We will also bring the firstfruits of our landThe concept of firstfruits is deeply rooted in the agricultural society of ancient Israel. It signifies the offering of the first and best portion of the harvest to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty. This practice is outlined in the Law of Moses, particularly in
Exodus 23:19 and
Deuteronomy 26:1-11, where the Israelites are commanded to bring the firstfruits to the sanctuary. It symbolizes trust in God's continued provision and is an act of worship and gratitude. The firstfruits also foreshadow Christ as the "firstfruits" of those who have fallen asleep, as mentioned in
1 Corinthians 15:20, indicating His resurrection as the first of many.
and of every fruit tree
This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the offering, extending beyond staple crops to include all produce. It reflects the holistic approach to stewardship and worship, where every aspect of life is dedicated to God. The inclusion of fruit trees highlights the diversity of agricultural produce in the region, which included olives, figs, pomegranates, and dates, among others. This practice ensured that the people recognized God's hand in all areas of their sustenance.
to the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites. It was the designated location for offerings and sacrifices, serving as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. This centralization of worship underscores the unity and communal aspect of the Israelites' faith. The temple, rebuilt under the leadership of Zerubbabel and later enhanced by Herod, was a focal point of Jewish religious life and a symbol of God's covenant with Israel.
year by year
The phrase "year by year" indicates the regularity and consistency of this practice. It was not a one-time event but an ongoing commitment, reflecting the cyclical nature of agricultural life and the Israelites' continual dependence on God. This annual offering served as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the people's responsibility to honor Him with their resources. It also parallels the Christian practice of regular giving and stewardship, as seen in2 Corinthians 9:6-7, where believers are encouraged to give generously and consistently.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
NehemiahA Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual renewal of the Jewish people after the Babylonian exile.
2.
The IsraelitesThe people of God who returned from exile and committed themselves to follow God's laws, including the giving of firstfruits.
3.
The House of the LORDRefers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was the center of worship and the place where offerings were brought.
4.
FirstfruitsThe initial yield of the harvest, which was dedicated to God as an acknowledgment of His provision and sovereignty.
5.
Covenant RenewalThe event where the Israelites reaffirmed their commitment to God's laws, including the practice of bringing firstfruits.
Teaching Points
Commitment to God’s CommandsThe Israelites' promise to bring firstfruits reflects a deep commitment to obeying God's laws. As believers, we are called to prioritize God's commands in our lives.
Acknowledgment of God’s ProvisionBy offering the firstfruits, the Israelites recognized God as the source of all blessings. We should cultivate a heart of gratitude, acknowledging God’s provision in our lives.
Worship through GivingBringing firstfruits was an act of worship. Our giving, whether time, resources, or talents, should be an expression of worship and devotion to God.
Community and AccountabilityThe communal aspect of this covenant renewal highlights the importance of community in spiritual growth. We should seek accountability and encouragement within our faith communities.
Faith and Trust in God’s PromisesOffering the firstfruits required faith that God would provide for the rest of the harvest. We are encouraged to trust in God’s promises and provision, even when it requires sacrifice.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Nehemiah 10:35?
2.How does Nehemiah 10:35 emphasize the importance of firstfruits in our lives?
3.What does offering firstfruits reveal about our relationship with God?
4.How can we apply the principle of firstfruits in modern Christian living?
5.What other scriptures highlight the significance of giving God our first and best?
6.How does prioritizing God with firstfruits strengthen our faith and trust in Him?
7.What is the significance of Nehemiah 10:35 in the context of covenant renewal?
8.How does Nehemiah 10:35 reflect the importance of firstfruits in Israelite worship?
9.Why was the offering of firstfruits emphasized in Nehemiah 10:35?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 10?
11.What does the Bible teach about tithing?
12.What is the order of the Bible's books?
13.What role did the Tribe of Levi serve biblically?
14.Are there non-biblical historical or archaeological sources that verify or challenge the covenant details in Nehemiah 10:32–39?What Does Nehemiah 10:35 Mean
We will also bringThe people are making a fresh pledge. After years of exile and neglect, they freely decide, “We’re going to act.”
• This is corporate obedience—every family signs on (Nehemiah 10:28-29).
• The word “also” shows follow-through on earlier promises—they are stacking commitment upon commitment (2 Chronicles 29:31).
• Bringing something to God involves movement: a deliberate leaving of self-interest to honor Him (Romans 12:1).
the firstfruits of our landGod is given the first and the best, not the leftovers.
• Exodus 23:19: “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God”.
• Proverbs 3:9-10 links firstfruits with divine provision.
• Offering the first part of the harvest is a literal reminder that the land itself is a gift (Leviticus 25:23).
and of every fruit treeNo corner of the orchard is exempt.
• Leviticus 19:23-24 required fruit trees to be treated as holy in their early years.
• Deuteronomy 26:2 speaks of placing fruit in a basket and presenting it before God, recounting His salvation story.
• The phrase “every fruit tree” shuts the door on stinginess—completeness is the goal (Joel 2:22 shows God’s care for the trees, so they are gladly returned to Him).
to the house of the LORDOfferings have a specific destination: God’s chosen house in Jerusalem.
• Deuteronomy 12:11: God appoints “the place” for His name, and worshipers gather there.
• Psalm 122:1 celebrates the joy of entering that house.
• Malachi 3:10 connects bringing gifts to the temple with windows of blessing.
year by yearFaithfulness has a calendar.
• Deuteronomy 14:22 commands an annual tithe “year after year.”
• Luke 2:41 notes Jesus’ earthly family going to Jerusalem every year—habitual obedience.
• Hebrews 13:15 urges a continual sacrifice of praise; regular giving mirrors that pattern.
Consistency guards the heart: what we do repeatedly shapes what we love.
summaryNehemiah 10:35 pictures a community joyfully pledging steady, wholehearted devotion. They bring—voluntarily and together—the very first and best produce of field and tree. They deliver it to God’s appointed house, not sporadically but every single year. The verse calls believers today to place God first in tangible ways, give comprehensively, gather with His people, and keep at it faithfully. When the firstfruits belong to Him, the whole harvest—and the whole heart—follows.
(35)
And to bring.--Following "we made ordinances" (
Nehemiah 10:32). The various firstfruits are specified according to the Mosaic law, which made this expression of natural piety an obligation; and the minuteness of the specification implies that neglect had crept in.
Verse 35.And to bring the first-fruits ... unto the house of the Lord. The idea of offering "first-fruits" may be ascribed to natural piety. They were well known to the Greeks and Romans (
ἀπαρχαί,
primi-tiae). But in the Mosaic law they were commanded (
Exodus 22:29;
Exodus 23:19;
Leviticus 23:10, 17, etc.), and thenceforth became a matter of religious obligation. The present passage furnishes, however, distinct evidence that the obligation had now for some time been disregarded.
The first-fruits of all fruit. First-fruits were required not merely of wheat and other grain, but also
expressly of wine and oil, the produce of the vine and olive, and by implication of all other fruit trees (see
Numbers 18:12;
Deuteronomy 18:4, etc.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
We will also bringוּלְהָבִ֞יא(ū·lə·hā·ḇî)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gothe firstfruitsבִּכּוּרֵ֣י(bik·kū·rê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1061:The first-fruits of the cropof our landאַדְמָתֵ֗נוּ(’aḏ·mā·ṯê·nū)Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 127:Ground, landand of everyכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyfruitפְּרִ֥י(pə·rî)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6529:Fruittreeעֵ֖ץ(‘êṣ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6086:Tree, trees, woodto the houseלְבֵ֖ית(lə·ḇêṯ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A houseof the LORDיְהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelyearשָׁנָ֣ה(šā·nāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8141:A yearby year.בְשָׁנָ֑ה(ḇə·šā·nāh)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8141:A year
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OT History: Nehemiah 10:35 And to bring the first fruits (Neh Ne)