Definition: [And] whatsoever is first ripe in the land, which they shall bring unto the LORD, shall be thine; every one that is clean in thine house shall eat [of] it.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 18:13. It's a really important and somewhat surprising passage about hospitality and respect for God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God wants us to be generous and treat others well, especially those who are clean and respected. It emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with kindness and honor. Let's unpack each part: “Whatever is first ripe in the land” : This refers to things that are ready to be harvested – like crops or fruits. Think about it as a metaphor for people or situations that are ready for good use and value. “…which they shall bring unto the LORD” : This means we should offer these “ripe” things (people) to God. It’s about showing reverence and gratitude to Him. “Shall be thine” : This is a very important part – it means God's favor, or blessing, will come to those who are treated well. “Every one that is clean in thine house shall eat [of] it” : This is the key part! It’s saying that people who are honest, trustworthy, and morally upright (clean) should have access to what we offer them – food, resources, etc. It means those with good character deserve to be treated with respect and offered something positive. In a nutshell: God wants us to treat everyone with kindness and respect. Show your generosity and honor by offering good things to those who are clean and trustworthy. Why is this important? This verse highlights the idea that God sees everything, including our actions towards others. It’s about recognizing that we are part of His creation and deserve a respectful place in His world. Does this have any practical meaning for us today? Absolutely! It encourages us to: Be kind and considerate to everyone we meet. Treat people with respect, even those who may seem different or difficult. Offer help and kindness to those in need. Do you want me to explain this verse in a slightly more detailed way, perhaps focusing on a specific aspect like the symbolism of "ripe" things?