First sheaf

The presentation of the first sheaf (Leviticus 23:9-13) provides a neat little allegory of redemption.  The first sheaf is presented on the day after the sabbath, the day of resurrection.  It is the “beginning” of the harvest (v. 10), and Leviticus uses the same word as is used in Genesis 1:1.  This eighth day is the beginning of a new creation.

At the same time, a year-old lamb is brought as ascension to Yahweh, and that is followed by an offering of “bridal food” to Yahweh, a tribute of bread and a libation of wine.  This is the first time Leviticus has used the word for “libation,” and the first time we’ve seen bread and wine offered up to Yahweh.  And this happens after the harvest begins, after the first sheaf appears; a eucharistic feast begins on the eighth day.