Topical Bible: Offerings: Different Kinds of First-Fruits

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In the biblical context, offerings of first-fruits hold significant importance as expressions of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision. The concept of first-fruits is deeply rooted in the agricultural lifestyle of the Israelites and is intricately linked to their covenant relationship with God. The offerings of first-fruits are mentioned throughout the Old Testament and serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the Israelites' dependence on Him.

Biblical Foundation

The practice of offering first-fruits is established in the Mosaic Law, where the Israelites are commanded to bring the first yield of their harvest to the Lord. This act is a demonstration of faith, recognizing that all produce and prosperity come from God. In Exodus 23:19 , it is stated, "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God." This command underscores the principle of giving God the first and best of what one has received.

Types of First-Fruits Offerings

1. Grain Offerings: The first-fruits of grain were to be brought to the Lord as an offering. Leviticus 2:14 instructs, "If you bring a grain offering of firstfruits to the LORD, you are to offer crushed heads of new grain roasted in the fire." This offering was a way to honor God with the initial produce of the harvest season.

2. Firstfruits of the Harvest: The Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost, involved the offering of first-fruits from the wheat harvest. Leviticus 23:17 states, "From wherever you live, you are to bring two loaves made of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour, baked with yeast, as a wave offering of firstfruits to the LORD." This offering was a communal celebration of God's provision.

3. Firstborn of the Flock: The firstborn of livestock were also considered first-fruits and were to be dedicated to the Lord. Exodus 13:12 commands, "you are to present to the LORD the firstborn of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the LORD." This practice symbolized the sanctity of life and God's ownership over all creation.

4. Firstfruits of the Land: Beyond grains and livestock, the Israelites were to offer the firstfruits of all their produce. Deuteronomy 26:2 instructs, "you are to take some of the firstfruits of all the produce of the soil that you harvest from the land the LORD your God is giving you and put them in a basket." This offering was a tangible expression of gratitude for the land's fertility and God's blessing.

Spiritual Significance

The offering of first-fruits was not merely a ritualistic practice but carried profound spiritual significance. It was an act of worship, acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty. By offering the first and best, the Israelites demonstrated their trust in God's continued faithfulness to provide for their needs. Proverbs 3:9 encapsulates this principle: "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest."

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of first-fruits is expanded to include the resurrection of Christ and the believers' new life in Him. In 1 Corinthians 15:20 , Paul refers to Christ as the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep," signifying His resurrection as the first of many who will be raised to eternal life. This metaphorical use of first-fruits highlights the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ.

The offerings of first-fruits, therefore, serve as a timeless reminder of God's provision, the call to faithful stewardship, and the hope of resurrection and new life through Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 22:29
You shall not delay to offer the first of your ripe fruits, and of your liquors: the firstborn of your sons shall you give to me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 18:4
The first fruit also of your corn, of your wine, and of your oil, and the first of the fleece of your sheep, shall you give him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Popish Mass. How it not Only Profanes, but Annihilates the ...
... to the Lord, the bringing of all kinds of gifts ... performed, the Lord has prescribed
a different method to ... to which latter branch, burnt-offerings, and libations ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 of the popish.htm

The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ...
... may extend from beasts of different kinds to men ... courage among you; for these different
commanders, besides ... sacrificed and offered burnt-offerings, though after ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the polity settled.htm

Letter cii. (AD 409. )
... to suppose different things and different kinds of salvation ... practice and worship
was different: the question ... not because God needs our offerings, seeing that ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cii a d 409.htm

Miscellaneous Subjects.
... a sweet odor unto God must make such offerings a delight ... I may eat all kinds of meat
and be in the ... office work of the Holy Spirit, as being different from that ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xvi miscellaneous subjects.htm

The Mystery
... by other surprising effects of different kinds, was first ... be called new, either as
different and distinguished ... the object of oblations, except burnt offerings. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ...
... Pentateuch in the Temple defiled all kinds of meat ... eating - at least of sacrificial
offerings - to Solomon ... like these, which occur in different Rabbinic writings ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxi the cavils of.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... when it likens these endowments to the different members of ... alms as now corresponding
to the offerings under the Law ... that when it is wanting all kinds of misery ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter ii a summary of.htm

The Conversion of Cornelius.
... tables he would meet with some kinds of food ... another equally worthy, because his
circumstances are different. ... Most High did not reject his offerings, because he ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiii the conversion of.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... The priest gave such assurance by mediatorially receiving the offerings, and
representing, by ... 2:3, 4). It should be observed that the different kinds of human ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... when it likens these endowments to the different members of ... alms as now corresponding
to the offerings under the Law ... that when it is wanting all kinds of misery ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 a summary of.htm