Deuteronomy 15:19

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:19-29

Here is, 1. A repetition of the law concerning the firstlings of their cattle, that, if they were males, they were to be sanctified to the Lord (Deut. 15:19), in remembrance of, and in thankfulness for, the sparing of the first-born of Israel, when the first-born of the Egyptians, both of man and beast, were slain by the destroying angel (Exod. 13:2, 15); on the eighth day it was to be given to God ( Exod. 22:30), and to be divided between the priest and the altar, Num. 18:17, 18. 2. An... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:19

All the firstling males that come of thy herd, or of thy flock, thou shalt sanctify unto the Lord thy God ,.... According to the law in Exodus 13:2 . See Gill on Exodus 13:2 ; See Gill on Exodus 13:12 ; See Gill on Exodus 13:13 , thou shalt do no work with the firstling of thy bullock : as to plough or tread out the corn with it, which were done with other heifers: nor shear the firstling of thy sheep ; nor was the wool shorn of it to be made use of; one of the Jewish canons... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 15:19

Verse 19 19.All the firstling males. Another caution is added, that they should make no profit of the first-born; for they might have used the labor of the ox in plowing, or as a beast of burden; they might also have sheared the lambs, and have afterwards brought a deteriorated animal into the tabernacle. God commands, therefore, that what was due to Him should be honestly and absolutely paid. But, if good laws sprang from evil habits, it hence appears with what audacious greediness men have... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:12-19

Bondmen. No argument in favor of modern slave-holding can be drawn from Hebrew bend-service. The Hebrew bondmen, unlike modern slaves, were incorporated as part of the nation; had legal rights; took part in the religious feasts; if mutilated or injured, thereby obtained their freedom. On the sabbatic year the Hebrew bondman regained his freedom, going out, not simply free, but loaded with presents. We learn— I. THE NATURAL RIGHT OF MAN TO HIS FREEDOM . ( Deuteronomy... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:19-23

In Deuteronomy 12:6 , Deuteronomy 12:17 and in Deuteronomy 14:23 , reference is made to sacrificial meals, and to the appropriation of the firstlings of the herds and flocks thereto; Moses here reverts to this, and gives a fuller exposition of it. It is enjoined that, as all the firstborn were to be sanctified to the Lord ( Exodus 13:2-13 ), they were not to work with the firstborn of their cattle, either by yoking the bullock to the plough or wagon or by shearing the sheep: these... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:19-23

The firstlings. The solution of the apparent discrepancy between this passage and Numbers 18:18 seems to lie in the custom of inviting the worshippers to share in the feasts provided by their offerings. View the sanctification of the firstlings as symbolical. 1. Of God ' s claim on the first and choicest of what we have for his own service . 2. Of God ' s right to redeemed life . The firstlings were redeemed by God for himself on the memorable night of the deliverance... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:19-23

The firstlings for God. The firstlings which were males were not to be reared for work, but kept for communion. They were to constitute, if perfect, a peace offering before God; if imperfect, they were to be eaten at home, imperfect fellowship between imperfect persons. Just as in the firstfruits God claimed the first share; so in the case of the firstlings of the herd or flock, and the firstborn among men. I. THE BEGINNINGS OF LIFE SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED AS GIFTS OF ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 15:19-23

The first for God. As God is supreme, so his claim to recognition and obedience must have consideration prior to all other claims. Such priority is his indefeasible right; such priority best subserves the interests of men. The first day of the week he claims and hallows; the firstfruits of the soil he claims for religious offering; the first place in our affections he asks as his due; the firstborn, both of man and of beast, he marks as his own. This is his royalty. I. THE ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Deuteronomy 15:19-23

Compare Exodus 13:11 ff. The directions of the preceding legislation (see Numbers 18:15 ff) are here assumed, with the injunction added, that the animals thus set apart to God Deuteronomy 15:19 were not to be used by their owners for their earthly purposes. It is further allowed that firstborn animals which had a blemish should be regarded as exceptions, and instead of being given to God might be used as food Deuteronomy 15:21-22. The application of the firstborn of cattle is here directed as... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Deuteronomy 15:19-20

Deuteronomy 15:19-20. All the firstling males thou shalt sanctify Giving them to God on the eighth day. And thou shalt do no work with the female firstlings of the cow, nor shear those of the sheep. Even these must be offered to God as peace-offerings, or used in a religious feast. Year by year Namely, in the solemn feasts, which returned upon them every year. read more

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