Deuteronomy 26:2

KJV

That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt put [it] in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there.

KJV (with Strong's)

That thou shalt take {H3947} of the first {H7225} of all the fruit {H6529} of the earth {H127}, which thou shalt bring {H935} of thy land {H776} that the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth {H5414} thee, and shalt put {H7760} it in a basket {H2935}, and shalt go {H1980} unto the place {H4725} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} shall choose {H977} to place {H7931} his name {H8034} there.

Complete Jewish Bible

you are to take the firstfruits of all the crops the ground yields, which you will harvest from your land that ADONAI your God is giving you, put them in a basket and go to the place where ADONAI your God will choose to have his name live.

Berean Standard Bible

you are to take some of the firstfruits of all your produce from the soil of the land that the LORD your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for His Name,

American Standard Version

that thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which thou shalt bring in from thy land that Jehovah thy God giveth thee; and thou shalt put it in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which Jehovah thy God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 26:2 introduces the foundational ritual of the firstfruits offering, a pivotal act of worship for the Israelites upon entering the Promised Land. This verse outlines the initial step of bringing the choicest produce of the land, placed in a basket, to the divinely appointed central sanctuary. It encapsulates themes of gratitude, obedience, and the profound acknowledgment of God's sovereign provision and ownership of the land and its bounty, establishing a tangible expression of covenant faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a significant liturgical passage (Deuteronomy 26:1-11) that outlines the ceremony for presenting the firstfruits of the harvest and a declaration of Israel's history and God's faithfulness. It immediately follows a lengthy section of laws and stipulations (Deuteronomy 12-25) concerning Israel's life in the land, serving as a climactic expression of worship and covenant renewal. The commands here are not merely legalistic but are framed as a response of gratitude for God's fulfillment of His promises to their ancestors, providing a tangible way for the people to affirm their relationship with Yahweh as they settle into their inheritance. The subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 26:3-11) detail the liturgical confession and the joyful feasting that accompany this offering, emphasizing the communal and celebratory nature of their worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses delivers these instructions to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, poised to cross the Jordan River and enter Canaan. This moment is fraught with anticipation and the weight of God's promises. The command anticipates their future life as settled agriculturalists, moving beyond their nomadic existence in the wilderness. The act of offering firstfruits was common in the ancient Near East, but Israel's practice was distinct due to its theological underpinnings: it was an acknowledgment that the land itself, and its fertility, was a gracious gift from Yahweh, not the result of human effort or the benevolence of pagan deities. The "place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there" refers to the future central sanctuary, which would eventually be Shiloh and later Jerusalem, symbolizing God's unique presence and authority among His people and serving as the singular locus for national worship and offerings.
* **Key Themes:** The firstfruits offering in [Deuteronomy 26](/deuteronomy/26 "Deuteronomy 26 - The Firstfruits and Tithe") is rich with theological significance. A primary theme is **Gratitude and Thanksgiving**, as the act is a direct response to God's faithfulness in providing the promised land and its produce (cf. [Deuteronomy 8:7-10](/deuteronomy/8-7 "Deuteronomy 8:7-10 - God's Provision in the Land")). It underscores the **Acknowledgement of God's Sovereignty and Ownership**, reminding Israel that all blessings flow from Him and that they are merely stewards of His bounty (cf. [Psalm 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's")). The offering is also a profound act of **Obedience and Covenant Faithfulness**, a tangible demonstration of their commitment to the covenant established at Sinai. Furthermore, the concept of the **Sanctity of the First** is paramount; by dedicating the initial and often best portion of the harvest, Israel affirmed that God deserves their priority and excellence, setting a precedent for giving Him the choicest of all their possessions (cf. [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - The Command to Bring Firstfruits")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **first (Hebrew, _rē’šît_):** This word signifies not merely the initial quantity of a harvest, but specifically the "beginning," "chief," or "choicest" portion. It implies quality and priority, indicating that God is to receive the best, not merely what is left over or an arbitrary sample. The offering of the _rē’šît_ acknowledges God's preeminence and His role as the source of all blessing, establishing a principle of honoring Him with excellence.
* **place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there (Hebrew, _maqom asher yivchar YHWH Eloheykha bo leshakken shmo sham_):** This phrase is a theological circumlocution for the central sanctuary that God Himself would designate. It emphasizes God's initiative and sovereignty in choosing a specific location for His worship. "To place his name there" does not mean God's physical presence is confined to that place, but rather that His character, authority, and covenantal presence would be uniquely manifested and honored there. It would be the focal point of Israelite national worship, symbolizing His dwelling among His people and His accessibility to them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth":** This is a direct command, initiating the ritual. The emphasis on "the first" (Hebrew: _rē’šît_) highlights the principle of giving God the choicest and earliest portion of the harvest, signifying His priority and the source of all blessings. It applies to all produce, acknowledging God's universal provision.
* **"which thou shalt bring of thy land that the LORD thy God giveth thee":** This clause explicitly connects the offering to the Promised Land, emphasizing that the land itself is a divine gift. The repetition of "the LORD thy God giveth thee" underscores God's gracious provision and Israel's dependence on Him, countering any self-sufficiency or pride in their own labor.
* **"and shalt put [it] in a basket":** This detail specifies the humble and practical manner of presentation. The basket, a common agricultural implement, signifies the directness and simplicity of the offering, brought by the individual worshiper from their own harvest. It makes the act personal and tangible.
* **"and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there":** This final instruction directs the worshiper to the designated central sanctuary. This centralization of worship was crucial for Israel's theological unity and purity, preventing idolatry and ensuring proper adherence to God's commands. It signifies that worship is to be conducted according to God's prescribed manner and at His chosen location, where His presence and authority are uniquely acknowledged.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 26:2 employs several potent literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent, particularly in the phrase "the LORD thy God," which appears multiple times within this short verse and throughout Deuteronomy. This repetition serves to reinforce Yahweh's unique identity as Israel's covenant God, the giver of the land, and the recipient of their worship, underscoring His singular authority and faithfulness. The phrase "the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee" is also a recurring motif, acting as a **Leitwort** (a guiding word or phrase) throughout the book, constantly reminding the Israelites of the gratuitous nature of their inheritance. **Symbolism** is evident in the "first of all the fruit of the earth" and the "basket." The firstfruits symbolize God's ownership and the worshiper's acknowledgment of His ultimate provision, while the basket represents the tangible act of bringing one's labor and gratitude before God in a humble, personal manner. The entire passage also functions as a form of **Anticipation**, looking forward to a time when Israel will be settled in the land, establishing rituals that will define their future national identity and worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 26:2 establishes a profound theological principle: all that we possess is a gift from God, and our response should be one of grateful acknowledgment and dedicated worship. The command to offer the firstfruits is not merely about giving a portion of one's harvest; it is about recognizing God's sovereignty over creation, His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, and His rightful claim to the best of our lives. This act of "firstfruits" transcends a simple agricultural practice, becoming a foundational expression of trust and dependence. It teaches that God is to be honored with priority, not with leftovers, and that true prosperity is found in acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of all good things. This principle of giving the "first" permeates biblical theology, from the offerings of Cain and Abel to the tithes and sacrifices, all pointing to the truth that God deserves our highest honor and our earliest devotion.

* [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - The First of the Firstfruits")
* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")
* [Numbers 18:12](/numbers/18-12 "Numbers 18:12 - Priests' Share of Firstfruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 26:2 offers timeless wisdom for believers today, inviting us to cultivate a life marked by profound gratitude and intentional worship. Just as the Israelites were called to tangibly acknowledge God's provision in their harvest, we are similarly called to recognize God's hand in every area of our lives—our finances, time, talents, relationships, and opportunities. This verse challenges us to move beyond a transactional view of blessings to a relational one, understanding that our giving is a response to God's prior generosity and a declaration of our dependence on Him. It encourages us to prioritize God in all things, offering Him our "firstfruits" – not just our leftovers – as a testament to His rightful place as Lord. This means intentionally setting aside the best of our resources, energy, and attention for His purposes, trusting that He who provides the seed will also provide the harvest. Our worship, then, becomes not just an event, but a lifestyle of continuous acknowledgment that "every good and perfect gift is from above" ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good Gift is from God")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most prone to forget God's provision and take credit for your own efforts?**
* **What does it practically look like to offer God your "firstfruits" in your time, finances, or talents today?**
* **How does the principle of recognizing God's ownership of all things shape your perspective on stewardship?**
* **How can you cultivate a more consistent and intentional heart of gratitude for God's blessings, even in challenging circumstances?**

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

Answer: The firstfruits offering was crucial for several reasons. Theologically, it was a tangible acknowledgment that the land of Canaan and its produce were not earned by Israel's might but were a gracious gift from Yahweh, fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). It served as a constant reminder of God's sovereignty and ownership over all creation ([Psalm 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's")). Culturally, it distinguished Israel's worship from pagan practices, where offerings were often made to appease capricious deities or to ensure fertility. For Israel, it was an act of grateful response to a faithful God. Spiritually, it cultivated a heart of gratitude, humility, and trust, reinforcing their covenant relationship with God and ensuring that He remained central to their national and individual lives.

**What does "the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there" signify?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the central sanctuary designated by God for His worship, which would eventually be the Temple in Jerusalem. It signifies that God's presence, authority, and character would be uniquely manifested and honored at this specific location. It was not that God was physically confined to this place, but rather that it was the divinely appointed locus where His covenant people could approach Him, offer sacrifices, and receive His blessings according to His prescribed ways. This centralization of worship was vital for maintaining the unity and purity of Israel's faith, preventing the spread of idolatry and ensuring that all offerings and rituals adhered to God's commands, rather than being performed at various local, unauthorized shrines.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 26:2, with its emphasis on the "firstfruits" of the land offered in gratitude to God, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true and perfect "Firstfruits" in multiple dimensions. As the firstborn from the dead, Christ's resurrection is the guarantee and prototype of the future resurrection of all believers, making Him 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")). His resurrection inaugurates the new creation, signifying that a new humanity, freed from sin and death, has begun in Him. Furthermore, believers themselves are called "a kind of firstfruits of all he created" ([James 1:18](/james/1-18 "James 1:18 - Believers as Firstfruits")) through the word of truth, indicating that we are the initial harvest of God's redemptive work, anticipating the full ingathering of His kingdom. The Holy Spirit given to believers is also described as the "firstfruits" ([Romans 8:23](/romans/8-23 "Romans 8:23 - The Spirit as Firstfruits")), a down payment and guarantee of our future glorification and the complete redemption of our bodies and creation itself. Thus, the Old Testament ritual of offering the first and best of the harvest foreshadows God's ultimate offering of His "Firstfruits"—His Son Jesus Christ—who perfectly fulfilled the law's demands and initiated a new covenant where gratitude is expressed not through agricultural produce, but through faith in Him and a life transformed by His Spirit.

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

Exodus 23:19

The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

Exodus 23:16

And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, [which is] in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.

Ezekiel 44:30

And the first of all the firstfruits of all [things], and every oblation of all, of every [sort] of your oblations, shall be the priest's: ye shall also give unto the priest the first of your dough, that he may cause the blessing to rest in thine house.

1 Corinthians 16:2

Upon the first [day] of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as [God] hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Romans 8:23

And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.

Exodus 34:26

The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

Deuteronomy 16:10

And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give [unto the LORD thy God], according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: