What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 26:10?

And now, behold,

- “And now” signals that the worshiper moves from retelling God’s saving acts (vv.5-9) to responding in obedience.

- “Behold” invites attention; it is as though the worshiper says, “Look at what God’s grace has produced in my hands.”

- Similar calls to attentive obedience appear in Deuteronomy 26:16 and 1 Samuel 12:16.

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I have brought the firstfruits of the land

- Firstfruits are the earliest harvest portion, deliberately set apart for God (Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 23:10).

- Giving the first and best demonstrates trust that God will bless the remaining harvest (Proverbs 3:9-10).

- The principle continues in the New Testament, where Christ Himself is called “the firstfruits” (1 Corinthians 15:20), showing that what is given first to God points to greater blessing to come.

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that You, O LORD, have given me.

- The worshiper openly credits God as the source of the land and its yield (Deuteronomy 8:17-18; 1 Chronicles 29:14).

- This confession guards the heart against pride and cultivates daily gratitude (James 1:17).

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Then you are to place the basket before the LORD your God

- Laying the basket down in the sanctuary (Deuteronomy 12:5-7) is a tangible act of surrender: what God has given is now returned to His service.

- “Before the LORD” highlights God’s nearness among His people; offerings were not merely dropped off but presented in His presence (Psalm 96:8).

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and bow down before Him.

- Physical posture mirrors inner submission; worship includes mind, heart, and body (Psalm 95:6).

- Bowing underscores that gifts are secondary to the Giver; obedience culminates in adoration (Philippians 2:10; Revelation 4:10).

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summary

Deuteronomy 26:10 captures a worshiper’s grateful response: recognizing the Lord’s provision (“And now, behold”), giving the first and best (“I have brought the firstfruits”), confessing divine ownership (“that You…have given me”), relinquishing the gift (“place the basket before the LORD”), and finally prostrating in wholehearted worship (“bow down before Him”). The verse teaches that authentic gratitude moves from thankful words to concrete obedience and ends in humble adoration of the God who provides everything.