Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 15:19. It’s a really important rule about how we treat animals – especially those that are sold for profit. Here's what it means in plain language: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to be very careful when selling animals, particularly bulls (which are larger and more valuable). We need to treat them with respect and avoid using them for labor or work during the sale process. Let’s unpack it word by word: “All the firstling males that come of thy herd and of thy flock thou shalt sanctify unto the LORD thy God:” This is saying, "You must treat these animals with special reverence." “Sanctify” means to make something holy or sacred. "Thou" (you) is a formal way of addressing someone. “Thou shalt do no work with the firstling of thy bullock, nor shear the firstling of thy sheep.” This is the most important part . It’s telling us not to use the firstborn animal for any labor or tasks during the sale process. Let's break that down further: “Firstling of thy bullock”: This refers to the animal’s calf – the young animal that was born before it became a full-grown bull. It's considered a “firstling” because it’s not fully grown and belongs to the owner. “Shear the firstling of thy sheep”: This means shearing (cutting) the animal’s wool. It’s seen as a laborious task that should be avoided during the sale. So, what does this mean practically? Basically, it's a guideline to show respect for the animals and avoid making them part of your daily routine or labor. It’s about honoring the animal as a gift from God and avoiding unnecessary work with it. Why is this important in the Bible? This verse speaks to the importance of treating all creation – including animals – with respect and humility. It’s a reminder that we are stewards of the earth, and we have a responsibility to care for the creatures around us. It also highlights the idea that God created life and has given it purpose. In short, this verse is about honoring the animals by avoiding using them in any way during the sale process. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with a story or analogy? Talk about its connection to other parts of the Bible? Discuss why this rule was important in ancient times?