“Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.”
This verse is part of the legislation provided by God to the Israelites through Moses, commonly referred to as the Mosaic Law or the Law of Moses. It specifically addresses the offering of the firstfruits and the firstborn to the Lord.
The Principle of Prompt Offering:The verse begins with the command, “Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors.” This verse emphasizes the principle of promptness in offering the first and best of one’s produce to God. It highlights the importance of prioritising God and giving Him the first portion of what one possesses.
Offering of the Firstfruits:The “first of thy ripe fruits” refers to the initial and best harvest of crops. In agricultural societies like ancient Israel, the firstfruits were considered a token of gratitude to God for His provision and a recognition that everything belongs to Him. By offering the firstfruits, the Israelites expressed their trust in God’s faithfulness and acknowledged His ownership over their resources.
Offering of the Firstborn:The second part of the verse states, “the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.” This instruction pertains to consecrating the firstborn sons to God. In the context of Exodus, it recalls the event of the Passover, where God spared the Israelites’ firstborn sons from the final plague in Egypt (Exodus 12:29-30). The command reminds the Israelites that their firstborn sons belong to God, and therefore, they are to be dedicated to His service.
It’s worth noting that the Law of Moses contained various regulations to guide the Israelites’ religious, social, and ethical conduct. While some of these laws were specifically for the Israelites during their time, others carried moral and spiritual principles that can still be applied today. As Christians, we recognise that Jesus Christ fulfilled the requirements of the Law and inaugurated a new covenant through His life, death, and resurrection (Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 8:6-13). Therefore, we are not bound to follow the ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law, such as offering firstfruits or sacrificing firstborn sons. However, we can still draw valuable lessons from these passages about honouring God, giving Him our best, and dedicating our lives to His service.
In summary:Exodus 22:29 emphasises the principle of promptness in offering the firstfruits and the firstborn to God. It reminds us to prioritise God, acknowledge His ownership, and give Him the best of what we have. While the specific regulations mentioned in this verse may not apply to us today, the underlying principles of gratitude, trust, and consecration are timeless and can guide our relationship with God.
