Topical Bible: The First Born of Clean Beasts: Not Shorn

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of ancient Israelite religious practices, the firstborn of clean beasts held a significant place in the sacrificial and ceremonial system established by God. According to the Mosaic Law, the firstborn of clean animals were consecrated to the Lord and were not to be shorn or used for labor. This practice underscored the principle of dedicating the first and best to God, reflecting His sovereignty and the Israelites' dependence on Him.

Biblical Foundation

The command regarding the firstborn of clean beasts is rooted in the broader principle of the firstborn's sanctity, as seen in Exodus 13:2 : "Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast." This consecration was a reminder of God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, particularly the sparing of the Israelite firstborn during the Passover (Exodus 12).

Specific Instructions

The specific instruction that the firstborn of clean beasts should not be shorn is found in Deuteronomy 15:19 : "You must set apart to the LORD your God every firstborn male produced by your herds and flocks. You are not to work the firstborn of your herd or shear the firstborn of your flock." This prohibition against shearing or working the firstborn animals emphasized their special status and dedication to God.

Symbolism and Significance

The prohibition against shearing the firstborn of clean beasts can be understood as a symbol of purity and wholeness. By not altering the animal through shearing, the Israelites maintained the animal's natural state, signifying its complete dedication to God. This act of setting apart the firstborn without alteration or use for labor was a tangible expression of acknowledging God's provision and blessing.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the dedication of the firstborn of clean beasts prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15). Just as the firstborn animals were set apart and unblemished, Christ was the perfect and unblemished sacrifice for the sins of humanity. The practice of not shearing the firstborn can be seen as a foreshadowing of the purity and holiness required of the ultimate sacrificial Lamb.

Practical Observance

In practical terms, the Israelites were to bring the firstborn of their herds and flocks to the sanctuary, where they would be offered as sacrifices. This act of worship was a communal acknowledgment of God's provision and a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The firstborn animals, being unshorn and unworked, were a visible testament to the Israelites' obedience and reverence for God's commands.

Conclusion

The commandment regarding the firstborn of clean beasts not being shorn is a rich component of the Old Testament sacrificial system, reflecting themes of dedication, purity, and foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Through this practice, the Israelites were continually reminded of their dependence on God and His rightful claim to the first and best of their blessings.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 15:19
All the firstling males that come of your herd and of your flock you shall sanctify to the LORD your God: you shall do no work with the firstling of your bullock, nor shear the firstling of your sheep.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus.
... When you first stood beside the virgin in the cave ... your eyeballs; and although you
may have been born blind from ... you with hyssop and you shall be clean, he will ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxlvii to sabinianus.htm

Acts xvii. 32-34, xviii. 1
... Insolence seemed to be a high-born thing; it seemed ... mischief thence accruing, and
keep a clean tongue, that ... a), in consequence of which the first sentence of (c ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxix acts xvii 32-34.htm