Deuteronomy 15:19 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

All the firstling males that come of thy herd and of thy flock thou shalt sanctify unto the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work with the firstling of thy bullock, nor shear the firstling of thy sheep.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

You must set apart all the firstborn male animals from your cattle and sheep as holy to the LORD your God. Don't use the firstborn ox for work, and don't shear the wool from the firstborn sheep.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God is telling the Israelites to dedicate their firstborn male livestock to Him as holy offerings, keeping them separate from regular farm work.

📚 Historical Context

This command was given to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, establishing how they should worship God through animal offerings. The firstborn of animals (and humans) were considered especially sacred to God, representing the idea that the first and best belonged to Him. This practice helped the Israelites remember that all their blessings came from God.

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Explore Similar Verses

Nehemiah 10:36

We also promise to bring the firstborn of our sons and our livestock, as the law requires, and the first offspring of our cattle and sheep to God's house, to give to the priests who serve in God's house.

Exodus 34:19

Every firstborn belongs to me—whether it's a human baby or the first male animal born to your cattle, oxen, or sheep.

Numbers 3:41

You must take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) to replace all the firstborn sons among the Israelites; and take the livestock of the Levites to replace all the firstborn animals among the livestock of the Israelites.

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