Firstborn(consecrated things, firstling, primogeniture)
“Firstborn, from root meaning to burst forth”
Summary
The eldest son who held special privileges in ancient Israel, consecrated to God in remembrance of the Exodus, and a title applied to Christ as preeminent over all creation.
☩Privileges of the Firstborn
Primogeniture gave princedom and priesthood in patriarchal times. The oldest son received a double portion of the father's inheritance, as the Law forbade disinheriting the firstborn. When Elisha prayed for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, he simply wished to be considered the firstborn, the successor, of the dying prophet. The firstborn represented the whole family and typically succeeded his father in royal succession.
☩Consecration to God
All the firstborn of Israel were regarded as sacred to God because they were exempted from the stroke which destroyed all the firstborn of Egypt on the first Passover night. The firstborn represented the whole people; God said to Pharaoh, 'Israel is My son, My firstborn.' On the thirtieth day after birth, the firstborn was brought to the priest, who paid five shekels for the child's redemption from service in the temple.
☩Substitution of the Levites
The tribe of Levi was substituted for all Israel's firstborn to minister to the Lord. Just as the firstlings of unclean animals were redeemed with money, for the dedication of the firstborn was substituted the consecration of the Levites to the service of the sanctuary. There being 273 more firstborn in Israel than Levite males, the 273 were redeemed at five shekels apiece.
☩Christ as Firstborn
Christ is 'the Firstborn of every creature,' marking His eternal priority and superlative dignity. He is 'firstborn among many brethren,' originating the natural creation, and 'firstborn from the dead,' originating the new creation. As He is 'long before every creature,' He cannot be a creature Himself but the Creator. Believers are 'the church of the firstborn,' a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
Related Verses125 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Firstborn," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Firstborn; Firstling," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Firstborn," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).