Topical Bible: Token: Consecration of the Firstborn

◄ Token: Consecration of the Firstborn ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

The consecration of the firstborn is a significant biblical ordinance established by God as a perpetual reminder of His deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This practice is rooted in the events of the Exodus and serves as a token of God's sovereignty and the sanctity of life.

Biblical Foundation

The consecration of the firstborn is first commanded in Exodus 13:1-2, where the Lord instructs Moses: "Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast." This command is reiterated in Exodus 13:11-16, where the Israelites are reminded to set apart the firstborn as a memorial of their deliverance from Egypt, particularly the sparing of their firstborn during the final plague.

Significance and Symbolism

The consecration of the firstborn serves multiple purposes. It is a recognition of God's deliverance and a reminder of the Passover, where the blood of the lamb marked the homes of the Israelites, sparing their firstborn from death (Exodus 12:12-13). This act of consecration acknowledges God's claim over all life and His role as the ultimate Redeemer.

The firstborn, both human and animal, are considered holy to the Lord. In Numbers 3:13, God declares, "For all the firstborn are Mine. On the day I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They are Mine; I am the LORD."

Redemption of the Firstborn

While the firstborn of animals were to be sacrificed, the firstborn sons were to be redeemed. This redemption process is outlined in Exodus 13:13 and Numbers 18:15-16, where a monetary payment is made to the priests as a substitute for the life of the firstborn son. This practice underscores the value of human life and the principle of substitutionary atonement, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

Priestly Role and Levitical Substitution

Initially, the firstborn sons of Israel were to serve as priests. However, following the incident of the golden calf (Exodus 32), the tribe of Levi was set apart for priestly duties, effectively substituting for the firstborn of Israel (Numbers 3:12-13). This substitution highlights the concept of representation and the special role of the Levites in mediating between God and the people.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the consecration of the firstborn finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15) and the "firstborn from the dead" (Colossians 1:18). Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection embody the principles of redemption and consecration, offering eternal life to all who believe.

The consecration of the firstborn, therefore, is a profound biblical ordinance that encapsulates themes of deliverance, redemption, and divine ownership. It serves as a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness and the sanctity of life, pointing ultimately to the redemptive work of Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 13:14-16
And it shall be when your son asks you in time to come, saying, What is this? that you shall say to him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Shortest of the Seven Cries
... regard these words, "I thirst," as THE TOKEN OF HIS ... as one that is in bitterness
for his firstborn. ... in fellowship, come to him by perfect consecration, come to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 24 1878/the shortest of the seven.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... Divine worship. Their prison chamber had received no prelatic consecration,
but God was in their midst to bless them. It happened ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm