The Midrash of Philo – and when we say Midrash, we're talking about a way of interpreting scripture that fills in the gaps, making the stories speak to us today – offers a fascinating insight into this very question. It does so by looking at offerings. Not just any offerings, but how people approach giving to the divine.
Philo dives deep into the motivations behind those offerings. Imagine two people: one who gives God the leftovers, the "after some days" fruit, not even the best of the bunch. According to Philo, this person is a "lover of himself." They're holding back, seeing God as deserving only of what they don't really want. The Midrash points out the phrase "after some days" in the biblical text, suggesting a delay, a reluctance to give immediately and generously. This hesitation speaks volumes!
But then there's the other person. The one who, without hesitation, offers the first-born and eldest of their flock. B'chor, the first born. sacrifice! They're giving the very best, holding nothing back. This, says Philo, is true devotion.
It's a stark contrast, isn't it? It’s not just about the act of giving, but the spirit behind it. Are we giving from our abundance, or are we giving a piece of ourselves? Are we offering the "first fruits", the bikkurim, or waiting to see what we can spare?
This Midrash really challenges us to examine our own hearts. Where do we fall on this spectrum? Are we holding back, giving God (or whatever higher power you connect with) the leftovers of our time, our energy, our resources? Or are we offering our very best, with a spirit of genuine love and devotion? It's a question worth pondering, because the answer might just reveal the true object of our affection.