Numbers 18:17

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.

Study Bible

But you must not redeem the firstborn of an ox, a sheep, or a goat;
In the context of ancient Israel, the firstborn of livestock held special significance as they were considered the best and most valuable. The command not to redeem these animals underscores their dedication to God. This reflects the broader principle of offering the first and best to God, as seen in Exodus 13:2, where the firstborn of both man and beast are consecrated to the Lord. The concept of redemption, or buying back, is significant in biblical theology, pointing to the ultimate redemption through Christ, who is referred to as the firstborn over all creation (Colossians 1:15).

they are holy.
The term "holy" signifies being set apart for God’s purposes. In Leviticus 27:26, it is stated that the firstborn of animals already belong to the Lord and cannot be consecrated again. This holiness is a reminder of God's ownership and the Israelites' covenant relationship with Him. The holiness of these animals prefigures the holiness required of believers, as seen in 1 Peter 1:16, "Be holy, because I am holy."

You are to splatter their blood on the altar
The act of splattering blood on the altar is a key component of sacrificial rituals, symbolizing atonement and purification. Leviticus 17:11 explains that the life of the flesh is in the blood, and it is given on the altar to make atonement for souls. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22).

and burn their fat as a food offering,
Burning the fat of the sacrifice was considered the offering of the best part to God, as fat was associated with richness and abundance. Leviticus 3:16 states that all the fat is the Lord's, emphasizing the idea of giving God the choicest portions. This act of burning the fat symbolizes the complete dedication and surrender to God.

a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
The phrase "a pleasing aroma" is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe sacrifices that are acceptable to God (Genesis 8:21, Exodus 29:18). It signifies God's satisfaction with the offering and the worshiper's obedience. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Christ's sacrifice is described as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:2), highlighting the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Jesus.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who establishes the laws and regulations for His people.

2. Aaron and the Priests
The recipients of the instructions in Numbers 18, responsible for the sacrificial system and maintaining the holiness of the offerings.

3. The Firstborn of Livestock
Specific animals (ox, sheep, goat) that are set apart as holy and not to be redeemed, but offered to God.

4. The Altar
The sacred place where sacrifices are made, symbolizing the presence and worship of God.

5. The Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among His people, where the altar is located and sacrifices are performed.

Teaching Points

Holiness of Offerings
The firstborn animals are set apart as holy, emphasizing the importance of giving God our best and recognizing His sovereignty over all creation.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The act of sprinkling blood and burning fat signifies atonement and dedication, reminding us of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the sacrificial system.

Pleasing Aroma to the LORD
Our lives, like the offerings, should be a pleasing aroma to God, characterized by obedience, worship, and devotion.

Role of the Priests
The priests' role in handling the sacrifices points to the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide and maintain the holiness of worship.

Consecration and Redemption
While some things are consecrated and not to be redeemed, believers are redeemed by Christ, called to live consecrated lives in response to His grace.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of the firstborn being holy in Numbers 18:17 relate to the idea of giving God our first and best in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the sacrificial system in the Old Testament foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

3. How can we apply the principle of being a "pleasing aroma" to God in our personal and communal worship today?

4. What responsibilities do spiritual leaders have in ensuring that worship remains holy and pleasing to God, as seen in the role of the priests?

5. How does understanding the consecration of the firstborn animals enhance our appreciation of our own redemption and consecration in Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 13:2
This verse establishes the principle of consecrating the firstborn to God, which is foundational to understanding Numbers 18:17.

Leviticus 1:9
Describes the burnt offering process, which includes burning the fat as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, similar to the instructions in Numbers 18:17.

Hebrews 9:22
Highlights the importance of blood in the sacrificial system, connecting to the sprinkling of blood on the altar in Numbers 18:17.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the concept of offerings being holy and pleasing to God.