“All the firstling males that come of thy herd and of thy flock thou shalt sanctify unto the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work with the firstling of thy bullock, nor shear the firstling of thy sheep.”
Context:Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, and it contains the laws and instructions given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Deuteronomy 15 focuses on various regulations related to the treatment of the poor, including the release of debts, provision for servants, and the offering of sacrifices.
Firstling Males:In this verse, God instructs the Israelites to sanctify or set apart all the firstborn males from their herds and flocks. The firstling or firstborn male was considered special and belonged to the Lord. This practice is a form of offering and dedication to God.
Sanctification:To sanctify something means to set it apart for holy or sacred use. In this case, the firstborn males were to be dedicated to the Lord. It was an act of recognising God’s ownership and authority over their possessions. By sanctifying the firstlings, the Israelites acknowledged that everything they had came from God.
Prohibition of Work:The verse also instructs the Israelites not to do any work with the firstborn male of the herd (bullock) or shear the firstborn male of the sheep. This prohibition ensures that the firstlings are entirely devoted to God and not used for personal gain or worldly purposes. It emphasises the importance of offering the first and best to God.
Symbolic Significance:The practice of sanctifying the firstborn males served as a reminder of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt when God spared the firstborn of Israel but struck down the firstborn of the Egyptians (Exodus 12:29-30). It was a way for the Israelites to express gratitude and remember God’s faithfulness.
Principles for Christians:While these regulations were specifically given to the Israelites under the Old Covenant, there are principles that Christians can draw from this verse. Firstly, it reminds us of the importance of dedicating our first and best to God. Whether it is our time, talents, or resources, God deserves our highest devotion.
Sacrificial Giving:The act of sanctifying the firstlings highlights the concept of sacrificial giving. As Christians, we are called to give generously and sacrificially, offering our lives and resources to God’s service. Jesus exemplified sacrificial giving by offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
Honouring God’s Provision:Sanctifying the firstborn males was an act of acknowledging God’s provision. Similarly, as believers, we should recognise that everything we have comes from God and should be used to honour Him. We are called to be good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 15:19 teaches us about the practice of sanctifying the firstborn males and dedicating them to God. While the specific regulations are not applicable to Christians today, the principles of sacrificial giving, honouring God’s provision, and offering our first and best to Him are relevant. It reminds us of the importance of dedicating our lives and resources to God’s service and recognising His faithfulness in our lives.
