Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of the first-born holds significant theological and cultural importance. The first-born of both humans and animals were considered sacred to the Lord, as seen in the laws given to the Israelites. This entry focuses on the specific regulations concerning the first-born calf and the stipulations for its redemption or sacrifice.Biblical Foundation The laws regarding the first-born are primarily found in the Pentateuch, where God commands the Israelites to consecrate every first-born male to Him. This includes both human offspring and the first-born of livestock. The principle is rooted in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, where the first-born of the Egyptians were struck down, but the first-born of Israel were spared (Exodus 13:2, 12-15). The Law of Redemption According to the Mosaic Law, the first-born of clean animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, were to be offered as sacrifices to the Lord. However, there were provisions for redemption. In the case of unclean animals, such as donkeys, the first-born could be redeemed by substituting a lamb. If not redeemed, the animal was to be killed by breaking its neck (Exodus 13:13; 34:20). For the first-born calf, being a clean animal, the law required it to be sacrificed unless it was redeemed. The redemption process involved offering a substitute sacrifice or paying a redemption price, which was typically five shekels of silver (Numbers 18:15-17). Spiritual Significance The requirement to redeem or sacrifice the first-born calf underscores the principle of God's ownership over all creation. It serves as a reminder of God's deliverance and His claim over the first-fruits of the land and livestock. The act of redemption is a powerful symbol of substitutionary atonement, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who redeems humanity from sin. Practical Implications for Ancient Israel For the Israelites, these laws reinforced the need for obedience and reverence towards God. The act of redeeming or sacrificing the first-born was a tangible expression of faith and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. It also served as a continual reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people. Scriptural References · Exodus 13:2 : "Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast." · Exodus 13:13 : "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 your sons you must redeem." · Numbers 18:15-17 : "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 set at five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs." These passages highlight the importance of the first-born and the necessity of redemption, reflecting the broader themes of sacrifice, atonement, and divine ownership that permeate the biblical narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 18:17But 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 Library The Three Parables of the Gospel: of the Recovery of the Lost - of ... Exodus The Covenant of an Everlasting Priesthood Abba, Father! And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. ) The Creation of Terrestrial Animals. The Exodus His Future Work Psalm LXXXIX. What Messiah did the Jews Expect? Resources Who was Aaron in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDance in worship - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org What was the sin of Jeroboam? | GotQuestions.org Calf: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Calf of Gold was Made of the Ornaments of the Women Calf of Gold was Made: After an Egyptian Model Calf of Gold was Made: To Go Before the Congregation Calf of Gold was Made: To Represent God Calf of Gold: An Altar Built Before Calf of Gold: Destroyed by Moses Calf of Gold: Fashioned With a Graven Tool Calf of Gold: Made on Account of the Delay of Moses in the Mount Calf of Gold: Making of a Forgetting of God Calf of Gold: Making of a Turning Aside from the Divine Command Calf of Gold: Making of a Very Great Sin Calf of Gold: Making of Caused Moses to Break the Tables of the Testimony Calf of Gold: Making of Excited Wrath Against Aaron Calf of Gold: Making of Excited Wrath Against Israel Calf of Gold: Making of Israel Punished For Calf of Gold: Molten in the Fire Calf of Gold: Moses Interceded for Those Who Worshipped Calf of Gold: Punishment of Those Who Worshipped a Warning to Others Calf of Gold: Sacrifices offered To Calf of Gold: Worshipped With Profane Revelry Calf: "Calves of the Lips" a Metaphor Signifying Worship Calf: Images of, Set up in Beth-El and Dan by Jeroboam Calf: Prophecies Against the Golden Calves at Beth-El The Calf of a Year Old Best for Sacrifice The Calf: Eaten in the Patriarchal Age The Calf: Fed On: Branches of Trees The Calf: If First-Born not Redeemed The Calf: Offered in Sacrifice The Calf: Playfulness of, Alluded To The Calf: Sacrifices of Praise The Calf: Saints Nourished by Grace The Calf: The Young of the Herd The Calf: when Fattened Considered a Delicacy Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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