A sheaf of the firstfruits. The presentation of the first fruits was a part of the celebration of the days of unleavened bread. The presentation took place on the “morrow after the sabbath,” the 16th of Abib (ch. 23:11). This day was neither a “holy convocation” nor a “sabbath.” But an important work was nevertheless done on that day. On the 14th day of Abib a certain portion of a field of barley was marked off to be cut down in preparation for the presentation on the 16th. Three select men cut the barley in the presence of witnesses, having already tied the sheaves together before cutting them. After being cut the sheaves were all tied together into one large sheaf and presented before the Lord as a “sheaf of the firstfruits.” In addition, a perfect male lamb, a cereal offering mingled with oil, and a drink offering were presented to God (vs. 12, 13). Not until this was done could Israel make use of the fruits of the field for themselves. This ceremony pointed to “Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming” (1 Cor. 15:23).