Topical Bible: Wool: First Fleece of, Belonged to the Priests

◄ Wool: First Fleece of, Belonged to the Priests ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, wool was a significant commodity, derived from the fleece of sheep. It was used for clothing, trade, and various religious purposes. The first shearing of the sheep, known as the "first fleece," held particular religious significance and was designated as an offering to the priests.

The practice of giving the first fleece to the priests is rooted in the broader biblical principle of offering the "firstfruits" to God. This principle is seen throughout the Old Testament, where the first and best of the harvest, livestock, and other produce were dedicated to the Lord as a sign of gratitude and acknowledgment of His provision. The first fleece was no exception, symbolizing the dedication of the initial yield of wool to God's service.

Deuteronomy 18:4 provides a direct reference to this practice: "You are to give them the firstfruits of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the first wool sheared from your flock." This command underscores the importance of supporting the Levitical priesthood, who were set apart for the service of the Lord and relied on the offerings of the people for their sustenance.

The allocation of the first fleece to the priests served multiple purposes. It was a tangible expression of the Israelites' dependence on God and their commitment to His covenant. By giving the first portion of their wool, the people acknowledged that all their resources ultimately came from God and were to be used for His glory.

Furthermore, this practice reinforced the special role of the priests in Israelite society. As mediators between God and the people, the priests were responsible for conducting sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and teaching the Law. The first fleece, along with other offerings, provided for their material needs, allowing them to focus on their spiritual duties.

The offering of the first fleece also had a communal aspect, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility among the Israelites. By contributing to the support of the priesthood, each family participated in the collective worship and service of the nation.

In summary, the first fleece of wool, designated for the priests, was a significant aspect of Israelite religious life. It exemplified the broader biblical theme of dedicating the first and best to God, supported the Levitical priesthood, and reinforced the communal and covenantal identity of the people of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 18:4
The first fruit also of your corn, of your wine, and of your oil, and the first of the fleece of your sheep, shall you give him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... they found the Lamb of God; whose fleece bright and ... and the worm shall eat them like
wool": [2912] and she ... of Toxotius whom she dearly loved, she first by her ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... for ploughing, the horse for riding, dogs for watching, goats for milk, sheep for
their wool: so it ... whether the sheep have the first or the second fleece? ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... if he did not personally direct the first attacking column ... As the soil belonged to
the gods, it is ... Valley: the Chaldaean princes, nobles, priests, soldiers, and ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm