In the Old Testament, the Israelites were commanded to give God the firstfruits of their crops. This sacrifice showed that the people trusted God to continue providing the rest of the crops. It also signified giving back to God the first portion of what already belongs to him. Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” God blesses those who are not stingy with what God has given them.
The Israelites weren’t just supposed to bring in the firstfruits of their crops, but the best of the firstfruits: “The best of the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God” (Exodus 23:19). This command and concept are not limited to the Old Testament. The concept of firstfruits relies on the agricultural laws God gave to ancient Israel. But the literal harvest also deeply connects to theology. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 says, “But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.”
The first crop out of the ground guarantees the rest of the harvest is coming. Christ’s resurrection guarantees that everyone who believes in him will also be raised from the dead. Paul talks about believers having the “firstfruits of the Spirit” (Romans 8:23). James calls believers a “kind of firstfruits of his creation” (James 1:18) and on it goes. We should always give God our best first.
