, often associated with fertility deities. However, Israel's ritual radically reoriented this practice, directing all credit and worship to Yahweh, distinguishing their faith from surrounding pagan cultures. It served as a yearly reminder that their sustenance came not from Baal or Ashtoreth, but from the sovereign LORD who had delivered them from Egyptian bondage and was now granting them a fertile inheritance (cf. [Deuteronomy 8:7-10](/deuteronomy/8-7 "Deuteronomy 8:7-10 - God's Provision in the Promised Land")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. It highlights **divine provision**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in granting the land and its produce, as seen throughout [Deuteronomy 8](/deuteronomy/8 "Deuteronomy 8 - Remembering God's Provision"). The theme of **gratitude and acknowledgment** is paramount, as the Israelite explicitly declares God as the source of their blessings, countering any self-reliance or pride. This act also embodies **covenant loyalty and obedience**, serving as a tangible expression of their commitment to the unique relationship established at Sinai. Finally, the emphasis on **worship and humility** through prostration underscores the proper posture of humanity before a sovereign and gracious God, a recurring motif throughout the book, particularly in the call to "love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Firstfruits (Hebrew, בִּכּוּרִים, _bikkurim'_):** This term refers to the very first and best of the harvest, specifically the initial produce that ripened. In ancient agricultural societies, the firstfruits were considered sacred and were dedicated to the deity as a sign of gratitude and an acknowledgment of divine ownership over the entire yield. For Israel, it was a tangible act of faith, trusting that God would bless the remainder of the harvest. It symbolized consecration and the recognition that all good things come from God, establishing a pattern of honoring Him with the initial and finest portions of one's increase.
* **Worship (Hebrew, שָׁחָה, _shachah'_):** The Hebrew word _shachah_ literally means "to bow down," "to prostrate oneself," or "to do obeisance." It denotes a physical posture of profound reverence, humility, and submission. In the context of the firstfruits offering, it signifies not just a ritualistic act but a heartfelt expression of awe and adoration before the LORD. This posture acknowledges God's supreme authority, His majesty, and the worshiper's dependent status, underscoring the personal and intimate nature of their relationship with the divine Giver. It is an act of total surrender and devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O LORD, hast given me."**: This opening clause is a personal, declarative statement by the Israelite presenting the offering. The phrase "And now, behold" (וְעַתָּה הִנֵּה) emphasizes the immediate and present action, drawing attention to the significance of the moment. The worshiper explicitly acknowledges that the land and its produce are not a result of their own efforts or entitlement, but a direct, gracious gift from the LORD. This confession is central to the ritual, ensuring that gratitude and divine sovereignty are at the forefront of the act, countering any self-congratulation.
* **"And thou shalt set it before the LORD thy God,"**: This is a command to the Israelite, instructing them on the proper placement of the offering. "Setting it before the LORD" implies a formal presentation in the presence of God, likely at the tabernacle or, later, the temple. This act transforms a simple agricultural offering into a sacred transaction, a direct communion between the individual and their God. It signifies the dedication and consecration of the gift to the divine, symbolizing the Israelite's recognition of God's ownership and their willing submission.
* **"and worship before the LORD thy God:"**: This final clause specifies the culminating act of the ceremony: worship. Following the presentation of the gift, the Israelite is to prostrate themselves in humble adoration. The repetition of "the LORD thy God" reinforces the covenantal relationship and the specific identity of the God being worshiped – the God who delivered Israel and gave them the land. This worship is not merely a formality but an expression of profound gratitude, submission, and reverence for the Giver of all good things, acknowledging His supreme authority and goodness.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 26:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "the LORD thy God," which appears twice in the latter half of the verse. This repetition serves to emphasize the specific covenantal relationship between God and Israel, reinforcing that the worship and offering are directed to Yahweh, their personal and covenantal God, rather than any other deity. The phrase "And now, behold" functions as an **exclamatory declaration**, drawing immediate attention to the solemn and significant act being performed. It creates a sense of immediacy and importance, inviting the listener or reader to witness the profound moment of offering and worship. The entire verse also functions as a **confession**, a prescribed verbal declaration that accompanies the ritual act, ensuring that the internal disposition of gratitude and acknowledgment aligns with the external performance. This confessional aspect transforms a mere action into a deeply theological statement of dependence and devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 26:10 encapsulates core theological truths about God's character and humanity's proper response. It highlights the LORD as the ultimate source of all provision, challenging any notion of self-sufficiency or reliance on pagan deities. The act of bringing firstfruits is a tangible expression of gratitude, humility, and covenant faithfulness, acknowledging that all blessings flow from divine grace. It establishes a pattern of giving back to God the "first and best" as a recognition of His sovereignty and ownership over all creation. This principle extends beyond agricultural produce to encompass all aspects of life, inviting believers to live in a posture of continuous thanksgiving and dedication to God, understanding that true prosperity is found in acknowledging and honoring the Giver.

* [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - Bringing the First of the Firstfruits")
* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honoring the Lord with Your Wealth and Firstfruits")
* [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift from Above")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 26:10 offers timeless principles for believers today, even though the specific ritual of bringing agricultural firstfruits is no longer practiced. At its heart, this verse calls us to cultivate a profound attitude of gratitude, recognizing that every good and perfect gift in our lives—from our talents and resources to our very breath—originates from the generous hand of God. It challenges us to resist the temptation of self-reliance and pride, instead fostering a humble acknowledgment that our prosperity, opportunities, and even our existence are divine provisions. The act of "setting it before the LORD" and "worshipping" encourages us to dedicate our "first and best" to God, whether that be our time, our finances, our abilities, or our priorities. This isn't about legalistic obligation but about a joyful, worshipful response to a gracious Giver. It invites us to live a life marked by intentional thanksgiving, where our actions and attitudes continually point back to God as the ultimate source of all blessings, fostering a deeper, more dependent relationship with Him and transforming our daily lives into acts of worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most struggle to acknowledge God as the ultimate provider?**
* **What does it mean for you to bring your "first and best" to God in your current context, beyond just financial giving?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and humility in your daily walk with God, rather than taking blessings for granted?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to "set before the LORD" and "worship before the LORD your God" with your resources, time, or talents, as a tangible act of devotion?**

### FAQ

**Why was the firstfruits offering so important to the Israelites?**

Answer: The firstfruits offering was critically important because it served as a tangible, yearly reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and provision. As the Israelites transitioned from wilderness wandering to an agrarian society in the Promised Land, this ritual taught them to acknowledge that the fertility of the land and the abundance of their harvest were not due to their own efforts or pagan deities, but solely to the gracious hand of the LORD. It distinguished their worship from that of surrounding nations and reinforced their unique relationship with the God who had delivered them from slavery in Egypt and was now sustaining them in the land He had given them, as described in [Deuteronomy 8:7-10](/deuteronomy/8-7 "Deuteronomy 8:7-10 - God's Provision in the Promised Land"). It was an act of both obedience and profound gratitude, ensuring they remembered their humble beginnings and God's mighty acts on their behalf.

**Does this verse imply that God needs our offerings?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that God needs our offerings. The LORD, as the Creator and Sustainer of all things, is inherently self-sufficient and lacks nothing (see [Psalm 50:10-12](/psalm/50-10 "Psalm 50:10-12 - God Owns Everything")). Rather, the command to bring firstfruits and worship serves the benefit of the worshiper. It is a pedagogical tool designed to cultivate gratitude, humility, trust, and obedience in the hearts of the Israelites. By giving the first and best, they were reminded of God's ownership over all things and their dependent relationship on Him. The act of offering was a means for them to express their faith and love, to acknowledge His sovereignty, and to reinforce their identity as His covenant people, not to fulfill any divine need.

**How does the concept of "firstfruits" relate to modern Christian giving?**

Answer: While modern Christians no longer bring literal agricultural firstfruits, the underlying principles of Deuteronomy 26:10 remain highly relevant to Christian giving. The concept encourages believers to give their "first and best" to God, rather than giving from what is left over. This reflects a priority where God is honored first in our finances, time, and talents, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of all blessings. It's an act of worship and trust, demonstrating that we acknowledge His sovereignty and believe He will continue to provide. This principle is echoed in the New Testament's call to generous and cheerful giving, as seen in [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving"), and in the broader call to live a life of dedication to Christ, offering our entire selves as a spiritual act of worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 26:10, with its emphasis on the firstfruits offering and worship, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament ritual pointed to God's provision and Israel's grateful response, Jesus himself is presented in the New Testament as the "firstfruits" of a new creation and a greater harvest. His resurrection from the dead is declared as the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")), guaranteeing the future resurrection of all who believe in Him. Just as the Israelite's firstfruits consecrated the entire harvest, Christ's resurrection consecrates and assures the resurrection of all believers. Furthermore, the command to bring the firstfruits and worship before the LORD is fully realized in Christ, who is both the perfect worshiper and the ultimate offering. Through His sacrificial death, He offered Himself as the perfect "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making it possible for us to approach God with true worship and gratitude, not based on our own produce, but on His perfect provision. We are now called to offer ourselves as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), dedicating our entire lives—our "first and best"—to God in response to the immeasurable gift of salvation in Christ, who is the true and final fulfillment of all Old Testament shadows and the ultimate expression of God's gracious provision.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 4:10

As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1 Peter 4:11

If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Deuteronomy 26:4

And the priest shall take the basket out of thine hand, and set it down before the altar of the LORD thy God.

Deuteronomy 6:10

And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,

Deuteronomy 6:13

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

Exodus 22:29

Thou shalt not delay [to offer] the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.

Psalms 95:6

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.