Post by Mark on Aug 31, 2009 6:04:02 GMT -8
Rashi and Sifri argued about this in the 15th Century. Sifri declared that Firstfruits a required tithe immediately upon entering the Land. Rashi answered differently, that Firstfruits were not offered until after the foreigners had been driven out and Israel had fully taken possession of (occupied) the land. This was said to have occurred fourteen years after crossing the Jordan River.
The implication remains that the tithe of the Firstfruits does not apply to those outside of the land- even within the boarders of national Israel, since the Land is again occupied by foreign and strange nations, the offering of the Firstfruits as a tithe is considered in applicable.
Still, Sifri’s point has merit. Rashi would agree that the purpose of the tithe of Firstfruits is to demonstrate our gratitude in the good that He has provided us. Was this good not immediately evident as the spies returned bearing an abundance of fruit?
It may be that both understandings are correct: however, the view of Sifri more prophetic of the Messianic age to come.
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.
(Amo 9:13-15)
From Rashi’s view, it is difficult to give thanks to God for that which is yet promised (at least in the manner of offering Firstfruits). The people would not know what they yet had been given until after they had had the opportunity to possess it. But in a prophetic understanding, the people will gain the Land and immediately know what it is that they possess, immediately reaping the benefits of their occupation.
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
(1Co 2:9)
