Topical Bible: The First Born: Privileges of The Father's Title and Power

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In biblical tradition, the concept of the "firstborn" carries significant weight, both in familial and spiritual contexts. The firstborn son traditionally held a place of prominence and privilege within the family structure, often serving as the primary heir to the father's title and power. This status is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel and is reflected throughout the Scriptures.

Inheritance and Authority

The firstborn son was typically the principal heir to the father's estate, receiving a double portion of the inheritance. This is outlined in Deuteronomy 21:17, which 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 was not merely a matter of wealth but also a symbol of the son's role as the leader and protector of the family after the father's passing.

Spiritual Leadership

Beyond material inheritance, the firstborn often assumed a role of spiritual leadership within the family. This is evident in the patriarchal narratives, where the firstborn was expected to carry on the family's covenantal relationship with God. For instance, in Genesis, the birthright of the firstborn included the responsibility to uphold the family's spiritual legacy, as seen in the account of Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:29-34).

Priestly Role

In the early history of Israel, the firstborn sons were initially designated to serve as priests before the establishment of the Levitical priesthood. Exodus 13:2 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 underscores the sacred duty of the firstborn to serve God directly, a role later transferred to the tribe of Levi (Numbers 3:12-13).

Christ as the Firstborn

In the New Testament, the concept of the firstborn is elevated to its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:15 refers to Christ as "the firstborn over all creation," signifying His preeminence and authority over all things. Furthermore, Romans 8:29 describes believers as being "conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers." Here, Christ's status as the firstborn is not only a matter of rank but also of relational intimacy with those who are adopted into God's family.

Redemption and Consecration

The redemption of the firstborn is a recurring theme, symbolizing God's claim over the first and best of what His people possess. In Exodus 13:15, the Israelites are instructed to redeem their firstborn sons and animals, a practice that acknowledges God's deliverance and sovereignty. This act of redemption is a reminder of the Passover, where the firstborn of Israel were spared through the blood of the lamb, prefiguring the ultimate redemption through Christ, the Lamb of God.

Conclusion

The privileges of the firstborn in biblical times encompassed both material and spiritual dimensions, reflecting a divinely ordained order that pointed to greater theological truths. The firstborn's role as heir, leader, and priest foreshadowed the coming of Christ, the ultimate Firstborn, who embodies the fullness of these privileges and extends them to all who are united with Him in faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 21:3
And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he was the firstborn.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... is described, as the "brightness of the Father's glory and ... your being baptized, and
upon outward privileges, are ye ... and Lord of lords," the first-born of God's ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi but seek ye.htm

Adoption
... inherit a crown; but of spiritual privileges, females are ... his jewels; Malachi 3:17;
his first-born; Hebrews 12 ... An unbeliever may call God judge, but not father. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 adoption.htm

The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion
... he gave us all the rights and privileges which went ... Now, you have heard your Father's
will read, and you ... O ye first-born whose names are written in heaven, I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the joint heirs and their.htm

The First victory for Dissent
... the Episcopal Church under a native born minister had ... English law according to the
first two interpretations ... disfavor by seeming to ask privileges in addition ...
/.../chapter viii the first victory.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... And as the first-born of Israel were a sign of ... covenant by the glorious Surety might
first be prefigured ... entered on the enjoyment of privileges formerly promised ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

The Sons of God
... if I remind you that there are high privileges of which ... them that believe on his
name, who were born not of ... to another word of the Lord in the first epistle of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the sons of god.htm

Byzantine Empresses Theodora ii. , Theophano, Zoe, Theodora iii.
... Michael had thrown away the high privileges of his ... Theophano was lowly born, and
her beauty and grace ... She aspired first to reign alone; but soon realizing the ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/xiii byzantine empresses theodora ii.htm

The Simplicity and Sublimity of Salvation
... not at the time count your punishments as privileges; but they ... God has made him to
be born again, born from above ... John was first in his day, the morning-star of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the simplicity and sublimity of.htm

Canticles 4:12 the Lord's Garden.
... Let believers open their sleepy eyes, and try to understand the value of their
privileges! ... They are at first like new-born babes, tender and delicate, and ...
/.../chapter xv canticles 4 12 the.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... to make him feel that he especially has privileges in reference ... went and lay with
Bilhah, his father's concubine ... sons: the sons of Leah"the first-born of Jacob ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm