Deuteronomy 26:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 26:4 captures a pivotal moment within the ancient Israelite firstfruits ceremony, where the priest receives the worshiper's basket of agricultural bounty and formally places it before the altar of the LORD. This seemingly simple ritual act is profoundly symbolic, representing the culmination of the worshiper's gratitude and obedience, the acknowledgment of divine provision, and the priestly mediation necessary for the offering's acceptance before God, thereby reinforcing the covenant relationship between Israel and their sovereign Provider.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 26:4 is embedded within a specific liturgical instruction for the offering of firstfruits, found in [Deuteronomy 26:1-11](/deuteronomy/26 "Deuteronomy 26 - The Firstfruits Offering"). This section immediately follows the extensive legal codes and stipulations (chapters 12-25) that define Israel's covenant relationship with God, serving as a practical demonstration of obedience and worship. The broader context of Deuteronomy emphasizes the renewal of the covenant at Moab, urging Israel to remember God's faithfulness and to respond with wholehearted devotion once they enter the Promised Land. The firstfruits ceremony, therefore, acts as a tangible expression of this renewed commitment, culminating in the worshiper's historical confession (vv. 5-10) and a communal celebration of God's goodness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, this command was given as Israel stood on the cusp of entering the land of Canaan, a land promised to them by God (cf. [Deuteronomy 26:3](/deuteronomy/26-3 "Deuteronomy 26:3 - Entering the Promised Land")). Their society was agrarian, utterly dependent on the land's fertility and God's provision of rain for their sustenance. In this context, the offering of firstfruits served as a profound theological statement, distinguishing Israel's worship from the surrounding pagan fertility cults that attributed agricultural success to Baal or other deities. Culturally, the altar was the focal point of Israelite worship, representing God's presence and the designated place for communion and atonement. The act of placing the basket "before the altar" signified a direct presentation to God Himself, facilitated by the designated priestly mediator.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Gratitude and Thanksgiving** for God's abundant provision and faithfulness in bringing Israel into the "land flowing with milk and honey" ([Deuteronomy 26:9](/deuteronomy/26-9 "Deuteronomy 26:9 - The Promised Land")). It also highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, acknowledging that all blessings, especially the harvest, originate from God alone, fostering a spirit of dependence rather than self-sufficiency. Furthermore, the priest's action emphasizes the theme of **Priestly Mediation**, illustrating the essential role of the Levitical priesthood in facilitating Israel's approach to God through prescribed rituals. Finally, the entire ceremony, including this specific act, is an expression of **Covenant Obedience and Worship**, reinforcing the unique relationship between the LORD and His chosen people, a relationship built on His gracious initiative and their faithful response.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Basket (Hebrew, _ṭeneʼ_):** This term refers to a woven container, typically made from reeds or wicker, specifically designed for carrying agricultural produce. Its humble and practical nature underscores the direct, unadorned connection between the worshiper's labor in the field and the fruit presented to God. It symbolizes the tangible outcome of God's blessing upon the land and human effort.
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbēaḥ_):** The altar was the central and most sacred piece of furniture in the tabernacle and later the temple, serving as the designated place for sacrifices, offerings, and the burning of incense. It symbolized God's presence, the means of atonement, and the focal point of Israelite worship. Placing the basket before the altar signified presenting the offering directly to God Himself, making it consecrated and acceptable.
* **LORD thy God (Hebrew, _Yahweh Eloheka_):** This recurring phrase in Deuteronomy emphasizes the unique, covenantal relationship between Israel and their God. "Yahweh" (LORD) is God's personal, covenant name, revealing His faithfulness and self-existence, while "Eloheka" (thy God) highlights the exclusive and intimate bond He shares with Israel. This designation reminds the worshiper that their offering is not to a generic deity but to the specific God who delivered them from Egypt and brought them into the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall take the basket out of thine hand":** This clause highlights the crucial role of the Levitical priest as the authorized mediator. The worshiper, having brought their offering to the sanctuary, personally presents it to the priest. The priest's act of "taking" signifies the formal transfer of the offering from the individual's possession into the sacred sphere, preparing it for divine acceptance. It underscores the structured and orderly nature of Israelite worship, where access to God was facilitated through appointed channels.
* **"and set it down before the altar":** This is the climactic action of the verse. The altar, as the focal point of divine presence and sacrificial worship, is the ultimate destination for the offering. To "set it down before the altar" means to formally present it to God in His holy dwelling place. This act consecrates the offering, making it acceptable and signifying its dedication to the LORD. It is not merely a physical placement but a spiritual presentation.
* **"of the LORD thy God":** This concluding phrase explicitly identifies the divine recipient of the offering. By using the covenant name "LORD" (Yahweh) and the possessive "thy God" (Eloheka), the text reiterates the unique, personal, and exclusive relationship between the God of Israel and His people. It emphasizes that this offering is not a generic act of piety but a specific act of worship directed to the God who redeemed them and provided for them, reinforcing the covenant bond.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 26:4 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. The most prominent is **Ritual Language**, characterized by precise, prescriptive instructions that guide the worshiper through a sacred ceremony. This detailed articulation ensures proper execution and imbues the act with solemnity and significance. **Symbolism** is also central, with the "basket" representing the tangible fruit of God's provision and the worshiper's labor, while the "altar" profoundly symbolizes God's holy presence, the designated place of communion, and the means by which offerings are made acceptable. The act of the priest "taking" from the worshiper's "hand" and "setting it down" before the altar subtly employs **Metonymy**, where the physical actions represent the spiritual transaction of presenting and receiving. The repeated phrase "the LORD thy God" serves as a powerful **Emphasis** on the covenant relationship, reinforcing the unique identity of the God being worshiped and the exclusive nature of Israel's devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 26:4 encapsulates a profound theological truth: that all blessings flow from God, and humanity's proper response is one of humble gratitude and faithful offering. The act of presenting the firstfruits, mediated by the priest, teaches Israel their utter dependence on God for sustenance and prosperity. It underscores the principle of giving God the "first and best" as an act of worship, acknowledging His sovereignty over all creation and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. This ritual was not merely an agricultural tax but a spiritual discipline, designed to cultivate a heart of remembrance for God's past deliverance and trust in His future provision. It also prefigures the necessity of mediation in approaching a holy God, a concept that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

* [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - Firstfruits Command")
* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the LORD with Your Wealth")
* [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific ritual of presenting firstfruits with a physical basket no longer applies to New Covenant believers, the enduring principles embedded in Deuteronomy 26:4 resonate deeply with Christian faith and practice. This verse calls us to cultivate a profound and habitual attitude of gratitude, recognizing that every good and perfect gift, whether material or spiritual, descends from our Heavenly Father. It challenges us to give God not merely our leftovers, but the "first and best" of our time, talents, and resources, as a tangible expression of our worship and trust in His ongoing provision. Furthermore, it reminds us of the necessity of mediation to approach a holy God, a truth that finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. Our "offerings" today are not agricultural produce, but lives consecrated to Him, offered in spiritual worship through Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as the ultimate source of all blessings shape my attitude towards my possessions, talents, and opportunities?**
* **In what practical ways can I apply the principle of offering my "firstfruits"—the best of my time, energy, or resources—to God in my daily life?**
* **How does understanding the priest's role in Deuteronomy 26:4 deepen my appreciation for Jesus Christ's perfect and ongoing mediation on my behalf?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the firstfruits offering in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the firstfruits offering was multifaceted: it served as a profound act of **gratitude and thanksgiving** to God for His bountiful provision and for faithfully bringing Israel into the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey ([Deuteronomy 26:9](/deuteronomy/26-9 "Deuteronomy 26:9 - The Promised Land")). It was also an act of **remembrance**, recalling their humble origins as "a wandering Aramean" and God's mighty deliverance from Egyptian bondage ([Deuteronomy 26:5-8](/deuteronomy/26-5 "Deuteronomy 26:5-8 - The Historical Creed")). Furthermore, it was an explicit act of **obedience** to God's covenant commands, acknowledging His sovereignty over all creation and their utter dependence on Him for sustenance. By offering the first and best of their harvest, Israel ritually affirmed their covenant relationship with the LORD.

**Why was the priest's action of taking the basket and setting it before the altar so significant?**

Answer: The priest's action was critically significant because he served as the divinely appointed **mediator** between the people and God. By taking the basket from the worshiper's hand, the priest formally received the offering into the sacred realm, ensuring its proper presentation according to God's commands. His act of setting it "before the altar" consecrated the offering, making it acceptable to God. This ritual emphasized that direct access to a holy God was not possible for the common Israelite; it required the intercession and proper procedure facilitated by the Levitical priesthood, underscoring the sacredness of God's presence and the structured nature of Israelite worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 26:4, with its depiction of priestly mediation and the presentation of a grateful offering, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as the Levitical priest stood between the Israelite worshiper and the altar, so Jesus Christ stands as our great [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our High Priest"), who has passed through the heavens and ever lives to make [intercession for us](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession"). The humble basket of firstfruits, representing the best of the harvest offered in gratitude, is profoundly superseded by Christ Himself, who is the [firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection"), inaugurating the new creation and the resurrection life. Through His perfect sacrifice and ongoing priestly ministry, our "offerings" of praise, service, and our very lives are made acceptable to God, not by our own merit or ritual precision, but by His perfect work on the cross and His [continual advocacy at the Father's right hand](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession"). Thus, the ancient ritual points forward to the reality that in Christ, we have direct and confident access to the Father, bringing our grateful hearts and lives as spiritual sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")).

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

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.