HEBREW MONTH
Along with the Gregorian calendar, we also follow the Hebraic calendar, which contains the original timing that was followed in biblical times. Here, you can learn about the current month and gain an understanding of its significance in your everyday life.
Know More About Firstfruit
Rosh Chodesh is Hebrew for “head of the month,” which is a joyful celebration to the Lord held on the first day of every Hebrew month. Rosh Chodesh is a time to gather together and seek God. It is an expression of the firstfruits principle, which is something many Christians don’t understand. In order to live in the blessings of Rosh Chodesh, we must understand the concept of firstfruits.
Deuteronomy 26:19 (AMP) said, “The Lord will make you high above all nations which he has made, in praise, and in fame, and in honor; and you shall be a people holy to the Lord.” From this we recognize that firstfruits truly is a major key to living in the favor and the prosperity of God.
When Israel brought in the full harvest, one-tenth of the whole crop was to be given to God as a tithe. The firstfruits’ amount was much less than that, often just one sheaf of wheat. Yet, this smaller portion opened the door to a massive blessing.
God gave His best, His only son. Therefore, because of our gratitude for that gift, we are excited to give our best. Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats with new wine!” When we give a firstfruits to Him, we continue to move from blessing to blessing.
Firstfruits offering is a special way to honor God. By giving God the first of what you receive, you acknowledge that He is truly first in your life, and is honored above everything else you hold special.
- Honor God as your source, which is a declaration that God has blessed you.
- Sanctifies (makes holy) the rest of your income (Romans 11:16).
- Release the fullness of God’s blessing (Ezekiel 44:30)
Many assume that if they tithe, they are giving the firstfruits. That is not the case. The Bible actually describes three categories of giving. We see these clearly presented in Nehemiah 12:44 “Men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions (or offerings), firstfruits and tithes.”
Nehemiah 10:35-39 describe these in more detail:
- Firstfruits Giving. Verse 35 tells us, “bring to the house of the Lord the firstfruits of our crops and of every fruit tree…the firstborn of our cattle…the first of our ground meal, our grain, the fruit of our trees and of our new wine and oil.”
- Tithes. Verse 37 continues, “and bring a tithe of our crops to the Levites…The Levites receive the tithes.”
- Contribution (or Offerings). Verse 39 tells them to also, “bring contributions of grain, new wine and oil”. It is anything given as an expression of thanksgiving to God as an act of worship, in acknowledgement of God’s blessing.
(Cited from “Chuck D. Pierce with Robert and Linda Heildler. A Time to Advance – Understanding the Significance of the Hebrew Tribes and Months. Published by Glory of Zion International.)
