“The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.”
Context: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and is part of the Old Testament. It contains the speeches and teachings of Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses is instructing the people regarding the giving of offerings and tithes to the Levitical priests and the provision for their sustenance.
Firstfruits: The first part of the verse refers to the firstfruits of various agricultural produce-corn (grain), wine, oil, and fleece. In the agricultural context of the ancient Israelites, the firstfruits were the initial and best harvest of the season, which were offered to God as an act of gratitude and worship.
Giving to the Levitical priests: The verse states that these firstfruits were to be given to the Levitical priests. The tribe of Levi was chosen by God to serve as priests and minister in the tabernacle/temple. They did not receive a land inheritance like the other tribes but were sustained through the offerings of the people.
Support for the priests: The firstfruits provided sustenance for the priests and their families. Since the Levites did not possess land or have other means of income, their livelihood depended on the offerings and tithes given by the other tribes of Israel. The firstfruits ensured that the priests were provided for and could dedicate themselves to their sacred duties.
Principle of giving: This verse reflects the principle of giving the first and best to God. By offering the firstfruits, the Israelites demonstrated their acknowledgment that all they had came from God, and they expressed their gratitude by giving back to Him. This principle of giving the first and best is also found in other parts of the Old Testament, such as Proverbs 3:9-10 and Exodus 23:19.
Application: While the specific practice of offering firstfruits is not commonly observed today, the principles underlying this verse are still relevant for Christians. Here are a few applications:
- Gratitude and worship: Like the Israelites, we should acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God. We can express our gratitude through acts of worship and thanksgiving, offering our resources, time, and talents to honor God.
- Support for spiritual leaders: Just as the Levitical priests were supported by the firstfruits, it is important for us to support those who serve in spiritual leadership roles today. This includes pastors, ministers, missionaries, and others who dedicate their lives to serving God and His people. Regular giving to support the ministry can help sustain them in their work.
- Generous giving: The principle of giving the first and best can be applied to our finances and resources. We can prioritize giving to God’s work and those in need, considering it a joyful act of worship. By giving sacrificially and generously, we demonstrate our trust in God’s provision and our desire to participate in His kingdom work.
- Cultivating a heart of gratitude: Offering the firstfruits was a tangible expression of gratitude. We can cultivate a similar heart of gratitude by recognizing God’s blessings in our lives and intentionally setting aside time for worship, prayer, and thanksgiving.
Remember that while this verse specifically addresses the practice of giving firstfruits to the Levitical priests, the broader principles of gratitude, worship, and generous giving remain valuable for believers today.
