In the Old Testament the first of every produce and animal belonged to God (Exodus 23:16; Lev 19:23; Leviticus 27:30. The first born child also belonged to God ( Numbers 3:13).
James brings this to our attention when he says God has brought us forth by his own will that we might be a kind of first fruits of his creatures (James 1:18).
All of God's creation belongs to him, but he has chosen to call certain of his creatures to be closer to him. None of the animals, plants or minerals have the ability to have a close relationship with God. Our creator has only blessed humans with this capability. We did not will this to happen. We did not manipulate God into inviting us into his presence. He choose to invite us of his own will.
God could have just as well only allowed angels to know him and not humans. Knowing that without God speaking to us we would have no wisdom or spiritual insight, it makes sense to be slow to anger, slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:18-19).
