Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and SignificanceThe term "firstlings" refers to the firstborn offspring of livestock, which held significant religious and cultural importance in ancient Israelite society. The concept of firstlings is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition, where they are often associated with offerings and sacrifices to God. The firstlings were considered sacred and were to be set apart for the Lord as an acknowledgment of His provision and sovereignty.
Biblical ReferencesThe principle of offering firstlings is established in several passages throughout the Old Testament. In
Exodus 13:12, the Israelites are commanded, "you are to present to the LORD the firstborn of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the LORD." This command underscores the idea that the first and best of one's produce or livestock should be dedicated to God.
In
Numbers 18:17, the law further clarifies, "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 passage highlights the sacrificial nature of the firstlings, emphasizing their role in the worship and sacrificial system of Israel.
Theological ImplicationsThe offering of firstlings is a tangible expression of faith and trust in God's provision. By giving the first and best to God, the Israelites demonstrated their reliance on Him for future blessings. This act of faith was a reminder of God's deliverance and His covenant relationship with His people.
The concept of firstlings also prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "firstborn over all creation" (
Colossians 1:15). Just as the firstlings were set apart and holy, Christ is the perfect and holy sacrifice, fulfilling the law and providing redemption for humanity.
Cultural ContextIn the agrarian society of ancient Israel, livestock was a primary source of wealth and sustenance. The firstlings, therefore, represented a significant portion of one's livelihood. Offering them to God was not only an act of worship but also a demonstration of obedience and gratitude. This practice reinforced the community's dependence on God and their commitment to His commandments.
Practical ApplicationThe principle of offering firstlings can be applied to modern Christian life through the practice of giving the first and best of one's resources to God. This can manifest in tithing, dedicating time and talents to service, and prioritizing spiritual commitments. By doing so, believers acknowledge God's lordship and express their trust in His provision.
ConclusionThe concept of firstlings in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of dedicating the first and best to God. It reflects a heart of worship, obedience, and faith, pointing ultimately to the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ.
Strong's Hebrew
1060. bekor -- first-born... Word Origin from bakar Definition first-born NASB Word Usage firstborn (118),
firstlings (1), most (1), oldest (3). eldest son, firstborn.
...Library
The Service Common to Two or Many Apostles.
... With the net of divine words having caught the intellectual fishes, you have brought
these asfirstlings unto our God, and having desired to put Christ's wounds...
The Criminal and his Relation to Society.
... an offering to Jehovah. And Abel also brought some of thefirstlings of
his flock and of their fat. And Jehovah looked favorably...
Faith
... Cain fetched of the fruits of the trees and of the abundance of the soil, and placed
them upon his altar; Abel brought of thefirstlings of the flock, and laid...
Fragment iv. On the Deluge. ...
... to prepare an ark; and when it was finished, there entered it Noe himself and his
sons, his wife and his daughters-in-law, andfirstlings of every living...
Deuteronomy
... by their abstaining from the flesh of certain prohibited animals[1] xiv.1-21, and
the sacred dues such as the tithes, xiv.22-29, andfirstlings, xv.19-23, are...
The Unity of Revelation. 1 "Known unto God are all his Works from...
... go back again to the beginning, and consider the diversity in the forms of public
worship"the simple offering of Abel, who "brought of thefirstlings of his...
The Judges Said: He Has Given Demonstration Enough of the Origin...
... his hypocrisies and deceits to Eve; while through Cain, on the other hand, he effected
the beginning of murder, introducing himself into thefirstlings of the...
Many Evils have Already Flowed from this Source in Ancient Times.
... And it came to pass after certain days, that Cain brought of the fruits of the earth
a sacrifice unto God; and Abel also brought of thefirstlings of his sheep...
Epistle Lxxvi. Cyprian to Nemesianus and Other Martyrs in the...
... 2. But that, being first severely beaten with clubs, and ill-used, you have begun
by sufferings of that kind, the gloriousfirstlings of your confession, is...
Many Evils have Already Flowed from this Source in Ancient Times.
... And it came to pass after certain days, that Cain brought of the fruits of the earth
a sacrifice unto God; and Abel also brought of thefirstlings of his sheep...
Thesaurus
Firstlings (7 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Firstlings (7 Occurrences). Genesis 4:4 And Abel, he also
brought of the
firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof.
...Firstling (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The first produce or offspring; -- said of animals,
especially domestic animals; as, thefirstlings of his flock....
Vowed (34 Occurrences)
... burnt-offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and the offering of your
hand, and your vows, and your freewill-offerings, and thefirstlings of your...
Firstborn (119 Occurrences)
... All the data point to the conclusion that among the ancestors of the Hebrews the
sacrifice of the firstborn was practiced, just as thefirstlings of the flocks...
Ministering (63 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 10:36 and thefirstlings of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written
in the law, and thefirstlings of our herds and our flocks, to bring in to...
Corn (107 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 12:17 Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or
of thy wine, or of thy oil, or thefirstlings of thy herds or of thy flock...
Herds (72 Occurrences)
... burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your
hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and thefirstlings of your...
Flocks (128 Occurrences)
... burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your
hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and thefirstlings of your...
Voluntary-offerings (4 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 12:17 Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or
of thy new wine, or of thine oil, or thefirstlings of thy kine or of thy sheep...
Vow (49 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 27, passim). Nothing which was by nature holy could be made the
object of a vow, egfirstlings, tithes, etc. (Leviticus 27...
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