Matthew Henry on Deuteronomy 15:19–end
Here is, 1. A repetition of the law concerning the firstlings of their cattle, that, if they were males, they were to be sanctified to the Lord (Deu 15:19), in remembrance of, and in thankfulness for, the sparing of the first-born of Israel, when the first-born of the Egyptians, both of man and beast, were slain by the destroying angel (Exo 13:2, Exo 13:15); on the eighth day it was to be given to God (Exo 22:30), and to be divided between the priest and the altar, Num 18:17, Num 18:18. 2. An addition to that law, for the further explication of it, directing them what to do with the firstlings, (1.) That were females: "Thou shalt do no work with the female firstlings of the cow, nor shear th…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 15:19
All the firstling males of thy herd and of thy flock thou shalt sanctify unto the Lord thy God--[See on Exo 13:2]; see Exo 22:30).
thou shalt do not work with the firstling of thy bullock--that is, the second firstlings (see Deu 12:17-18; Deu 14:23).
Next: Deuteronomy Chapter 16
John Gill on Deuteronomy 15:21
And if there be any blemish therein,.... In the firstling, as if it be "lame or blind", or have
any ill blemish: thou shall not sacrifice it unto the Lord thy God; blemishes in any beast made it unfit for sacrifices which were required; and so all peace offerings, vows, and freewill offerings, were to be free from any, Leviticus 22:19, such were not fit for an holy sacrifice or an holy feast.
John Calvin on Deuteronomy 15:19–end
Deuteronomy 15:19, 20
19. All the firstling males that come of thy herd, and of thy flock, thou shalt sanctify unto the Lord thy God: thou shalt do no work with the firstling of thy bullock, nor shear the firstling of thy sheep:
19. Omne primogenitum quod nascetur in armento, aut in grege tuo, masculum sanctificabis Jehovae Deo tuo: non uteris opera primogeniti bovis tui, neque tondebis primogenita gregis tui.
20. Thou shalt eat it before the Lord thy God year by year, in the place which the Lord shall choose, thou and thy household.
20. Coram Jehova Deo tuo comedes eum annuatim in loco quem elegerit Jehova, tu et familia tua.
19. All the firstling males. Another caution is added, that…
