Deuteronomy 18:4

The firstfruit [also] of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.

The firstfruit {H7225} also of thy corn {H1715}, of thy wine {H8492}, and of thine oil {H3323}, and the first {H7225} of the fleece {H1488} of thy sheep {H6629}, shalt thou give {H5414} him.

You will also give him the firstfruits of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the first of the fleece of your sheep.

You are to give them the firstfruits of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the first wool sheared from your flock.

The first-fruits of thy grain, of thy new wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.

Commentary

Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:4 (KJV)

Deuteronomy 18:4 outlines specific agricultural and livestock products that the Israelites were commanded to give to the Levitical priests. This verse is part of a larger section (Deuteronomy 18:1-8) that details the provisions for the priests and Levites, who had no territorial inheritance among the tribes of Israel.

Context

In ancient Israel, the twelve tribes received portions of the land as their inheritance after entering Canaan. However, the tribe of Levi, which included the priests, was set apart for service to God and the community. As such, they did not receive a land inheritance like the other tribes, as stated in Deuteronomy 18:1. Instead, their portion was the Lord Himself, and they were to be supported by the offerings and tithes of the other tribes. This divine arrangement ensured that those dedicated to the spiritual welfare of the nation could focus fully on their priestly duties without the burden of cultivating land for sustenance. The offerings mentioned—corn, wine, oil, and the fleece of sheep—represent the primary agricultural and pastoral products of the land, signifying a portion of the people's entire livelihood.

Key Themes

  • Support for Ministry: The verse establishes a clear divine mandate for the community to financially and materially support those who serve in spiritual capacities. This principle ensured the livelihood of the priests, allowing them to devote themselves to teaching God's law, offering sacrifices, and interceding for the people.
  • The Firstfruits Principle: The command to give the "firstfruit" (Hebrew: reshit) emphasizes giving the best and the earliest portion of the harvest and produce to God. This wasn't merely the first in time, but often the choicest and most valued. It was an act of acknowledging God as the ultimate provider and owner of all things, demonstrating faith that He would bless the remainder. This principle is echoed throughout scripture, such as in Proverbs 3:9, which encourages honoring the Lord with one's substance and the firstfruits of increase.
  • Obedience and Trust: By giving their firstfruits, the Israelites demonstrated their obedience to God's commands and their trust that He would continue to provide for their needs. It was an act of faith that God would ensure the abundance of their fields and flocks.

Linguistic Insights

The term "firstfruit" (Hebrew: reshit) signifies not just the initial produce but also the prime, excellent, and choicest part. It conveys the idea of offering the very best to God, reflecting a heart of worship and gratitude, rather than merely giving leftovers. The specific items—"corn, wine, and oil"—were the staple agricultural products of ancient Israel, often referred to as the "new corn, new wine, and new oil," representing the essential provisions and blessings from the land. "The first of the fleece of thy sheep" indicates a portion from their livestock, underscoring that all sources of income and blessing were to be consecrated to God's service.

Practical Application

The principles found in Deuteronomy 18:4 remain relevant today. While the specific sacrificial system of the Old Testament has been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles of supporting those who serve in ministry and giving our best to God endure. The New Testament affirms the principle that those who preach the gospel should be supported by those who receive spiritual benefit (1 Corinthians 9:14). For believers today, this verse encourages:

  • Generous Giving: To support churches, missionaries, and Christian organizations that spread the gospel and minister to others.
  • Prioritizing God: To give God the "firstfruits" of our lives—our time, talents, and resources—not just what is left over. This reflects a heart that acknowledges God as the source of all blessings.
  • Trust in Divine Provision: To trust that as we honor God with our substance, He will continue to provide for our needs.

Deuteronomy 18:4 serves as a timeless reminder of God's design for the support of ministry and the importance of a grateful heart that gives its best back to the Lord.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 22:29

    Thou shalt not delay [to offer] the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.

  • Leviticus 23:17

    Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; [they are] the firstfruits unto the LORD.

  • Leviticus 23:10

    Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:

  • Exodus 23:19

    The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

  • Job 21:20

    His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

  • Numbers 18:12

    All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee.

  • Numbers 18:24

    But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer [as] an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.
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