But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou shalt not redeem; they are holy: thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat for an offering made by fire, for a sweet savour unto the LORD.
But when it comes to the first-born cattle, sheep, or goats, you must not buy them back—they are set apart as holy. You must sprinkle their blood on the altar and burn their fat as a fire offering that creates a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
This verse explains that the firstborn of certain animals were considered so holy that they had to be sacrificed to God rather than being bought back like other offerings.
📚 Historical Context
This instruction was part of God's detailed laws given to Moses for the Israelite priesthood. The firstborn of clean animals (cattle, sheep, goats) were considered especially sacred and had to be offered as sacrifices, unlike the firstborn of humans or unclean animals which could be redeemed with money. This was part of the broader system where the first and best of everything belonged to God as an acknowledgment of His provision.
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