Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5650 Human relationships » 5688 firstborn The firstborn male in a family; as in many cultures, in an Israelite family the eldest son had unique privileges, including the right of inheritance. The title “firstborn” was therefore a title of honour. The privileges of the firstborn The place of honour in the family Genesis 10:15 In this and other lists, the firstborn is specially noted ; Genesis 43:33 See also Genesis 22:21; Genesis 25:13; Genesis 35:23; Genesis 36:15; Genesis 46:8; Deuteronomy 33:17 The right of inheritance Deuteronomy 21:15-17; 2 Chronicles 21:3 The right to a blessing Genesis 27:19,30-39 The sin of despising these privileges Genesis 25:31-34 See also Hebrews 12:16-17 These privileges could be transferred Genesis 48:14 See also Genesis 48:18-19; Genesis 49:3-4; 1 Chronicles 2:3; Corinthians 5:1-2; 1 C 10 The death of the firstborn a great tragedy Exodus 4:23 See also Exodus 11:4-6; Exodus 12:12,29; Numbers 33:4; Joshua 6:26; 1 Kings 16:34; Psalm 78:51; Psalm 105:36; Psalm 135:8; Psalm 136:10; Hebrews 11:28 Repentance likened to grief over the death of a firstborn God's claim upon the firstborn In ancient times Genesis 4:4 See also Genesis 22:1-2,12 After the exodus Exodus 13:1-2 See also Exodus 13:11-15; Exodus 22:29; Exodus 34:19-20; Numbers 18:15,17; Deuteronomy 14:23; Deuteronomy 15:19; Nehemiah 10:36 The Levites consecrated in place of the firstborn Numbers 3:11-13,39-51; Numbers 8:15-18 The offering of a firstborn insufficient to redeem from the consequences of sin Heathen sacrifice of the firstborn 2 Chronicles 28:3; Ezekiel 20:26 Jesus Christ the “firstborn” The firstborn of Mary Luke 2:7,22-23 The firstborn of God Romans 8:29 “firstborn” here means that Jesus Christ is above creation, rather than part of it. The title “firstborn” has strong Messianic associations ; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:6 The “firstborn from the dead” Colossians 1:18 See also Revelation 1:5 God's people honoured as his “firstborn” Israel David See also Psalm 89:27 prophetic of Jesus Christ Ephraim The church See also
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