Deuteronomy 15:19-23 -

The firstlings.

The solution of the apparent discrepancy between this passage and Numbers 18:18 seems to lie in the custom of inviting the worshippers to share in the feasts provided by their offerings. View the sanctification of the firstlings as symbolical.

1. Of God ' s claim on the first and choicest of what we have for his own service .

2. Of God ' s right to redeemed life . The firstlings were redeemed by God for himself on the memorable night of the deliverance from Egypt ( Exodus 13:12 ). God claims redeemed life as peculiarly his own ( Isaiah 43:1-4 ; 1 Corinthians 6:20 ).

3. Of God ' s right to young life . A symbol of early consecration.

4. Of happy fellowship with God . The fellowship was a fruit of the dedication of the best.—J.O.

HOMILIES BY R.M. EDGAR