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.

Thou shalt not delay {H309} to offer the first of thy ripe fruits {H4395}, and of thy liquors {H1831}: the firstborn {H1060} of thy sons {H1121} shalt thou give {H5414} unto me.

"You are not to delay offering from your harvest of grain, olive oil or wine. "The firstborn of your sons you are to give to me.

You must not hold back offerings from your granaries or vats. You are to give Me the firstborn of your sons.

Thou shalt not delay to offer of thy harvest, and of the outflow of thy presses. The first-born of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.

Commentary

Exodus 22:29 is part of the "Book of the Covenant," a collection of laws given by God to Moses directly after the Ten Commandments. This verse emphasizes Israel's obligation to acknowledge God's sovereignty and provision through immediate dedication of their most valuable possessions.

Context

Following the foundational moral principles of the Ten Commandments, Exodus chapters 21-23 provide detailed civil and ceremonial laws for the nascent nation of Israel. This particular verse falls within regulations concerning offerings to God. The command regarding "firstfruits" and "firstborn" was not unique to Israel in the ancient Near East, but here it is uniquely directed towards Yahweh, highlighting His exclusive claim over His people and their produce. The phrase "Thou shalt not delay" underscores the importance of prompt and willing obedience, reflecting a heart of trust and gratitude rather than reluctance or forgetfulness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Ownership and Sovereignty: God asserts His rightful claim over the first and best of all that Israel possesses, whether from the land or the family. This reinforces the understanding that all blessings come from Him.
  • Obedience and Timeliness: The prohibition against delay (`achar` in Hebrew) is crucial. It speaks to the attitude of the heartโ€”a prompt offering demonstrates faith, trust, and a willing spirit, contrasting with procrastination or holding back.
  • Gratitude and Trust: By offering the first of their harvest and their firstborn, the Israelites were expressing profound gratitude for God's provision and placing their future trust in His continued blessing and care. This act was a tangible demonstration of their covenant relationship.
  • Sanctity of the Firstborn: The firstborn son held a position of special significance in Israelite society, representing the strength and beginning of the family. Their dedication to God was a powerful symbol of the entire family's devotion.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "delay," achar, carries the sense of holding back, procrastinating, or lingering. It's not just about eventually offering, but about doing so promptly and without hesitation. "Ripe fruits" (Hebrew: mรขlฤ“'รข) refers to the fullness or abundance of the harvest, emphasizing the best produce. "Liquors" (Hebrew: yฤ“qev) specifically denotes the produce from the winepress and olive press, vital agricultural products. The command "shalt thou give unto me" underscores God's direct and personal claim.

Related Scriptures

  • The concept of offering the firstfruits is reiterated throughout Scripture, emphasizing honoring God with the initial and best of one's increase (Deuteronomy 26:2).
  • The command regarding the firstborn of sons is clarified elsewhere. While the firstborn were dedicated to God, they were later redeemed through substitutionary offerings or by the dedication of the Levites (Exodus 13:13, Numbers 3:46-48).
  • The principle of timely obedience and the blessings associated with it can be seen in God's promises related to the harvest (Deuteronomy 11:14).

Practical Application

For believers today, Exodus 22:29 transcends its literal agricultural context to convey timeless principles. It calls us to:

  • Prioritize God: Give God the "first and best" of our time, talents, and resources, not just what's left over. This reflects a heart that acknowledges His supreme worth and the source of all blessings.
  • Act Promptly: Avoid procrastination in spiritual matters. When God calls us to give, serve, or obey, a willing and immediate response demonstrates genuine faith and trust.
  • Live in Gratitude: Recognize that everything we have is a gift from God. Our offerings, whether financial or spiritual, are expressions of gratitude for His unfailing provision and love.
  • Acknowledge Redemption: Just as the firstborn were redeemed, we are reminded of our own redemption through the ultimate "firstborn," Jesus Christ, who is also the "firstfruits of those who sleep".
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 13:2

    Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, [both] of man and of beast: it [is] mine.

  • Exodus 23:16

    And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, [which is] in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.

  • James 1:18

    Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

  • Deuteronomy 26:2

    That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt put [it] in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there.

  • Deuteronomy 26:10

    And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O LORD, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the LORD thy God, and worship before the LORD thy God:

  • 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.

  • Romans 8:23

    And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.
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