Following up on the previous article, the “rededication” commitment of the Israelites continues in Nehemiah 10.
“We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the LORD each year the firstfruits of our crops and of every fruit tree.
“As it is also written in the Law, we will bring the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, of our herds and of our flocks to the house of our God, to the priests ministering there.
Nehemiah 10:35-36 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/neh.10.35-36.NIV
We probably understand the idea of bringing in the first part of our income to God, but the first part of other possessions also belonged to God under the Law of Moses.
For Israelites who were farmers, rather than laboring for a paycheck, it makes sense that they would bring in part of their harvest directly. The crops could be used directly for service in the temple (and/or to feed the Levites), or perhaps they could also be sold to provide additional support for the temple activities.
The right that God has to the firstborn of living things in Israel is specifically discussed in Exodus 13:1-16. The Israelites were previously delivered from slavery at the cost of the firstborn children (and animals) of the Egyptians, but their own firstborn were spared when God saw the blood on their doorposts. The first Passover and the Exodus are described in the book of Exodus, chapter 12. In the next chapter, God declares that the firstborn belongs to Him. (I encourage you to read Exodus 13:1-2, 11-13.)
For the firstborn male offspring of animals, it appears that they could be sacrificed or “redeemed” (sacrificing another animal in their place, in at least one case). See also Deuteronomy 15:19-23. Bringing in the firstborn from one’s livestock wasn’t new to the Hebrew people, though, when Moses delivered the Law from God. In fact, Abel also sacrificed “from some of the firstborn of his flock” (Genesis 4:4), long before the times of Abraham and Moses.
Even the firstborn son was holy to God. While the Israelites were not called to sacrifice their firstborn sons, they were required to redeem them. According to Numbers 18:16, this redemption cost appears to be five shekels. Numbers 3:11-13 also describes how the Levites belonged to God, “in place of” [v12] firstborn sons. See also Numbers 8:15-19.
Continuing in verses 37-39, whether the tithe described there is the same as the firstfruits and firstborn, or if it is in addition to these things, the people agree to give from what their property produces. It sounds like perhaps nine-tenths of these tithes remained local or were used elsewhere outside of the temple itself, while the remaining tenth of a tithe (i.e., one percent of the land’s production) was taken to the temple in Jerusalem.
Levites (overseen by priests) manage these collections, and in conclusion, the people agree to “not neglect the house of our God” (see v.39).
As David Faust wrote in the Lookout (see link at the end of this article):
“God’s household should be a priority. If you own a car or a house, you tend to be more careful with the property than you would be if you were merely renting it. Likewise, we shouldn’t treat the church as if we’re consumers or renters. Members of God’s family should “buy in” and be fully engaged.”
The Israelites here give us a good example of contributing to the worship of God in practical ways. Whether it was money, supplies (like wood), animals, or crops (and probably all of those things), the people gave what God had commanded them to give to. Of course, God had – and still has – the ability to provide for whatever He chooses, but He often asks His people to participate in the process of providing.
In the same way, if you follow Jesus Christ, I hope that you do your very best – and even more than your own “best”, with God’s help – in the church (just as I am called to do the same). But, let’s not hesitate to support the work of others in the church when God calls us to do so. Said another way, we should be separate from a sinful world, but not separate from the Body of Christ.
In the age of the church, there is no longer a single temple building in Jerusalem to be maintained. (See John 4:21-24) Nor do all Christians farm and raise livestock. However, the worship of God continues, and the material needs of those who serve in the worship of God are still often supplied by those who follow Him. Let us remember that God owns everything – even ourselves – and remain ready to place the belongings (which He has entrusted us with) towards His purposes (as He tells us to do so).
From Sunday School lesson prepared for February 26, 2023
References:
- The Lookout, February 26, 2023, © 2022 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Ezra-Nehemiah, by Keith Schoville. © 2001 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 