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.
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.
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
In the ancient Israelite society, the firstborn of both people and animals held special significance as a reminder of God's deliverance during the Exodus, when He spared the Israelites' firstborn from the final plague in Egypt. This command in Deuteronomy was part of the Mosaic Law given to Moses, instructing the people to dedicate the firstborn males of their livestock to the Lord as an act of worship and gratitude. It emphasized the holiness of these animals, prohibiting their use for ordinary work like plowing or shearing to maintain their sacred status.
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