Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down Deuteronomy 18:4. It’s a really important verse about sharing and responsibility. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says: “You are allowed to take the first harvest – the first fruits of your crops – the first wine from your vineyard, and the first oil from your olive trees – and then you’re obligated to give a portion of your sheep’s fleece.” Let's unpack that a bit: “The firstfruit…” This refers to the first harvest . It means the beginning of a good yield. “…of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil…” This means you get the first fruits of your crops – like wheat, grapes, and olive oil. Think of it as the best part of what you’ve worked on. “and the first of the fleece of thy sheep…” This is where it gets a little more nuanced. It means you're allowed to take a small portion (a "first") of your sheep’s fleece – the wool that comes from their woolly bodies. It’s like a small reward for caring for and raising those animals. “…and the first of the fleece of thy sheep…” This is repeated - you're allowed to take a small portion of the sheep’s fleece as well. The Whole Idea – It’s about Stewardship & Giving Back: This verse isn’t just saying “take what you've worked hard.” It’s teaching us that we have a responsibility to care for the land and its resources. By taking a small portion of our harvest, wine, and oil, we show gratitude for God's blessings and acknowledge that these things are valuable. It's also about being generous – giving back a little to those who helped you get them in the first place. In short, it’s a reminder that God wants us to be responsible stewards of the land and to share some of the benefits he provides. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? Perhaps you'd like me to give an example of how this principle is applied in real life?