Topical Bible: Offerings: Required to Be: The Best of Their Kind

◄ Offerings: Required to Be: The Best of Their Kind ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, offerings were a central aspect of worship and devotion to God, serving as expressions of gratitude, atonement, and dedication. The requirement for offerings to be the best of their kind underscores the importance of giving God what is most valuable and unblemished, reflecting His holiness and the sincerity of the worshiper.

Old Testament Foundations

The principle that offerings should be the best is rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system. In Leviticus, God commands the Israelites to present offerings that are without defect. Leviticus 22:21 states, "When a man presents a peace offering to the LORD to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering from the herd or flock, it must be without blemish to be acceptable; there must be no defect in it." This requirement emphasizes the need for purity and perfection in what is offered to God, symbolizing the worshiper's respect and reverence.

The first recorded instance of offerings in the Bible is found in Genesis 4, where Cain and Abel bring their gifts to the Lord. Abel's offering, described as "the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions" (Genesis 4:4), was accepted by God, while Cain's was not. This narrative highlights the importance of the quality and heart behind the offering.

The Best of the Firstfruits

The concept of firstfruits further illustrates the requirement for offerings to be the best. In Exodus 23:19 , God instructs, "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God." The firstfruits were the initial yield of the harvest, representing the choicest and most valuable portion. By offering the firstfruits, the Israelites demonstrated trust in God's provision and acknowledged His sovereignty over all creation.

Sacrificial Animals

The sacrificial system detailed in Leviticus and Numbers required that animals offered to God be without blemish. This stipulation is repeated throughout the Pentateuch, emphasizing the necessity for offerings to be perfect. In Malachi 1:8 , God rebukes the Israelites for offering blind and lame animals, saying, "When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you offer the lame and sick, is it not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?" This passage underscores the dishonor of presenting anything less than the best to God.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament shifts the focus from physical offerings to spiritual sacrifices, the principle of giving the best remains. Romans 12:1 urges believers, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This call to present oneself wholly to God reflects the same dedication and purity required in Old Testament offerings.

Spiritual Application

The requirement for offerings to be the best of their kind serves as a timeless principle for believers. It calls for a heart of worship that prioritizes God above all else, offering Him the best of one's time, resources, and devotion. This principle challenges believers to examine their motives and the quality of their offerings, ensuring that they reflect the honor and reverence due to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Malachi 1:14
But cursed be the deceiver, which has in his flock a male, and vows, and sacrifices to the LORD a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, said the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Best of All, God is with Us
... iron, the timber and the stone, that would be required. ... the very best clothing and
the very best posture for ... thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the best of all god.htm

The Best Beloved
... similar to Thomas Paine, but they never required an answer ... coming quickly, and the
best thing the best speaker could ... How few are the offerings that I present to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 24 1878/the best beloved.htm

Concerning Balaam the Prophet and what Kind of Man He Was.
... sacrifices, and offered them as burnt-offerings, that he ... in the earnest prosecution
of the best rules of ... you with such honors as hospitality required: and now ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning balaam the.htm

With the Entry of Angela's Great Picture "The Coming of Christ" ...
... of egress, their services were not required to either ... These floral offerings meant
much sacrifice on the part of ... to be unprofitable servants at best,"we can ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxviii with the entry of.htm

Altar and Temple
... as the duty of every day required; 5. And ... of the foundations of the old altar of
burnt offerings. ... They did their best to adhere to the ancient prescriptions ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
... The reason is obvious"they are not required"yea, they are ... Their offerings his soul
hateth. ... to improve on divine orders, in sparing the best cattle of ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxviii the danger of.htm

The Duty of Every Day
... 'Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the ... its own supplies, 'even as the duty
of every day required.'. ... every-day religion which will be our best ally, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the duty of every day.htm

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...
... At best, they leave the matter involved, undecided, uncertain ... writings, as if anything
can be required more distinct ... and chalice, to bring the offerings and lay ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm

The Necessity for Perspicuity of Style.
... And the best mode is that which secures that he ... the truth itself, as if it required
further explanation ... Psalm 16:4. (Vulgate.) "Their drink-offerings of blood ...
/.../chapter 10 the necessity for perspicuity.htm

The Oracles.
... shrine, and when they had made the offerings, and performed ... who were instructed to
perform the ceremonies required, to offer ... It will be best for him to form an ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter vi the oracles.htm