Ex 23:19 The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God. 

God doesn’t want our leftovers; He wants our best; He wants the first of what we have received. This scripture tells us that we are to bring Him our firstfruits to Him.  Firstfruits are mentioned many times in the bible showing that there was a clear understanding of them in the culture of the people. They understood that the first one to be considered in any increase they received is God.

Firstfruits are not your tithe.  The tithe belongs to the Lord (Lev 27:30). It is the only offering in the bible that gives a specific amount that you are to give to God.  The amount of your tithe is determined at the end of your harvest, and it is 10% of your harvest.

Prov 3: 9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. 

What are firstfruits?  Firstfruits are what you give to God at the beginning of your harvest, or in modern day terminology, at the beginning of any increase that comes to your life.  That increase might come in the form of a raise,  a bonus, an inheritance, or any other kind of increase in your life.  When you honor God with the first portion of that increase, you are offering Him a firstfruits offering.

The Bible teaches several principles about firstfruits offerings:

1. They are commanded by God.
2. They should honor God.
3. They are holy unto God.
4. You show God your gratitude for His blessings when you give them.

How much should you give in a firstfruits offering?  That’s between you and God.  The main thing is that your purpose in giving it is that you want to bring honor and thanksgiving to Him for the increase that has come to your life. 

Exodus 23:20-30 promises many blessings that will come upon your house when you give God a firstfruits offering.   I challenge you to read this passage of scripture and learn of those blessings. Meditate upon those promises, and then trust God as you bring Him your firstfruits offering.