In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah said, “we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law. And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD”, and in chapter ten and verse thirty-six of Nehemiah, Nehemiah shared about, “the firstborn” where we read,
Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God:
The verse reads, “Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, ...” Nehemiah began with the words, “also the firstborn” which means “even so and indeed the the eldest and firstlings” “of our sons” or “pertaining to our, the people of Israel's, male offspring and progeny”, “and of our cattle” which means “and pertaining to our, the people of Israel's, beasts, animals and livestock”, “as it is written in the law” or “in keeping and according to the manner that it is inscribed and engraved within Jehovah God's direction, instruction, custom, manner and code of living”, “and the firstlings” which means “and the eldest” “of our herds” or “pertaining to our, the people of Israel's, beeves, bulls or animals of the ox family” “and of our flocks” which means “and belonging to our, the people of Israel's, small cattle such as sheep and goats”. Nehemiah shared how the “first” of the people of Israel's male children, livestock, oxen and groups of smaller animals were to be done according to the following which was inscribed within Jehovah God's statutes and precepts. (See Exodus 13;2, 12-19; Numbers 18:15-16; Deuteronomy 12:6)
The verse continues, “... to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God:” Nehemiah added the words, “to bring to the house” or “to carry and lead toward the habitation, abode and dwelling place” “of our God” which means “belonging to our, the people of Israel's, Supreme Deity”, “unto the priests” or “to the spiritual spokesmen and leaders” “that minister” which means “who wait on and serve” “in the house of our God” or “within the habitation, abode and dwelling place belonging to our, the people of Israel's, Supreme Deity”. Nehemiah shared how the people of Israel were to carry the “first” of their male children, livestock, oxen and groups of smaller animals to the sacred dwelling place of their Supreme Deity and to the spiritual spokesmen who serve within it.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Nehemiah how the people of Israel determined to keep the law of God concerning the dedicating of the “first born” sons, cattle, oxen and flock” to Jehovah God. They would carry them to the sacred dwelling place of Jehovah God and give them to the spiritual leaders who served within the temple. God gives us everything we have, and we are to return our “first fruits” to Him. He gave His Only Begotten Son Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins when He died on the cross and rose from the grave three days later. God made the way for us to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and provided with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and teach us the value of giving our “first” and best to Him. (See John 14:6; 16:13)
Next time Nehemiah says, “we should bring the firstfruits”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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