What does the Bible teach regarding the harvesting of fruit on young trees?

In Leviticus 19:23-25, we see God’s commands pertaining to “all manner of trees for food.” For the first three years from the time of planting, the tree is to be considered “uncircumcised” (i.e., too young) and the fruit left un-harvested.

During the fourth year (Lev 19:24), the fruit is considered holy. In ancient Israel, it was harvested and given to the priests and Levites as an offering for their own use. In modern times, this same concept can be accomplished by giving that year’s harvest to the ministry, or by sending in the wholesale value as an offering.

From the fifth year onwards (Lev 19:25), less tithes and offerings, “shall you eat of the fruit thereof, that it may yield unto you the increase thereof.”

Fruit trees were, after all, created by God—He knows what is best for them and us. The Bible is God’s “instruction manual” for mankind. If we are obedient to God and respectful to His creation, we can expect His blessings on our crops.

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