What was actually eaten at the first Thanksgiving? The colonists and Native Americans feasted on fresh venison; ducks, geese, and other fowl; and a kind of corn that they made into cornbread and porridge. Their “stuffing” was onions and nuts. They also ate cod, eel, lobster, and vegetables such as peas, beans, and squash. Sorry, no turkey, no mashed potatoes with gravy, no pumpkin pie.
Like Thanksgiving, Israel’s Feast of Firstfruits was a harvest festival. It took place during what would be March or April on our calendar. “Firstfruits” is just what it sounds like: The earliest part of the harvest was to be offered to the Lord. Specifically, the priest would wave before God “a sheaf of the first grain” harvested (vv. 10–11). The act of waving signified honor and worship to the Lord, acknowledging Him as the source and provider of all blessings, including food.
This wave offering was to be accompanied by a burnt offering of a lamb without defect (v. 12). Why? Again the main purpose was worship, but in this case it also signified substitutionary blood atonement for sin. Ideally, these were outward actions revealing the inward state of the worshipers’ hearts. The burnt offering was likewise accompanied by a grain offering and a drink offering (v. 13). These were not mere formalities but serious business. Not so much as a loaf of bread was to be eaten until these offerings had been made (v. 14)! God declared this and other feasts before Israel had even entered the promised land. Receiving the Law was therefore an act of faith by the people in God’s promises. “Firstfruits” is used in the New Testament to talk about resurrection. Christ is the “firstfruits” from among the dead, meaning that since He rose, we will in due time also rise (1 Cor. 15:20–23).
Go Deeper
What might be considered “firstfruits” that you can offer the Lord as an act of worship?
Watch Video: an introduction to our study with Dr. Bradley Baurain.
Pray with Us
Jesus, thank You for giving Your life for my salvation. Please show me clearly what my “firstfruits” are, and how I can use them for Your glory. I want to give You my best.
A food offering presented to the LORD, a pleasing aroma.Leviticus 23:13
