Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Summary

But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.

The beginning

The right

Bible References

By giving

Genesis 25:5
Now Abraham gave everything that he had to Isaac;
1 Chronicles 5:1
Now [we come to] the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel—for Reuben was the eldest, but because he defiled his father’s bed [with Bilhah his father’s concubine], his birthright was given to [Manasseh and Ephraim] the sons of Joseph [the favorite] son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright.

The beginning

Genesis 49:3

“Reuben, you are my firstborn;
My might, the beginning of my strength and vigor,
Preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power [that should have been your birthright].
Psalm 105:36

He also struck down all the firstborn in their land,
The first fruits and chief substance of all their strength.

The right

Genesis 25:31
Jacob answered, “First sell me your birthright (the rights of a firstborn).”