Topical Bible: Priest: Benefits of of the Firstborn

◄ Priest: Benefits of of the Firstborn ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the role of the priest and the concept of the firstborn are deeply intertwined, reflecting the divine order and covenantal relationships established by God. The firstborn, both of humans and animals, held a special place in the religious and social life of ancient Israel, and this status carried specific benefits and responsibilities, particularly in relation to the priesthood.

The Firstborn in Israelite Society

The firstborn son in an Israelite family was traditionally granted a position of honor and authority. This status was not merely a matter of familial hierarchy but was deeply rooted in the covenantal promises of God. The firstborn was often seen as the primary heir, receiving a double portion of the inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17). This privilege underscored the firstborn's role as the leader and protector of the family lineage.

Consecration to God

The concept of the firstborn being consecrated to God is a recurring theme in the Scriptures. In Exodus 13:2, God commands, "Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast." This consecration signifies that the firstborn were set apart for God's purposes, symbolizing the nation's dedication to Him.

Redemption of the Firstborn

While the firstborn were consecrated to God, the Israelites were instructed to redeem their firstborn sons and unclean animals. Numbers 18:15-16 states, "The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD, belongs to you. But you must redeem the firstborn of man and the firstborn of unclean animals. You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male, five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs."

This redemption process underscored the principle that all life belongs to God, and it was through this act that the Israelites acknowledged His sovereignty and provision.

Priestly Benefits

The priests, who were from the tribe of Levi, were the beneficiaries of the redemption of the firstborn. As God declared in Numbers 3:12-13, "Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of every firstborn Israelite from the womb. The Levites belong to Me, for all the firstborn are Mine. On the day I struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated every firstborn in Israel to Myself, both man and beast. They are Mine; I am the LORD."

The Levites, therefore, were set apart to serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple, receiving the redemption offerings as part of their sustenance. This arrangement provided for the priests and Levites, ensuring that they could dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties without the need for secular employment.

Spiritual Significance

The benefits of the firstborn, as related to the priesthood, also carry a profound spiritual significance. The firstborn's consecration and redemption prefigure the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15) and the "firstborn from the dead" (Revelation 1:5). In this way, the firstborn's role in the Old Testament foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, who fulfills the law and the prophets.

In summary, the benefits of the firstborn in relation to the priesthood highlight the intricate relationship between divine order, covenantal promises, and the foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work. The firstborn's consecration, redemption, and the subsequent benefits to the priesthood underscore the theological depth and continuity of God's plan for His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 3:46-51
And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and three score and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites;
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 18:15,16
Every thing that opens the matrix in all flesh, which they bring to the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be yours: nevertheless the firstborn of man shall you surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shall you redeem.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Liturgy of St. Dionysius, Bishop of the Athenians .
... How tremendous is this hour." (The Priest bending, says ... Church, the Jerusalem of
the firstborn, whose names ... its inhabitants, visit it with Thy benefits and the ...
/.../letters of dionysius the areopagite/liturgy of st dionysius bishop.htm

On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail.
... not only with the multitude of the benefits for which ... life of darkness, and destroys
our firstborn, the offspring ... a reproach to Thy beloved, priest and people ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xvi on his fathers.htm

(On the Mysteries. V. )
... us good, and counting us meet for such great benefits. ... this Psalm was chanted by
the Priest and Deacon ... the heavenly assembly, Church of the firstborn that are ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xxiii on the mysteries.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... Bishop (see [857]Chrysostom, [858]Priest, [859]Ruler ... 258; His names symbols of His
benefits to man ... Firstborn, of every creature, its meaning, [1424]270; another ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Book iii.
... he delivered himself thus against the High Priest who commanded ... and at last smote
the firstborn of Egypt ... The Apostle Paul, rapidly recounting the benefits of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book iii.htm

The Oration on Holy Baptism.
... name), or that the great variety of its benefits has reacted ... old with that blood
and unction of the firstborn at night ... say, "I do not mind a mere Priest, if he ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xl the oration on.htm

part ii
... O, how venerable is the office of priest! Do you see, brethren, how many benefits
the Creator and Saviour pours upon you through priests? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... all placed to his credit. Babylonia shared equally with Assyria in the
benefits of his government. He associated himself with his ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... unfit to dwell among them, or be a partaker of their benefits, because I ... that with
great devotion, even all things, both the high place, priest, clerk, vestment ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the priests and prophets of Jahveh, a priest of the ... rather than to Judah**"he gives
the place as firstborn. ... bring home to the people the benefits which their ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm