Numbers 15:21

Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD an heave offering in your generations.

Of the first {H7225} of your dough {H6182} ye shall give {H5414} unto the LORD {H3068} an heave offering {H8641} in your generations {H1755}.

From your first dough you will give ADONAI a portion as a gift through all your generations.

Throughout your generations, you are to give the LORD an offering from the first of your dough.

Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto Jehovah a heave-offering throughout your generations.

Commentary

Numbers 15:21 presents a specific divine command to the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of giving a portion of their newly prepared dough to the Lord. This verse, "Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD an heave offering in your generations," establishes a perpetual practice of dedication and gratitude, underscoring God's role as the ultimate provider and the people's responsibility to acknowledge Him.

Context of Numbers 15:21

This verse is part of a larger section in Numbers (chapters 15-19) that details various laws and statutes given by God to the Israelites, many of which pertain to their life in the promised land of Canaan. These instructions were crucial for establishing a holy society and maintaining their covenant relationship with God. Following the rebellion and judgment at Kadesh-barnea, where the generation of the Exodus was condemned to wander for forty years (Numbers 14:34), these laws served to prepare the new generation for their inheritance and responsibilities. The laws regarding offerings, such as the heave offering, emphasized the importance of acknowledging divine provision in all aspects of life, particularly as they anticipated settling in a land of agricultural abundance.

Meaning and Significance of the Heave Offering

The phrase "the first of your dough" refers to the initial portion of flour made from newly harvested grain, symbolizing the very best and first fruits of their labor. This was not merely a leftover but a dedicated, prime portion. The "heave offering" (Hebrew: terumah) was a specific type of offering, often involving a ceremonial lifting or 'heaving' motion, signifying it was 'lifted up' or set apart for God. It represented a contribution from the people to the Lord, typically given to the priests for their sustenance as they served in the tabernacle (Numbers 18:8). The inclusion of "in your generations" underscores the perpetual nature of this command, indicating it was a timeless principle for all future Israelite communities. This practice reinforced the understanding that all blessings, especially agricultural bounty, originated from God.

Key Themes

  • Gratitude and Acknowledgment: The offering was a tangible expression of thanks, recognizing God as the ultimate provider of sustenance and blessing. It cultivated a spirit of dependence and thanksgiving among the Israelite people.
  • Firstfruits Principle: Giving the first and best to God signifies prioritizing Him above all else. This concept of honoring the Lord with the firstfruits of increase is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing trust and devotion.
  • Obedience and Faith: By offering from the first dough, even before the full harvest was processed or consumed, the Israelites demonstrated faith that God would continue to provide for their needs.
  • Holiness and Dedication: Setting apart a portion for the Lord sanctified the entire batch, reminding the people that their lives and livelihoods were consecrated to Him and His purposes.
  • Generational Faithfulness: The command to observe this "in your generations" ensured the perpetuation of these foundational principles of worship and dependence through successive generations, teaching children the importance of giving to God.

Practical Application for Today

While the specific ritual of the heave offering from dough is part of the Old Covenant ceremonial law, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. Numbers 15:21 teaches us about:

  • Prioritizing God: Giving God our "firstfruits" means dedicating our best time, talents, and resources to Him, not just what's left over. This reflects a heart that truly acknowledges Him as Lord and seeks to honor Him first.
  • Gratitude and Trust: We are called to live with a spirit of gratitude, recognizing that all we have comes from God's hand. This also involves trusting Him with our provisions, understanding that His blessings are not dependent on our own efforts alone.
  • Consistent Giving: The concept of "in your generations" encourages consistent, lifelong dedication and generosity. This can be seen in the New Testament call to give cheerfully and regularly as a spiritual act of worship and an expression of love for God and others.
  • Acknowledging Divine Provision: Whether in finances, career, or daily sustenance, this verse reminds us to acknowledge God's active role as our provider, fostering a deeper spiritual connection and reliance on Him in all aspects of our lives.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 29:28 (3 votes)

    And it shall be Aaron's and his sons' by a statute for ever from the children of Israel: for it [is] an heave offering: and it shall be an heave offering from the children of Israel of the sacrifice of their peace offerings, [even] their heave offering unto the LORD.

  • Numbers 18:26 (2 votes)

    Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, [even] a tenth [part] of the tithe.