Tag Archives: Firstfruits

Numbers chapter 18

18:1 offenses connected with the sanctuary. This phrase should be read as “infractions against the purity of the sanctuary.” Impurity was an external force that attached itself to a person. Ridding oneself of this foreign force was the primary purpose of expiation. The priests and Levites provided a layer of security for the nation as a holy and undefiled people and defined its prophetic destiny as God’s people in the midst of a defiled world. Encroachment by any outside or unauthorised person on the holy objects was punishable by death. Priests were also culpable of violating the sanctity of the Holy Place if they allowed an unauthorised person within its defined sacred space. The priests themselves were prohibited from going beyond the curtain and entering the Most Holy Place; only the high priest was permitted to enter that sanctum on the Day of Atonement.

18:3 they must not go near. The full sanctuary of ancient Israel consisted of concentric zones of holiness. Each zone had its own rules of purity and accessibility. See the article “Zones of Purity in the Camp of Israel,” p. 202.

18:9 most holy offerings. The priestly tribute is divided into two levels of sanctity. The holiest of the offerings, to be consumed only by the priests, were made up of the people’s dedicated offerings presented at the sanctuary — grain offerings, plus sin (purification) and guilt (reparation) offerings (Lev 4:1–35; 5:14–19; 7:1–10). The grain offering (Lev 2:1–13; 6:14–23) was an unleavened mixture of fine flour, oil and incense. A memorial portion was burned on the altar as a sweet aroma to Yahweh, with the remainder eaten by the Aaronic priests (see note on Lev 7:7).

18:11 wave offerings. See note on Lev 7:30.

18:12 firstfruits. The three plant products specified here were the cream of the crop — the very finest of the olive oil, wine and grain. These first processed offerings were distinguished from the normal firstfruit offerings of the first ripe olives, grapes and grain (Lev 2:14). The first yields of what was produced from oil from the olive crushing vats, newly pressed wine and freshly ground flour were to be returned to Yahweh, the owner and giver of all produce. The quality of the produce offered was deemed as the best or choicest of the crops. As the fat of any animal sacrificed or slaughtered was not to be consumed, the fat of the produce from field, orchard or vineyard was also not to be eaten but was to be devoted to Yahweh.

Later in the history of the Israelite kingdoms, prophets such as Hosea illustrated the nation’s unfaithfulness using the imagery of abused firstfruits of the fig season that went to Baal Peor instead of Yahweh (Hos 9:10). Offering the firstfruits to deity was standard practice in the ancient Near East.

18:14 devoted to the Lord. See note on Lev 27:28

18:15 first offspring … firstborn. The second part of the tribute list for the priests related to firstborn animals and humans brought to the sanctuary for offering or dedication. …

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Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Notes, Bringing to life the Ancient World of Scripture; by Craig Keener; John H. Walton; Publisher: Zondervan, 2016

The statements, views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors of ‘Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Notes’ and do not necessarily represent those of the Christadelphians

 

 

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Preceding

1. Thought for the third day of the Omer
2. Justified by faith

 

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Additional reading

1. Today’s thought “Period of uncleanness and offerings” (March 1)
2. Today’s thought “The trespass offering” (March 01)
3. Today’s thought “Ritual impurity” (March 08)
4. Today’s thought “Ritual impurity and rituals” (March 09)
5. Shabbat HaGadol in preparation for Pesach