The first-ripe fruits of all that is in their land, which they bring to the LORD, shall be yours. Everyone who is clean in your house shall eat of it.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 13. First-ripe, (initia.) “The beginnings” ( Bible.) of the fruit of trees, in the fourth year. Leviticus 19:24. It may also comprise all the fruits of the earth. Calmet.—First-fruits must be distinguished from tithes, which were only the tenth part. The former were offered immediately to the Lord, but the latter to the priests, and so forth for their support. Besides the first-fruits of ears of corn at the Passover, and of bread at Pentecost, and at every weekly baking, first-fruits were to be given in the 7th month of the harvest and of the vintage, according to each person’s generosity, provided he gave between the 40th and the 60th part of his revenue; and these last are commonly the first-fruits meant in Scripture.—Lord, in sacrifice. If they were given to the priest, the unclean might partake of them. Menochius.