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THE SANCTITY OF THE FIRSTLINGS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8
Deuteronomy 15:19-23

Leviticus 22:15-16

 

“And they shall not profane the holy

things of the children of Israel…”

 

THE SANCTITY OF THE FIRSTLINGS
 
The firstlings of animals also held a special place in the life of Israel. Each was to be sanctified unto the LORD (Deut 15:19). The firstborn had particular significance in the history of the Exodus. When the Lord was going to bring His children out of Egypt, the last plague was the slaying of all the firstborn of the Egyptians and also of their domestic animals. Here, Israel was commanded to sanctify all the male firstlings of herds and flocks. The firstling of the bullock would not be used for any work and they would not shear the firstling of the sheep. They would be slain and eaten before the Lord in the place which the Lord chose. This was a ceremonial meal just like the Passover. If any of these had any blemish, they would not be offered to the Lord but could be eaten within their gates as any ordinary meal. In the killing of animals, Israel was expressly forbidden to eat the blood.
 
Here is Matthew Henry’s comment on this text: “Here is a direction what to do with the firstlings. We are not now limited as the Israelites were; we make no difference between a first calf, or lamb, and the rest. Let us then look to the gospel meaning of this law, devoting ourselves and the first of our time and strength to God; and using all our comforts and enjoyments to his praise, and under the direction of his law, as we have them all by his gift.”
 
The laws of debt-release and labour as shown in the earlier part of Deuteronomy 15 were given so that peace was promoted and the Law of God was fulfilled. The sanctity of worship is necessary at all times. It is a sin to transgress any of God’s guidelines, yet there is temptation always to disobey. It was not Moses who gave these laws, but God.
 
Come to the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, for salvation and you will have peace with God. He was foremost in the promotion of the Law of God and He gave the right understanding of it.
 
THOUGHT: Anything that is named after the Lord is sacred and demands our reverence.

PRAYER: Father, may Thy values indwell me always.

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