The Book of Jubilees, sometimes called Lesser Genesis, is an ancient Jewish religious work of 2nd century BC origin. It retells parts of Genesis and Exodus, but with a unique spin, offering a different perspective on the history of the world and the laws given to Moses.
Chapter 7 of Jubilees gives us a glimpse into instructions given (supposedly) to Noah and his descendants after the flood. It speaks of a time when humanity would once again build cities and cultivate the earth. "And behold, ye will go and build for yourselves cities, and plant in them all the plants that are upon the earth, and moreover all fruit-bearing trees." Sounds idyllic. But there's a catch, a divine rhythm to be observed.
The text outlines a specific agricultural practice. For the first three years after planting, the fruit of these trees was not to be harvested. Imagine the patience required! Three years of nurturing, tending, and watching the fruit grow, only to leave it on the branches.
But why? What’s the purpose of this waiting game? This reminds me of the concept of orlah, the prohibition on eating the fruit of a tree during its first three years after planting, which we find in Leviticus 19:23-25. It’s as if the Book of Jubilees is expanding on this idea, giving it a narrative and historical context.
Then comes the fourth year. "…its fruit will be accounted holy [and they will offer the first-fruits], acceptable before the Most High God, who created heaven and earth and all things." Finally, a harvest! But this wasn't just any harvest. It was an offering, a recognition of the divine source of all abundance. The first fruits were considered holy, set apart for a sacred purpose.
The text continues, "Let them offer in abundance the first of the wine and oil (as) first-fruits on the altar of the Lord, who receiveth it." Wine and oil, staples of ancient life, were also to be offered as first fruits. This act of offering wasn't just a ritual; it was a profound expression of gratitude, a way of acknowledging that everything we have comes from a higher power. : this practice instilled a deep sense of connection to the land and a recognition of the divine in the cycle of growth and harvest. It’s a powerful reminder that we are stewards of the earth, not just consumers. The Book of Jubilees presents a vision of a society rooted in gratitude, where the first fruits are offered in abundance, a testament to the goodness of creation.
What does this ancient practice mean for us today? Perhaps it's a call to cultivate a greater sense of gratitude for the food we eat, to be mindful of the resources we use, and to remember the divine source of all blessings. Maybe it's a nudge to support sustainable agriculture, to honor the land, and to give back to our communities.