“And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,”
Context: The Book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and primarily focuses on the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. It contains various laws, regulations, and accounts of the Israelites’ experiences in the wilderness.
Explanation:
This verse serves as an introduction to a specific commandment that God gives to Moses. Let’s explore the broader context to understand the significance of this commandment.
Numbers 15:18-21 (KJV) continues the passage, stating:
“Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land whither I bring you, then it shall be, that, when ye eat of the bread of the land, ye shall offer up an heave offering unto the Lord. Ye shall offer up a cake of the first of your dough for a heave offering: as ye do the heave offering of the threshing floor, so shall ye heave it. Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the Lord a heave offering in your generations.”
Interpretation:
- Obedience and Offering: In this passage, God instructs the Israelites to offer a portion of the first dough they make from the produce of the Promised Land as a heave offering to the Lord. This offering was a way for the people to acknowledge God’s provision and express their obedience and gratitude to Him.
- First Fruits: The principle of offering the first fruits is a recurring theme in the Bible. By giving the first and best portion to God, it was a tangible act of recognizing His authority and trusting in His continued provision. This act also demonstrated the Israelites’ dependence on God and their commitment to follow His instructions.
- Generational Continuity: The passage emphasizes that this offering should continue throughout generations. It was not a one-time event but a practice to be observed consistently as a reminder of God’s faithfulness. The act of giving the first of their dough would help instill in future generations the importance of honoring God with their resources.
- Spiritual Application: While this commandment was specifically for the Israelites in relation to the Promised Land, it carries spiritual significance for believers today. It reminds us to give God the first place in our lives, offering our resources, talents, time, and devotion to Him. Just as the Israelites gave their first fruits as an act of trust and gratitude, we can express our faith and gratitude to God by giving Him our best.
Application:
Numbers 15:17 and the subsequent verses encourage us to prioritize God and acknowledge His provision in our lives. As believers, we can apply the following principles from this passage:
- Give God the first place: Dedicate the first part of our day, resources, and talents to honor and serve Him.
- Express gratitude and trust: Develop a grateful heart, recognizing God’s faithfulness and provision in our lives.
- Teach the next generation: Pass down the values of honoring God and giving Him the first fruits to the future generations.
In summary, Numbers 15:17 highlights the importance of offering the first of their dough as a heave offering to the Lord. This practice demonstrated obedience, gratitude, and trust in God’s provision. It also reminds us, as believers, to give God the first place in our lives and offer Him our best as an act of faith and thanksgiving.
