From the first of your dough, you are to lift up a cake as a contribution; offer it just like an offering from the threshing floor. From the first of your doughThis phrase refers to the practice of offering the first portion of dough made from the grain harvest. Biblically, the concept of "firstfruits" is significant, symbolizing the dedication of the first and best to God. This practice is rooted in the idea that all provisions come from God, and by offering the first portion, the Israelites acknowledged His sovereignty and provision. The firstfruits were a sign of gratitude and trust in God's continued provision. you are to lift up a cake as a contribution
The act of lifting up a cake signifies a wave offering, a common practice in ancient Israelite worship. This offering was a physical act of presenting something to God, symbolizing the elevation of the offering to a higher, divine purpose. The cake, made from the first of the dough, was a tangible expression of devotion and obedience to God's commandments. This practice also served to support the Levitical priesthood, as these offerings were part of their sustenance. offer it just like an offering from the threshing floor
The comparison to an offering from the threshing floor connects this practice to the broader system of agricultural offerings. The threshing floor was where grain was processed, and offerings from it were a common part of Israelite worship. This connection emphasizes the continuity and consistency in the types of offerings God required, whether from the field or the kitchen. It also highlights the principle that all aspects of life, from agriculture to daily sustenance, are under God's domain and should be dedicated to Him. This practice foreshadows the ultimate offering of Jesus Christ, who is often seen as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20), symbolizing the beginning of a new creation and the ultimate dedication to God. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God and communicated them to the people. 2. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God who were given the law to follow as they journeyed to the Promised Land. 3. Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 4. Threshing FloorA place where grain was separated from the chaff, symbolizing the provision and blessing of God. 5. OfferingA portion of the first fruits given to God as an act of worship and acknowledgment of His provision. Teaching Points Acknowledgment of God's ProvisionThe act of offering the first of the dough is a tangible acknowledgment of God's provision and blessings. It reminds believers to recognize God as the source of all good things in their lives. Principle of First FruitsThe principle of first fruits teaches believers to prioritize God in their lives. By giving the first and best to God, we demonstrate trust in His continued provision. Worship through GivingOffering the first of the dough is an act of worship. It is a way to honor God and express gratitude for His faithfulness and generosity. Symbolism of the Threshing FloorThe threshing floor symbolizes a place of separation and preparation. In our spiritual lives, we are called to separate ourselves from sin and prepare our hearts for God's work. Christ as the First FruitsJust as the Israelites offered the first fruits, Christ is the first fruits of the resurrection, assuring believers of their future resurrection and eternal life. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of first fruits in Numbers 15:20 relate to our modern-day practice of tithing or giving? 2. In what ways can we acknowledge God's provision in our daily lives, similar to the offering of the first dough? 3. How does the symbolism of the threshing floor apply to our spiritual growth and maturity? 4. What are some practical ways we can prioritize God as the first in our lives, following the principle of first fruits? 5. How does understanding Christ as the first fruits of the resurrection impact our faith and hope in eternal life? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 23:10-14This passage also discusses the offering of first fruits, emphasizing the importance of dedicating the first of the harvest to God. Proverbs 3:9-10These verses encourage honoring the Lord with the first fruits of all your produce, promising that your barns will be filled with plenty. 1 Corinthians 15:20Paul refers to Christ as the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep, connecting the concept of first fruits to the resurrection. Deuteronomy 26:1-11This passage provides instructions for the Israelites on how to present their first fruits, highlighting the act of worship and gratitude. People Aaron, Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces Egypt, Wilderness of ParanTopics Apart, Beginning, Cake, Coarse, Dough, Floor, Gift, Grain-floor, Ground, Heave, Heave-offering, Lift, Lifted, Lifting, Meal, Offer, Offering, Present, Rough, Threshing, Threshingfloor, Threshing-floor, WaveDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 15:20 4524 threshing-floor Numbers 15:20-21 4462 grinding Library List of Abbreviations Used in Reference to Rabbinic Writings Quoted in this Work.
THE Mishnah is always quoted according to Tractate, Chapter (Pereq) and Paragraph (Mishnah), the Chapter being marked in Roman, the paragraph in ordinary Numerals. Thus Ber. ii. 4 means the Mishnic Tractate Berakhoth, second Chapter, fourth Paragraph. The Jerusalem Talmud is distinguished by the abbreviation Jer. before the name of the Tractate. Thus, Jer. Ber. is the Jer. Gemara, or Talmud, of the Tractate Berakhoth. The edition, from which quotations are made, is that commonly used, Krotoschin, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the MessiahWe are Drawing Near the End, and to the Highest Conclusions of True Human Wisdom...
We are drawing near the end, and to the highest conclusions of true human wisdom; and full of deepest interest it is to mark the character of these conclusions. Reason speaks; that faculty that is rightly termed divine, for its possession marks those who are "the offspring of God." He is the Father of spirits, and it is in the spirit that Reason has her seat; whilst in our Preacher she is enthroned, and now with authority utters forth her counsels. Here we may listen to just how far she can …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs Seventh Day. Holiness and Obedience.
Ye have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: ye shall be unto me an holy nation.'--Ex. xix. 4-6. Israel has reached Horeb. The law is to be given and the covenant made. Here are God's first words to the people; He speaks of redemption and its blessing, fellowship with Himself: 'Ye have seen how I brought …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the Raising of Jairus' Daughter
THERE seems remarkable correspondence between the two miracles which Jesus had wrought on leaving Capernaum and those which He did on His return. In one sense they are complementary to each other. The stilling of the storm and the healing of the demonised were manifestations of the absolute power inherent in Christ; the recovery of the woman and the raising of Jairus' daughter, evidence of the absolute efficacy of faith. The unlikeliness of dominion over the storm, and of command over a legion of …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Among the People, and with the Pharisees
It would have been difficult to proceed far either in Galilee or in Judaea without coming into contact with an altogether peculiar and striking individuality, differing from all around, and which would at once arrest attention. This was the Pharisee. Courted or feared, shunned or flattered, reverently looked up to or laughed at, he was equally a power everywhere, both ecclesiastically and politically, as belonging to the most influential, the most zealous, and the most closely-connected religions …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Degrees of Sin
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. He that delivered me unto thee, has the greater sin.' John 19: 11. The Stoic philosophers held that all sins were equal; but this Scripture clearly holds forth that there is a gradual difference in sin; some are greater than others; some are mighty sins,' and crying sins.' Amos 5: 12; Gen 18: 21. Every sin has a voice to speak, but some …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Worship of the Synagogue
One of the most difficult questions in Jewish history is that connected with the existence of a synagogue within the Temple. That such a "synagogue" existed, and that its meeting-place was in "the hall of hewn stones," at the south-eastern angle of the court of the priest, cannot be called in question, in face of the clear testimony of contemporary witnesses. Considering that "the hall of hew stones" was also the meeting-place for the great Sanhedrim, and that not only legal decisions, but lectures …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXIII. 1-39; ^B Mark XII. 38-40; ^C Luke XX. 45-47. ^a 1 Then spake Jesus ^b 38 And in his teaching ^c in the hearing of all the people he said unto ^a the multitudes, and to his disciples [he spoke in the most public manner], 2 saying, ^c 46 Beware of the scribes, ^a The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat: 3 all things whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act.
(at Feast-Time at Jerusalem, Probably the Passover.) ^D John V. 1-47. ^d 1 After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [Though every feast in the Jewish calendar has found some one to advocate its claim to be this unnamed feast, yet the vast majority of commentators choose either the feast of Purim, which came in March, or the Passover, which came in April. Older commentators pretty unanimously regarded it as the Passover, while the later school favor the feast …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and Discourses - the Sadducees and the Resurrection - the Scribe and the Great Commandment - Question
THE last day in the Temple was not to pass without other temptations' than that of the Priests when they questioned His authority, or of the Pharisees when they cunningly sought to entangle Him in His speech. Indeed, Christ had on this occasion taken a different position; He had claimed supreme authority, and thus challenged the leaders of Israel. For this reason, and because at the last we expect assaults from all His enemies, we are prepared for the controversies of that day. We remember that, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 15:20 NIVNumbers 15:20 NLTNumbers 15:20 ESVNumbers 15:20 NASBNumbers 15:20 KJV
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