What does the Bible say about firstborn?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that the firstborn belong to the Lord, testifying that he graciously redeemed his people and deserves their wholehearted devotion. In Exodus 13:2 and 13:12-16, Israel was to consecrate every firstborn, remembering God’s deliverance from Egypt when he spared their sons and judged Egypt’s firstborn. Firstborn clean animals were offered to God, while sons and certain animals were redeemed, as Exodus 22:29-30 and Exodus 34:19-20 explain. Leviticus 27:26 affirms that firstborn livestock already belonged to the Lord. Numbers 3:13 and 8:17-18 show that God took the Levites in place of Israel’s firstborn, setting them apart for his service. These commands ultimately point to God’s saving ownership of his redeemed people.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- Of man and beast, reserved to himself by God Exodus 13:2; Exodus 13:12-16; Exodus 22:29; Exodus 22:30; Exodus 34:19; Exodus 34:20; Leviticus 27:26; Numbers 3:13; Numbers 8:17; Numbers 8:18; Deuteronomy 15:19-23; Nehemiah 10:36
- Redemption of Exodus 13:13; Exodus 34:20; Leviticus 27:27; Numbers 3:40-51; Numbers 18:15-17
- Levites taken instead of firstborn of the families of Israel Numbers 3:12; Numbers 3:40-45; Numbers 8:16-18
- Of Egyptians killed Exodus 11:5; Exodus 12:12; Exodus 12:29; Exodus 13:15; Numbers 33:4
- Of idolaters, sacrificed Ezekiel 20:26
- BIRTHRIGHT OF THE
- Authority over younger members of the household Genesis 4:7
- A double portion of inheritance Deuteronomy 21:15-17
- Royal succession 2 Chronicles 21:3
- Honorable distinction of Exodus 4:22; Psalms 89:27; Jeremiah 31:9; Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:6; Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 1:5
- Sold by Esau Genesis 25:29-34; Genesis 27:36; Romans 9:12; Romans 9:13; Hebrews 12:16
- Forfeited by Reuben Genesis 49:3; Genesis 49:4; 1 Chronicles 5:1; 1 Chronicles 5:2
- Set aside: that of Manasseh Genesis 48:15-20; 1 Chronicles 5:1
- Adonijah 1 Kings 2:15
- Hosah’s son 1 Chronicles 26:10
- See BIRTHRIGHT
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