Deuteronomy 18:4
“The first fruits of your grain, of your new wine, and of your oil, and the first of the fleece of your sheep, you shall give him.”
What does Deuteronomy 18:4 mean?
This verse describes what the Israelites were to give to their priests as support for their spiritual work. The "first fruits" and "first of the fleece" weren't leftovers, but the choicest portions, offered as a sign of gratitude and to honor those who served in the temple. It's similar to how we might think about fairly compensating those who dedicate their lives to serving a community. The principle underneath is beautifully practical: those who teach, guide, and care for others spiritually deserve to have their basic needs met. The practice also reminded people that their crops, their animals, and their abundance didn't come from their own effort alone, but from God's provision. By giving the first and best to those who served spiritually, the community was saying that relationship with God matters most.