(Exodus 23 — 19) "The first of the first-fruits of your

Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Mekhilta Tractate Kaspa 5:1

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 2, 2025

(Exodus 23:19) commands: "The first of the first-fruits of your land you shall bring to the house of the Lord your God." The Mekhilta asks what this verse adds to (Deuteronomy 26:2): "Then you shall take of the first of all the fruits of the earth."

From Deuteronomy alone, we would know only that first-fruits in their natural state — actual fruits picked from the tree — must be brought to the Temple. But what about first-fruits that have been processed? What if someone trod grapes into wine or pressed olives into oil before bringing them?

The Exodus verse covers this case. "You shall bring to the house of the Lord your God" — the broader language encompasses first-fruits that have been transformed into liquids. Even processed fruits fulfill the obligation.

The phrase "in any event" signals that the obligation is comprehensive. Whether you bring the fruit itself or the liquid derived from it, the commandment is fulfilled. The Torah does not limit first-fruits to a single form. Fresh grapes and pressed wine, whole olives and extracted oil — all qualify.

This ruling had practical significance for farmers who had already processed their harvest before fulfilling the first-fruits obligation. They were not required to hold back raw produce specifically for the Temple. Whatever form the first-fruits took by the time they were ready to be offered was acceptable.

Themes

Wisdom Egypt Exodus Passover

Biblical References

Exodus 23:19

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