with the firstfruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine. "
This is a very sensitive subject. It would be too easy to just respond to this verse by how it was taught to us.
It is interesting that this verse is stuck in the middle of this chapter where wisdom of God is the main focus.
Here's a description of "firstfruits":
- The term first fruits designate the offering of the first crops of the harvests and the beasts of the herds, which were supposedly the best of quality, to placate and give thanks to the LORD. The term is derived from an earlier term, the Firstborn of the Womb, which designates the "firstborn" of the Creator.
My perspective, in accordance with the topic of wisdom, is that anything that we obtain that which is from our labor, money, gifts, food, relationships, and anything, should first be acknowledged to God. Money is the easiest form of giving. It has become and for a long while a standard of measure as to what something is worth. When there was a time when there was not a monetary system in place, because God does not need money, the offering would be the first fruits of your labor, your crop, your need of survival.
In doing this, it helps us not to get caught up in the "wealth" and focus on how God provided.
To God be the Glory.
