Definition: And [that] we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 10:37 together. It’s a really important passage about giving and honoring God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s saying: “We should give back to God a portion of our harvest – the best part of our crops, our offerings (like money or gifts), and even the fruits from all our trees and fields!” Let’s unpack that a little more: “Bring the firstfruits…” This means we need to start with the best things we’ve grown – the most valuable parts of our harvest. “…of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil.” This is the core of it: Dough: Think of this as the bread we make for the Sabbath (a holy day). Offerings: This refers to money or gifts given to God in worship. It’s a way to show our gratitude and respect. Fruit of all manner of trees, of wine, and of oil: This means everything that grows – apples, grapes, olives, etc. – and the juice from those fruits (wine and oil). “unto the priests…” This is a key part. The priests were responsible for keeping track of all the offerings and tithes (the portion of money we give). “…to the chambers of the house of our God.” The priests would keep this record in a special place within their temple – like a vault or chamber. “that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.” This is where it gets really important: The Levites were a group of people who were specifically responsible for caring for the temple and keeping the records of offerings. By giving this portion back to them, it would ensure that everyone received their tithes fairly across all the towns and villages (the “tillage”). In a nutshell: Nehemiah is telling us to be generous with our resources – not just to God, but also to those who are dedicated to keeping track of and managing them. It’s about honoring God by giving back what we have. Why is this important? This verse highlights the idea that God wants us to be responsible for our wealth and blessings. Giving back to God is a fundamental part of religious practice in many traditions, showing respect, gratitude, and trust. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular aspect of this verse in more detail? Give an example of how this principle applies to everyday life?