Firstfruits

The concept of offering firstfruits is deeply rooted in the agricultural society of ancient Israel and is a significant aspect of Old Testament worship and obedience to God. The firstfruits were the initial yield of the harvest, dedicated to God as an acknowledgment of His provision and sovereignty. This practice is first mentioned in Exodus 23:19: "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God."

The offering of firstfruits was a way for the Israelites to express gratitude and trust in God's continued provision. By giving the first and best portion of their harvest, they demonstrated faith that God would bless the remainder. Leviticus 23:10-11 instructs, "Speak to the Israelites and say, 'When you enter the land I am giving you and reap its harvest, you are to bring to the priest a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest. He shall wave the sheaf before the LORD so that it may be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath.'"

The offering of firstfruits was not limited to grain but included other produce such as wine, oil, and honey, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:4: "You are to give them the firstfruits of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the first wool sheared from your flock."

Tithes

Tithing, the practice of giving one-tenth of one's income or produce, is another fundamental aspect of biblical stewardship. The tithe was instituted as a means of supporting the Levitical priesthood, the poor, and the work of the temple. Leviticus 27:30 states, "Thus any tithe of the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD."

The tithe served as a reminder that everything belongs to God and that His people are stewards of His creation. In Deuteronomy 14:22-23, the Israelites are commanded, "You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce brought forth each year from your fields. And you are to eat the tithe of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the LORD your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always."

The tithe was also a means of ensuring social justice and care for the marginalized. Deuteronomy 14:28-29 instructs, "At the end of every three years, bring a tenth of all your produce for that year and store it within your gates. Then the Levites, who have no portion or inheritance among you, the foreigners, the fatherless, and the widows within your gates, may come and eat and be satisfied. And the LORD your God will bless you in all the work of your hands."

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the principles of firstfruits and tithing are transformed through the lens of Christ's fulfillment of the Law. While the specific legal requirements of tithing are not reiterated, the spirit of generosity and stewardship is emphasized. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul advises, "On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed."

The concept of firstfruits is also applied to Christ Himself, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:20, "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." This signifies that Christ's resurrection is the first of many, guaranteeing the future resurrection of believers.

The practice of offering firstfruits and tithes reflects a heart of worship, gratitude, and trust in God's provision, principles that continue to resonate with believers today.