Topical Bible: Priests: Revenues of First-Born of Animals or Their Substitutes

◄ Priests: Revenues of First-Born of Animals or Their Substitutes ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Old Testament, the firstborn of animals held a significant place in the religious and economic life of Israel, serving as a source of revenue for the priesthood. This practice was rooted in the broader principle of dedicating the firstborn to the Lord, as a recognition of His sovereignty and provision.

Biblical Foundation

The dedication of the firstborn is established in Exodus 13:2, where God commands, "Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast." This command underscores the principle that the first and best of all produce and livestock were to be offered to God, acknowledging His ultimate ownership.

Firstborn of Clean Animals

The firstborn of clean animals, such as oxen, sheep, and goats, were to be offered as sacrifices. Numbers 18:17-18 states, "But you must not redeem the firstborn of an ox, a sheep, or a goat; they are holy. You are to sprinkle their blood on the altar and burn their fat as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. Their meat belongs to you, just as the breast and right thigh of the wave offering belong to you." This passage highlights that the priests were entitled to the meat of these offerings, providing them with sustenance and supporting their service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple.

Substitution and Redemption

In cases where the firstborn animal was unclean, such as a donkey, it could not be offered as a sacrifice. Instead, it was to be redeemed or substituted. Exodus 13:13 instructs, "You must redeem every firstborn donkey with a lamb, and if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. And every firstborn of man among your sons you must redeem." The redemption price for unclean animals and human firstborns was set at five shekels of silver, as detailed in Numbers 18:15-16: "The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD, belongs to you. But you must surely redeem the firstborn of man and the firstborn of unclean animals. When they are a month old, you must redeem them at the redemption price of five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs."

Economic and Spiritual Implications

The revenues from the firstborn of animals or their substitutes provided a vital economic resource for the priests, who were not allocated land like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, their sustenance came from the offerings and tithes of the people. This system ensured that the priests could focus on their spiritual duties without the distraction of agricultural labor.

Moreover, the practice of offering the firstborn served as a continual reminder of God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, particularly the sparing of the Israelite firstborn during the Passover (Exodus 12:12-13). It reinforced the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing themes of redemption, sacrifice, and divine provision.

In summary, the revenues from the firstborn of animals or their substitutes were integral to the support of the priesthood, reflecting both economic necessity and deep spiritual symbolism within the covenant community of Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 18:17,18
But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, you shall not redeem; they are holy: you shall sprinkle their blood on the altar, and shall burn their fat for an offering made by fire, for a sweet smell to the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 13:12,13
That you shall set apart to the LORD all that opens the matrix, and every firstling that comes of a beast which you have; the males shall be the LORD's.
Torrey's Topical Textbook