Numbers 15:20

Ye shall offer up a cake of the first of your dough [for] an heave offering: as [ye do] the heave offering of the threshingfloor, so shall ye heave it.

Ye shall offer up {H7311} a cake {H2471} of the first {H7225} of your dough {H6182} for an heave offering {H8641}: as ye do the heave offering {H8641} of the threshingfloor {H1637}, so shall ye heave {H7311} it.

Set aside from your first dough a cake as a gift; set it aside as you would set aside a portion of the grain from the threshing-floor.

From the first of your dough, you are to lift up a cake as a contribution; offer it just like an offering from the threshing floor.

Of the first of your dough ye shall offer up a cake for a heave-offering: as the heave-offering of the threshing-floor, so shall ye heave it.

Commentary

Numbers 15:20 introduces a specific law regarding offerings, emphasizing the principle of consecrating the first and best of one's produce to the Lord. This instruction was given to the Israelites as they prepared to enter and settle in the Promised Land, ensuring they would continue to honor God in their new environment.

Context

This verse is part of a broader section (Numbers 15:17-21) outlining various laws concerning offerings and sacrifices, particularly those to be observed once Israel inhabits the land God promised them. It details the requirement to set aside a portion of their dough as a "heave offering," paralleling the offering made from the threshingfloor. This law underscores God's expectation for His people to acknowledge His provision in every aspect of their lives, from their agricultural produce to their daily bread.

Key Themes

  • The Principle of Firstfruits: The command to offer "the first of your dough" highlights the biblical principle of giving God the initial and best portion of one's harvest or increase. This demonstrates faith, gratitude, and recognition of God as the ultimate provider. This concept is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in Proverbs 3:9, which encourages honoring the Lord with one's substance and firstfruits.
  • The Heave Offering (Terumah): The term "heave offering" (Hebrew: terumah) refers to a portion of an offering that was lifted up or presented before the Lord. It was typically designated for the priests, serving as their sustenance and symbolizing dedication. This act reinforced the covenant relationship between God, His people, and the priestly service, showing that even common elements could be set apart for sacred use.
  • Divine Provision and Dependence: By requiring a portion of the dough, God reminded the Israelites that their daily sustenance came from His hand. This regular offering served as a constant reminder of their dependence on Him and His faithfulness in providing for their needs in the land of Canaan.

Linguistic Insights

The term "heave offering" comes from the Hebrew word terumah (תְּרוּמָה), which literally means "a contribution" or "something lifted up." The action of "heaving" or lifting up the offering signified its presentation directly to God, often as a designated portion for the priests. The phrase "first of your dough" uses the Hebrew reshith (רֵאשִׁית), emphasizing the beginning or prime portion, reinforcing the idea of priority in giving to God and acknowledging His preeminence.

Practical Application

While the specific ritual of the dough offering is no longer practiced today, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for believers:

  • Prioritizing God: This verse encourages us to give God the "first and best" of our lives—our time, talents, and resources—rather than offering Him leftovers. It's about putting God first in our daily decisions and finances, trusting Him with our future.
  • Gratitude and Acknowledgment: Recognizing that all we have comes from God's gracious hand should cultivate a spirit of profound gratitude and lead us to acknowledge Him in practical ways through worship, service, and generosity.
  • Consecration in Daily Life: Just as the dough was consecrated, we are called to live lives that are consecrated to God, allowing our everyday activities and possessions to reflect His holiness. This aligns with the broader call to be a holy people, as seen in 1 Peter 1:16.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 2:14

    And if thou offer a meat offering of thy firstfruits unto the LORD, thou shalt offer for the meat offering of thy firstfruits green ears of corn dried by the fire, [even] corn beaten out of full ears.

  • 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 34:26

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

  • 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.

  • Proverbs 3:9

    Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

  • Proverbs 3:10

    So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
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