"Emma," Austen, and Biblical Rebuke

The history of the phrase "cut corners" offers insight into the prohibition against giving the various crop offerings out of order.

The biblical laws regarding land ownership protect both the private property rights of the Israelites and their covenantal bond with the land.

A Talmudic tale teaches that all of God's creations can play a holy role. 

How a commandment about grain offerings shows that God is sensitive to the economic status of all His subjects.

While grain offerings usually include olive oil, an exception is made when the grain is brought as a sin offering.