📖 Biblical Context & Timing

• ·       Date Observed: Abib 26 (Fixed Date)

• ·       Day Begins: Sunrise (Not sunset)

• ·       Biblical Basis:

• o   Leviticus 23:10-14

• o   Jubilees 21:21, 44:4-5

• o   Deuteronomy 26:1-11

• ·       Qumran/Dead Sea Scrolls Calendar Evidence:

• o   Multiple DSS Temple Scroll calendars date First Fruits on Abib 26, maintaining a fixed solar calendar.

• o   This fixed day ensures accuracy, as commanded by YHWH, not relying on inconsistent agricultural conditions.

🌿 Purpose of the First Fruits Offering

• To honor YHWH with the first yield of the land's produce.

• Symbolizes thanksgiving, obedience, and acknowledgement that YHWH provides the harvest.

• It is NOT a harvest feast, but a sacred offering day.

• It represents Messiah Yahusha as the First Fruits of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20). Indeed others resurrected for a temporary time but only He is the First Fruits among men.

📜 Observance Guidelines

·       Not a meal/feast day, but offerings may accompany a meal if desired.

·       If growing produce, offer the first of your harvest to YHWH in thanksgiving (spiritually and/or physically).

·       If not growing crops, consider symbolically offering your "first" increase (first earnings, fruits, etc.). Don’t have any place to grow, then, connect with a local produce stand and find out what is truly a first fruit, and offer that.

·       No leaven requirement is attached to this day. It is after Unleavened Bread ends.

·       Sunrise to Sunrise observance: Begins at sunrise on Abib 26 and ends at sunrise the next day.

Important Clarifications

·       Barley is not the calendar trigger. Nowhere in scripture is the start of the year or the Feast of First Fruits dependent on barley.

o   Exodus 12:2 sets the first month, not a harvest.

o   Leviticus 23:10 speaks of "your harvest," which varies regionally.

o   The solar calendar is accurate and consistent without agricultural guesswork.

o   There are countries who do not grow barely or wheat in many areas which neither is a requirement for this Feast. Perhaps you have a langka or jackfruit to offer, but offer a first fruit of your land or your community’s.

·       Not a Sabbath. Work is permitted.

·       Not tied to a Temple ritual today, as Messiah is our High Priest, just as it was not under the Law of Melchizedek prior to the Levites, when no Temple stood nor the entire time prior to the Temple, in between the First and Second, etc. The Temple is never a requirement in scripture to kept the Biblical Feasts. The place with His name is not in Israel today as well. Melchizedek is Yahusha, and does not represent new law, but a return to His own ancient practice. [The Mystery of Melchizedek 1-2]

·       A case can be made for Cain and Abel even being aware and keeping this particular Feast, but that is not necessary for us to all know this cannot pass away.

Spiritual Meaning in Messiah

·       Yahusha rose as the First Fruits of those who sleep (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).

·       His resurrection fulfills this Feast closely associated, though not on the exact date (Abib 26), in line with the accurate calendar. Fullfill never means “passed away.” As He entrenched Himself in these Feasts, He would have to pass away for the Feast to do so.

·       We honor Him not with grain but with our increase, lives, and obedience, which may include grain and may not.

Ways to Celebrate

·       Read Scriptures (Leviticus 23, Deut. 26, 1 Cor. 15)

·       Offer thanks in prayer for YHWH’s provision.

·       Share the first of your harvest/increase with others or give to those in need.

·       Reflect on Messiah's resurrection and what it means for your life.

·       In tradition, the Priest would waive a sheaf of barley or wheat, and wine as a drink offering in the air, though you may have difficulty waiving a jackfruit (don’t try this at home). Offer in the air with prayer and thanksgiving. The wine would then, be poured over the alter, and not to drink. You can create an altar of your own and you can do this without an altar.

📽️ Supporting Video Series’ from The God Culture

1. ·       When Does the Bible Day Begin? Series

2. ·       Feasts of YHWH Series

Closing Thought The Feast of First Fruits is not about agriculture alone; it's about recognizing YHWH as the source of all blessing and Messiah as the first to rise, guaranteeing our hope. Celebrate this day in sincerity, not tradition. Fixed by YHWH’s calendar. Affirmed by Scripture. Fulfilled in Yahusha. Continued in celebration forever, as always commanded.

🧾 Free Downloadable PDF

✅ Click here to download and share the full Fact Sheet PDF for personal study or group teaching:
👉 First Fruit Offering Fact Sheet (PDF)