Reference: Birthright
American
The privilege of the firstborn son. Among the Hebrews, as indeed among most other nations, the firstborn enjoyed particular privileges; and wherever polygamy was tolerated, it was highly necessary to fix them, De 21:15-17. Besides the father's chief blessing, Ge 27, and various minor advantages, the firstborn son was, first, specially consecrated to the Lord,
Ex 13:11-16; 22:29; and the firstborn son of a priest succeeded his father in the priestly office. Among the sons of Jacob, Reuben the firstborn forfeited the right of the firstborn, Ge 35:22; 49:3-4, and God gave it to Levi, Nu 3:12-13; 8:18. Secondly, the firstborn was entitled to a share of his father's estate twice as large as any of the other brethren received, De 21:17. Thirdly, he succeeded to the official dignities and rights of his father, 2Ch 21:3. In some of these privileges there is an allusion to Him, who is "the firstborn among many brethren," Ro 8:29; Col 1:18; Heb 1:2-6. Universal dominion is his, and an everlasting priesthood.
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While Israel lived in that region, Reuben went to bed with his father's concubine Bilhah. Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons.
Reuben, you are my firstborn; you are my strength and the first child of my manhood. You are the proudest and strongest of all my sons. You are like a raging flood. But you will not be the most important, for you slept with my concubine. You dishonored your father's bed.
When Jehovah brings you to the land of the Canaanites and gives it to you, as he swore to you and your ancestors, sacrifice every firstborn male offspring to Jehovah. The firstborn male offspring of each of your animals belongs to Jehovah. read more. It will cost you a sheep or a goat to buy any firstborn donkey back from Jehovah. You must break the donkey's neck if you do not buy it back. You must also buy every firstborn son back from Jehovah. In the future when your children ask you, 'What does this mean?' tell them: 'Jehovah used his mighty hand to bring us out of slavery in Egypt.'' Pharaoh was too stubborn to let us go. Because of this every firstborn male in Egypt-human and animal was killed. This is why we sacrifice every firstborn male to Jehovah and buy every firstborn son back from Jehovah. This festival will be like a mark on your hand and like a band on your forehead, because Jehovah used his mighty hand to bring us out of Egypt.
Do not delay the offering from your harvest and your vintage. Give the firstborn of your sons to me.
Out of all the Israelites, I have taken the Levites to be substitutes for every firstborn male offspring among them. The Levites are mine, because every firstborn is mine. The day I killed every firstborn male in Egypt, I set apart as holy every firstborn in Israel, whether human or animal. They will be mine. I am Jehovah.
I am now taking the Levites instead of all the first-born of the Israelites.
If a man have two wives and loves one more than the other. The first son of either wife is the man's first-born son, even if the boy's mother is the wife he does not love. A man near death and dividing up his property must give a double share to his first-born son. This is because he was the first to be born. The day he wills his possessions to his sons, he should not put the firstborn son of the loved wife before the firstborn son of the unloved wife. read more. He should acknowledge the firstborn son of the unloved wife. And give him a double portion of all that he has. He is the beginning of his strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him.
He should acknowledge the firstborn son of the unloved wife. And give him a double portion of all that he has. He is the beginning of his strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him.
Their father gave them large amounts of gold, silver, and other valuable possessions, and placed each one in charge of one of the fortified cities of Judah. But because Jehoram was the oldest, Jehoshaphat made him his successor.
Those he first recognized, he ordained in advance that they be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
He is the head of the body, the congregation. He is the beginning (commencement), the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence (first place).
He has in these last days spoken to us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, through whom he made the ages (Greek: aion: ages of time, perpetuity, worlds, generations, human entities). God's Son is the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his being. He sustains all things by his powerful word. After Jesus purged our sins, he sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. read more. He has become better than the angels and has inherited a more excellent name than theirs. To which of the angels did God ever say at any time: You are my son; this day I have begotten you? And again: I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son? And again: when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says: Let all the angels of God pay him homage.
Easton
(1.) This word denotes the special privileges and advantages belonging to the first-born son among the Jews. He became the priest of the family. Thus Reuben was the first-born of the patriarchs, and so the priesthood of the tribes belonged to him. That honour was, however, transferred by God from Reuben to Levi (Nu 3:12-13; 8:18).
(2.) The first-born son had allotted to him also a double portion of the paternal inheritance (De 21:15-17). Reuben was, because of his undutiful conduct, deprived of his birth-right (Ge 49:4; 1Ch 5:1). Esau transferred his birth-right to Jacob (Ge 25:33).
(3.) The first-born inherited the judicial authority of his father, whatever it might be (2Ch 21:3). By divine appointment, however, David excluded Adonijah in favour of Solomon.
(4.) The Jews attached a sacred importance to the rank of "first-born" and "first-begotten" as applied to the Messiah (Ro 8:29; Col 1:18; Heb 1:4-6). As first-born he has an inheritance superior to his brethren, and is the alone true priest.
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Jacob answered: First make a vow that you will give me your birthright. Esau made the vow and gave his rights as firstborn to Jacob.
You are like a raging flood. But you will not be the most important, for you slept with my concubine. You dishonored your father's bed.
Out of all the Israelites, I have taken the Levites to be substitutes for every firstborn male offspring among them. The Levites are mine, because every firstborn is mine. The day I killed every firstborn male in Egypt, I set apart as holy every firstborn in Israel, whether human or animal. They will be mine. I am Jehovah.
I am now taking the Levites instead of all the first-born of the Israelites.
If a man have two wives and loves one more than the other. The first son of either wife is the man's first-born son, even if the boy's mother is the wife he does not love. A man near death and dividing up his property must give a double share to his first-born son. This is because he was the first to be born. The day he wills his possessions to his sons, he should not put the firstborn son of the loved wife before the firstborn son of the unloved wife. read more. He should acknowledge the firstborn son of the unloved wife. And give him a double portion of all that he has. He is the beginning of his strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him.
Their father gave them large amounts of gold, silver, and other valuable possessions, and placed each one in charge of one of the fortified cities of Judah. But because Jehoram was the oldest, Jehoshaphat made him his successor.
Those he first recognized, he ordained in advance that they be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
He is the head of the body, the congregation. He is the beginning (commencement), the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence (first place).
He has become better than the angels and has inherited a more excellent name than theirs. To which of the angels did God ever say at any time: You are my son; this day I have begotten you? And again: I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son? read more. And again: when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says: Let all the angels of God pay him homage.
Fausets
A double portion fell to the firstborn, compare De 21:15-17, whence Joseph's two sons, who received the birthright forfeited by Reuben the firstborn, were counted as heads of the tribes Ephraim and Manasseh (Ge 48:5-6,22; 49:4; 1Ch 5:1). The "princes" of the congregation were so probably by primogeniture (Nu 7:2; 21:18). The rebellion of the Reubenite leaders, Dathan and Abiram, may have arisen through jealousy at the preeminence which others enjoyed above them, Reuben their first father baring had originally the primogeniture; compare Nu 16:1-2, with Nu 26:5-9. Esau transferred his birthright to Jacob for a paltry mess of pottage, profanely setting at nought what was the spiritual privilege connected with it, the being progenitor of the promised Messiah (Ge 25:33; Heb 12:16-17).
It is striking how often God set aside the birthright, in order to show that the objects of His choice are "born not of bloods (Greek natural descents), nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (Joh 1:13).Thus Isaac is preferred to Ishmael, Jacob to Esau, Joseph to Reuben, David to his elder brothers. Solomon to Adonijah the elder of the two (1Ki 2:15). Ordinarily the firstborn inherited the throne (2Ch 21:3), typifying Messiah the "first begotten" of the Father, "the Firstborn among many brethren," and Heir of all things (Ro 8:29; Heb 1:6). All the firstborn of Israel were claimed by Jehovah as His, He having saved them when Egypt's firstborn were slain (Ex 22:29). He allowed them to be redeemed, and the tribe of Levi to serve Him in their stead (Nu 3:12-13). The whole nation was God's firstborn among all the peoples (Ex 4:22). The spiritual Israel in a still higher sense is "the church of the first born written in heaven" (enrolled as its citizens in the book of life) (Heb 12:23; Jas 1:18; Re 14:1-4).
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Jacob answered: First make a vow that you will give me your birthright. Esau made the vow and gave his rights as firstborn to Jacob.
Jacob answered: First make a vow that you will give me your birthright. Esau made the vow and gave his rights as firstborn to Jacob.
Jacob went on to say: Joseph, your two sons Ephraim and Manasseh were born in Egypt. But I accept them as my own, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine.
Jacob went on to say: Joseph, your two sons Ephraim and Manasseh were born in Egypt. But I accept them as my own, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine. Any children you have later will be considered yours. Their inheritance will come from Ephraim and Manasseh.
Any children you have later will be considered yours. Their inheritance will come from Ephraim and Manasseh.
I am giving you one more mountain ridge than your brothers. I took it from the Amorites with my own sword and bow.
I am giving you one more mountain ridge than your brothers. I took it from the Amorites with my own sword and bow.
You are like a raging flood. But you will not be the most important, for you slept with my concubine. You dishonored your father's bed.
You are like a raging flood. But you will not be the most important, for you slept with my concubine. You dishonored your father's bed.
Say to Pharaoh: 'Thus says Jehovah, Israel is my son, my firstborn.
Say to Pharaoh: 'Thus says Jehovah, Israel is my son, my firstborn.
Do not delay the offering from your harvest and your vintage. Give the firstborn of your sons to me.
Do not delay the offering from your harvest and your vintage. Give the firstborn of your sons to me.
Out of all the Israelites, I have taken the Levites to be substitutes for every firstborn male offspring among them. The Levites are mine,
Out of all the Israelites, I have taken the Levites to be substitutes for every firstborn male offspring among them. The Levites are mine, because every firstborn is mine. The day I killed every firstborn male in Egypt, I set apart as holy every firstborn in Israel, whether human or animal. They will be mine. I am Jehovah.
because every firstborn is mine. The day I killed every firstborn male in Egypt, I set apart as holy every firstborn in Israel, whether human or animal. They will be mine. I am Jehovah.
The leaders of Israel, the heads of the households, those tribal leaders who helped in the census came to give their offerings.
The leaders of Israel, the heads of the households, those tribal leaders who helped in the census came to give their offerings.
Korah son of Izhar, Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth dared to challenge Moses. Korah was a descendant of Kohath and Levi. Dathan, Abiram, and On were descendants of Reuben.
Korah son of Izhar, Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth dared to challenge Moses. Korah was a descendant of Kohath and Levi. Dathan, Abiram, and On were descendants of Reuben. These four men were joined by two hundred and fifty Israelite men, well known leaders of the congregation. The assembly chose them.
These four men were joined by two hundred and fifty Israelite men, well known leaders of the congregation. The assembly chose them.
The well dug by princes and by leaders of the people, dug with a royal scepter and with their walking sticks. They moved from the wilderness to Mattanah,
The well dug by princes and by leaders of the people, dug with a royal scepter and with their walking sticks. They moved from the wilderness to Mattanah,
Reuben was Israel's firstborn. The descendants of Reuben were the family of Hanoch, the family of Pallu,
Reuben was Israel's firstborn. The descendants of Reuben were the family of Hanoch, the family of Pallu, the family of Hezron, and the family of Carmi.
the family of Hezron, and the family of Carmi. These were the families of Reuben. The total number of men was forty-three thousand seven hundred and thirty.
These were the families of Reuben. The total number of men was forty-three thousand seven hundred and thirty. Eliab was the son of Pallu,
Eliab was the son of Pallu, and Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram were the sons of Eliab. It was Dathan and Abiram, men chosen by the community, who defied Moses and Aaron's authority. They joined Korah's followers when they defied Jehovah's authority.
and Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram were the sons of Eliab. It was Dathan and Abiram, men chosen by the community, who defied Moses and Aaron's authority. They joined Korah's followers when they defied Jehovah's authority.
If a man have two wives and loves one more than the other. The first son of either wife is the man's first-born son, even if the boy's mother is the wife he does not love. A man near death and dividing up his property must give a double share to his first-born son. This is because he was the first to be born.
If a man have two wives and loves one more than the other. The first son of either wife is the man's first-born son, even if the boy's mother is the wife he does not love. A man near death and dividing up his property must give a double share to his first-born son. This is because he was the first to be born. The day he wills his possessions to his sons, he should not put the firstborn son of the loved wife before the firstborn son of the unloved wife.
The day he wills his possessions to his sons, he should not put the firstborn son of the loved wife before the firstborn son of the unloved wife. He should acknowledge the firstborn son of the unloved wife. And give him a double portion of all that he has. He is the beginning of his strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him.
He should acknowledge the firstborn son of the unloved wife. And give him a double portion of all that he has. He is the beginning of his strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him.
He said: You know the kingship was mine. All Israel expected me to be their king. But the kingship has been turned over to my brother because Jehovah gave it to him.
He said: You know the kingship was mine. All Israel expected me to be their king. But the kingship has been turned over to my brother because Jehovah gave it to him.
Their father gave them large amounts of gold, silver, and other valuable possessions, and placed each one in charge of one of the fortified cities of Judah. But because Jehoram was the oldest, Jehoshaphat made him his successor.
Their father gave them large amounts of gold, silver, and other valuable possessions, and placed each one in charge of one of the fortified cities of Judah. But because Jehoram was the oldest, Jehoshaphat made him his successor.
They were born from God. It was not from blood, or the will of the flesh, or the will of man.
They were born from God. It was not from blood, or the will of the flesh, or the will of man.
Those he first recognized, he ordained in advance that they be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Those he first recognized, he ordained in advance that they be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
And again: when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says: Let all the angels of God pay him homage.
And again: when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says: Let all the angels of God pay him homage.
Let no one become immoral or unspiritual like Esau. He sold his birthright for a single meal!
Let no one become immoral or unspiritual like Esau. He sold his birthright for a single meal! Afterward, you know, he wanted to receive (inherit) his father's blessing. He was turned back, because he could not find any way to change what he had done. He was in tears when he looked for it.
Afterward, you know, he wanted to receive (inherit) his father's blessing. He was turned back, because he could not find any way to change what he had done. He was in tears when he looked for it.
to the general assembly and congregation of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just (righteous) (holy) men made perfect (mature) (having all needed qualities).
to the general assembly and congregation of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just (righteous) (holy) men made perfect (mature) (having all needed qualities).
Using his own will, he gave us birth through the word of truth. This way we would be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
Using his own will, he gave us birth through the word of truth. This way we would be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
A Lamb stood on Mount Zion, and with him one hundred forty-four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.
A Lamb stood on Mount Zion, and with him one hundred forty-four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. I heard a sound from heaven, as the sound of many waters. It was as the sound of a great thunder: and I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps.
I heard a sound from heaven, as the sound of many waters. It was as the sound of a great thunder: and I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders. No man can learn that song but the hundred and forty-four thousand, who were redeemed from the earth.
They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders. No man can learn that song but the hundred and forty-four thousand, who were redeemed from the earth. These are they who were not defiled with women. They are virgins. These are they who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed (bought) from among mankind. They are the first fruits to God and to the Lamb.
These are they who were not defiled with women. They are virgins. These are they who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed (bought) from among mankind. They are the first fruits to God and to the Lamb.
Hastings
Smith
the advantages accruing to the eldest son. These were not definitely fixed in patriarchal times. Great respect was paid to him in the household, and, as the family widened into a tribe, this grew into a sustained authority, undefined save by custom, in all matters of common interest. Thus the "princes" of the congregation had probably rights of primogeniture.
(Gradually the rights of the eldest son came to be more definite: (1) The functions of the priesthood in the family with the paternal blessing. (2) A "double portion" of the paternal property was allotted by the Mosaic law.
De 21:16-17
(3) The eldest son succeeded to the official authority of the father. The first-born of the king was his successor by law.
In all these Jesus was the first-born of the father.
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The leaders of Israel, the heads of the households, those tribal leaders who helped in the census came to give their offerings.
The well dug by princes and by leaders of the people, dug with a royal scepter and with their walking sticks. They moved from the wilderness to Mattanah,
The name of the Israelite man who was killed with the Midianite woman was Zimri, son of Salu. Salu was the leader of a family from Simeon.
The day he wills his possessions to his sons, he should not put the firstborn son of the loved wife before the firstborn son of the unloved wife. He should acknowledge the firstborn son of the unloved wife. And give him a double portion of all that he has. He is the beginning of his strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him.
Their father gave them large amounts of gold, silver, and other valuable possessions, and placed each one in charge of one of the fortified cities of Judah. But because Jehoram was the oldest, Jehoshaphat made him his successor.
Watsons
BIRTHRIGHT, or PRIMOGENITURE, the right of the first-born or eldest son. The birthright, or right of primogeniture, had many privileges annexed to it. The first-born was consecrated to the Lord, Ex 22:29; had a double portion of the estate allotted him, De 21:17; had a dignity and authority over his brethren, Ge 49:3; succeeded in the government of the family or kingdom, 2Ch 21:3; and, as some with good reason suppose, in ancient times to the priesthood or chief government in matters, ecclesiastical. Jacob, having bought Esau's birthright, acquired a title to the particular blessing of his dying father; and, accordingly, he had consigned to him the privilege of the covenant which God made with Abraham, that from his loins the Messiah should spring; a prerogative which descended to his posterity. Reuben forfeited the blessings of his birthright, as we see by the express declaration of his father Jacob, in his benediction of his children, Ge 49:1, &c, for the crime of incest with his father's concubine, on account of which his tribe continued all along in obscurity; while the priesthood was conferred on Levi, the government on Judah, and the double portion on Joseph, to descend to their respective tribes. And this preeminence of the first born took place from the beginning, and as much belonged to Cain, before his forfeiture of it, as it did to Reuben before his. See Ge 4:7; 49:3. Thus the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, offered sacrifices, and were priests as well as kings in their respective families, Ge 12:7-8; 13:18; 17:7; 26:25; 31:54; 35:7. Job, in Arabia, acted in the same capacity, Job 1:5; and it is highly probable that, among the ancient Heathen nations in general, the first-born were entitled not only to the civil authority, but also to the priesthood. This seems to have been the case in Egypt, in the time of Moses: and hence Jehovah's destroying their first- born, as it was the last miracle wrought in that country before the Exodus, so was it the most dreadful, and most effectual in prevailing on Pharaoh and the Egyptians to dismiss the Israelites.
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If you do what is right, will not your attitude improve? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door. It desires to have you, but you must master it.
Jehovah appeared to Abram and said: I will give this land to your offspring (seed). He built an altar there to Jehovah, who had appeared to him. From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent. Bethel was on the west and Ai on the east. He built an altar to Jehovah and called on the name of Jehovah.
Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron. He built an altar to Jehovah there.
I will establish my covenant as a long lasting covenant between us. It will be for your descendants after you, for the generations to come. I will be your God and the God of your descendants after you.
Isaac built an altar there and worshiped Jehovah. Then he set up his camp. His servants dug another well.
He offered a sacrifice on the mountain. He invited his relatives to eat the meal with him. They ate with him and spent the night on the mountain.
Jacob built an altar there and called it God of Bethel. That was the place where God appeared to him when he was running from Esau.
Jacob called for his sons. He said: Gather around, and I will tell you what will happen to you in the future.
Reuben, you are my firstborn; you are my strength and the first child of my manhood. You are the proudest and strongest of all my sons.
Reuben, you are my firstborn; you are my strength and the first child of my manhood. You are the proudest and strongest of all my sons.
Do not delay the offering from your harvest and your vintage. Give the firstborn of your sons to me.
He should acknowledge the firstborn son of the unloved wife. And give him a double portion of all that he has. He is the beginning of his strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him.
Their father gave them large amounts of gold, silver, and other valuable possessions, and placed each one in charge of one of the fortified cities of Judah. But because Jehoram was the oldest, Jehoshaphat made him his successor.
The morning after each feast, Job would get up early to offer sacrifices for each of his children in order to purify them. He always did this because he thought that one of them might have sinned by insulting God unintentionally.