In biblical tradition, the concept of the "firstborn" holds significant theological and cultural importance. The firstborn son in a family was often accorded special privileges and blessings, reflecting both divine favor and familial responsibility. This entry explores the privileges of the firstborn as seen through the lens of Scripture, particularly focusing on the special blessings bestowed by the father.

Biblical Context and Significance

The status of the firstborn is deeply rooted in the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, where the firstborn son was seen as the primary heir and the one who would carry on the family name and legacy. This position was not merely a matter of birth order but was imbued with spiritual and covenantal significance.

Inheritance Rights

One of the primary privileges of the firstborn was the right to a double portion of the inheritance. Deuteronomy 21:17 states, "But he must acknowledge the son of the unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double portion of all he has. That son is the first sign of his father’s strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him." This double portion underscored the firstborn's role as the leader and provider for the family, especially in the father's absence.

Priestly Role and Leadership

In addition to material inheritance, the firstborn often held a priestly role within the family. Before the establishment of the Levitical priesthood, the firstborn sons were considered the spiritual leaders of their households. This is evident in the Passover narrative, where the firstborn of Israel were spared and consecrated to God (Exodus 13:2: "Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.").

Blessing and Covenant

The blessing of the firstborn was a significant event, often involving a formal declaration by the father. This blessing was not merely a wish for prosperity but was seen as a prophetic and binding pronouncement that shaped the future of the firstborn. The patriarchal blessings in Genesis, such as Isaac's blessing of Jacob (Genesis 27), highlight the weight and irrevocability of such blessings.

Divine Election and Reversal

While the firstborn held a privileged position, Scripture also records instances where God chose to bestow the blessing on a younger sibling, demonstrating divine sovereignty and the principle of election. Notable examples include Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, and David over his older brothers. These reversals underscore that while the firstborn had traditional privileges, God's purposes and choices transcend human customs.

Christ as the Firstborn

In the New Testament, the concept of the firstborn is fulfilled and expanded in the person of Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:15 refers to Christ as "the firstborn over all creation," signifying His preeminence and authority. As the "firstborn from the dead" (Colossians 1:18), Christ inaugurates a new creation and secures the inheritance for all who are in Him.

Conclusion

The privileges of the firstborn in biblical tradition reflect a complex interplay of cultural norms, familial responsibilities, and divine purposes. While the firstborn son was accorded special blessings and responsibilities, the biblical narrative consistently points to God's sovereign choice and the ultimate fulfillment of the firstborn role in Jesus Christ.Genesis 27:4,35
And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless you before I die.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Pentateuch.
... afterwards of Esau, from a share in its privileges. ... passover and the law respecting
the first-born of man ... hundred and eighteen "trained servants born in his ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xix the pentateuch.htm

The Unity of the Church.
... Body, regarded as one, that the special privileges of the ... He committed the privileges
of His spiritual kingdom ... assembly and Church of the first-born which are ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xvii the unity of.htm

Comparison Between the False Church and the True.
... remained among the Jews certain special privileges of a ... Hence the children who were
born to them ... his covenant might remain inviolable, first preserved baptism ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 comparison between the.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... The circumstance of his being the first-born could not ... election, the total loss of
his privileges is rendered ... Whatever seems, at first sight, to be different ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

The First victory for Dissent
... Episcopal Church under a native born minister had ... But this first act did not dampen
sufficiently ... the charter, together with many special privileges in religion ...
/.../chapter viii the first victory.htm

Blessing for Blessing
... whom he adopts into his family, who are born again into ... to the praise of his glory,
who first trusted in ... be one with Christ, and know the privileges which come ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/blessing for blessing.htm

A Leap Year Sermon *
... If he did not at first go as far as he ... of God, and becomes a partaker of its
privileges,"which is ... into the spiritual kingdom until he is born again, born ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/a leap year sermon .htm

National Privileges
... whom we read this afternoon in the first lesson; that ... When we are born, we are
christened in His name ... at last, after all these blessed privileges, these tokens ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xxii national privileges.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... It is a glory to Christ when multitudes are born to him. ... There are twelve rare
privileges which belong to the children of God ... First one member died, then another ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

A Liberal Church
... a redemption price was paid for the first-born son ... is not God's purpose that Christians,
whose privileges far exceed ... dedicate to the Creator the first fruits of ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm

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