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.

And the priest {H3548} shall take {H3947} the basket {H2935} out of thine hand {H3027}, and set it down {H3240} before {H6440} the altar {H4196} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}.

The cohen will take the basket from your hand and put it down in front of the altar of ADONAI your God.

Then the priest shall take the basket from your hands and place it before the altar of the LORD your God,

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

Commentary

Deuteronomy 26:4 describes a specific moment in the ancient Israelite ceremony of bringing the firstfruits. After the worshiper has presented their basket of harvest to the priest, this verse details the priest's action: taking the basket and setting it before the altar of the LORD. This seemingly simple action is rich with theological and cultural significance.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy (chapters 26-28) that outlines the covenant stipulations and blessings/curses for obedience/disobedience. Specifically, Deuteronomy 26:1-11 details the ritual for offering the "first of all the fruit of the earth" (see Deuteronomy 26:2). This ceremony was to be performed once the Israelites entered the Promised Land, serving as a tangible act of thanksgiving and remembrance. The worshiper was to recite a historical creed, recalling their humble beginnings as a "perishing Syrian" and God's mighty deliverance from Egyptian bondage (Deuteronomy 26:5). The priest's role here was crucial, acting as an intermediary in presenting the offering before God.

Key Themes

  • Gratitude and Thanksgiving: The primary theme is the expression of profound gratitude to God for His bountiful provision and for bringing them into a land flowing with milk and honey. The firstfruits were a recognition that all blessings originate from Him.
  • Divine Provision: The act acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all sustenance and prosperity. It teaches reliance on Him for daily bread.
  • Priestly Mediation: The priest's action of taking the basket and setting it before the altar highlights the Levitical priesthood's role in mediating between the people and God. They facilitated the proper presentation of offerings and worship.
  • Worship and Obedience: The entire ceremony was an act of worship and obedience to God's commands, reinforcing the covenant relationship between Israel and the LORD.

Linguistic Insights

The term "basket" (Hebrew: ṭeneʼ) refers to a woven container specifically used for carrying produce, emphasizing the agricultural nature of the offering. The "altar" (Hebrew: mizbēaḥ) was the central place of sacrifice and offering in Israelite worship, symbolizing God's presence and the means of approaching Him. The phrase "the LORD thy God" (Hebrew: Yahweh Eloheka) consistently reminds the Israelites of their unique covenant relationship with the one true God.

Practical Application

While we no longer observe the firstfruits ceremony in the same way, the principles embedded in Deuteronomy 26:4 remain highly relevant for believers today:

  • Acknowledge God's Provision: We are called to recognize that all we have—our resources, talents, health, and opportunities—are gifts from God. This fosters a spirit of humility and dependence.
  • Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude: Regularly giving thanks to God for His blessings, both spiritual and material, is a vital aspect of Christian living. This can be expressed through prayer, praise, and acts of generosity.
  • Offer Our "Firstfruits": This can mean dedicating the best of our time, talents, and resources to God's service, rather than giving Him only what is left over. It's about prioritizing God in all areas of life, understanding that "Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase" (Proverbs 3:9).
  • Understanding Christ's Role: In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as our ultimate High Priest, who mediates on our behalf before God. Through Him, our offerings of praise, service, and ourselves are made acceptable to the Father.

This verse, therefore, serves as a timeless reminder of worship centered on gratitude, recognition of God's sovereignty, and the importance of presenting our lives as an offering before Him.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 13:10

    We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

  • Hebrews 13:12

    Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

  • Matthew 23:19

    [Ye] fools and blind: for whether [is] greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?

  • Matthew 5:23

    Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

  • Matthew 5:24

    Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
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