Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of the "firstlings" refers to the firstborn of the livestock, which holds significant religious and sacrificial importance. Among these, the firstlings of sheep are particularly noteworthy due to their specific treatment under Mosaic Law.Biblical Mandate The firstlings of sheep, as with other clean animals, were considered sacred and set apart for the Lord. According to the Law given to Moses, these firstborn animals were not to be redeemed but were to be offered as sacrifices. This directive is rooted in the broader principle of dedicating the first and best to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision. In Exodus 13:12-13, the Israelites are instructed: "you are to present to the LORD the firstborn of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the LORD. 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." While this passage highlights the redemption of donkeys and sons, it implicitly underscores that clean animals like sheep are not to be redeemed but offered. Sacrificial Role The firstlings of sheep were to be sacrificed as a burnt offering, symbolizing complete dedication to God. Numbers 18:17 further clarifies this: "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." This sacrificial act served multiple purposes. It was an expression of gratitude, a recognition of God's provision, and a means of atonement. The offering of the firstlings was a tangible reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the need for holiness and obedience. Theological Significance The requirement that the firstlings of sheep not be redeemed but offered to God highlights the principle of giving God the first and best of what one has. This practice was a demonstration of faith and trust in God's continued provision. It also prefigured the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who was offered once for all for the redemption of humanity. The unredeemable nature of the firstlings underscores the idea that certain things are inherently God's and must be returned to Him as an act of worship and acknowledgment of His lordship. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, reinforcing the call to prioritize God in all aspects of life. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Israelite society, sheep were a valuable resource, providing wool, milk, and meat. The act of offering the firstborn sheep was a significant sacrifice, reflecting the depth of commitment required by the Law. This practice set the Israelites apart from surrounding nations and served as a constant reminder of their unique relationship with God. The dedication of the firstlings also had a communal aspect, as these offerings were often part of larger sacrificial ceremonies that reinforced the collective identity and faith of the Israelite community. In summary, the firstlings of sheep, not to be redeemed, represent a profound aspect of Old Testament worship and theology, emphasizing the principles of sacrifice, dedication, and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. 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 Shepherd of Our Souls. Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love. Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ... Faith The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary. An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality. An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus tell Peter to "feed my sheep" in John 21? | GotQuestions.org Sheep: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sheep Gate: An Ancient Gate of Jerusalem Sheep of the Defenselessness of Servants of God (Greek: Diakonoi) Sheep of the Wicked in Their Death Sheep of Those Under God's Judgment Sheep were Frequently: Cut off by Disease Sheep were Frequently: Destroyed by Wild Beasts Sheep were Frequently: Given As Presents Sheep were Frequently: Given As Tribute Sheep were Frequently: Taken in Great Numbers in War Sheep: (In Patience and Simplicity) of Patience, of Christ Sheep: (In Proneness to Wander) of Those Who Depart from God Sheep: (Lost) of the Unregenerate Sheep: (Separation from the Goats) the Separation of Saints Sheep: (When Found) Restored Sinners Sheep: Also: Jacob's Management of Sheep: Being Covered With a Fleece Sheep: Bleating of, Alluded To Sheep: Constituted a Great Part of Patriarchal Wealth Sheep: False Prophets Assume the Simple Appearance Sheep: Feasting at the Time of Shearing Sheep: Females of, Called Ewes Sheep: First Wool of, Given to the Priests Sheep: Firstlings of, Could not be Dedicated As a Free-Will offering Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Redeemed Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Shorn Sheep: Flesh of, Extensively Used As Food Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Members of the Family Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Servants Sheep: Flocks of Conducted to the Richest Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Fed in the Valleys Sheep: Flocks of Fed on the Mountains Sheep: Flocks of Fled from Strangers Sheep: Flocks of Followed the Shepherd Sheep: Flocks of Frequently Covered the Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Guarded by Dogs Sheep: Flocks of Kept in Folds or Cotes Sheep: Flocks of Made to Rest at Noon Sheep: Flocks of Watered Every Day Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abel Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abraham Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Noah Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice from the Earliest Age Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice Under the Law Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bashan Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bozrah Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Kedar Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Nebaioth Sheep: Skins of, Made Into a Covering for the Tabernacle Sheep: Skins of, Worn As Clothing by the Poor Sheep: The First Fleece of, Belonged to the Priests and the Levites Sheep: The Land of Bashan Adapted to the Raising of Sheep: Time of Shearing, a Time of Rejoicing Sheep: Tithe of, Given to the Levites Sheep: Tribute (Taxes) Paid In Sheep: Under Man's Care from the Earliest Age Sheep: Washed and Shorn Every Year Sheep: Wool of, Made Into Clothing Related Terms |
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