Birthright or Primogeniture is the rule of law under which the eldest son of the family succeeds to the father’s estate in preference to the younger sons and sisters. Concerning birthright according to Jewish tradition and custom, the first-born son was consecrated (set aside) to the Lord.
Exodus 22:29, “The first-born of thy sons shall you give unto me (God.)” To God belonged,
Genesis 49:3, “The excellency of dignity and the excellency of power.”
The eldest son always had a double portion of the estate allotted to him,
Deuteronomy 21:17, “Giving him a double portion of all that he has.” In the royal families rule of government and of kingdom’s came the inheritance of the first-born.
2 Chronicles 21:3, “Johoshaphat died, — and “The kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he was the first-born.”
But, the right, and privileges of the first-born nevertheless could be forfeited by improper conduct, and transferred to a younger son, as we see was the case of Isaac in what had transpired between Esau and Jacob.
Hebrews 12:16, “Unless there be any fornication, or profane (godless) person as Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.”
In Genesis we’re told how Isaac (the father) transferred the privileges of his birthright to his younger son Jacob.
Genesis 27:37, Isaac told Esau, “Behold, I have made him (Jacob) thy lord (master) and all his brethren have I given to him for servants.” To grant dominion or rule on any one is to grant him the privilege of first-born.”
Psalms 89:27, “And I (the LORD) will make him (Jesus Christ) my first-born, higher than the kings of the earth.”
Concerning the dignity that was conferred upon Jesus Christ as the head of his body, the church, suffering scourging, and death then raised from the dead, was crowned by His Father with glory and honor. Jesus is termed,
Colossians 1:18, the “First born, that in all things he might have the pre-eminence.”
Revelation 1:5, “The first begotten from the dead,” and,
Hebrews 1:2, “The heir of all things.
The Father, by raising Jesus from the dead and exalting him to the throne of His glory in the heavens is said to have constituted him,
Acts 2:36, “Both Lord and Christ;” and Acts 10:36, “Lord of all” which is to be equivalent to His being “Heir of all things.” In this does Jesus have supreme dominion as the Lord, proprietor, ruler, and disposer of all persons and things;
Matthew 28:18, Jesus said, “All power and authority are given to me both in heaven and in earth.”
John support, the above,
John 3:35, “The Father loves the Son, and hath given all things into his hands.” Concerning Christ’s divine nature, Col.1:17, “He is before all things;”
John 17:5, He “Had glory with the Father before the world was made;”
Philippians 3:6, tells us that He Jesus “Thought it no robbery (he was not a thief) (and to consider himself) to be equal with God (the Father.)”
Jesus emptied himself of the majesty of Deity; took upon him a mortal body; was made a little lower than the angels, suffering death for us, and finished the work of salvation. He humbled himself even to the death of the cross. See Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 2:9-10-14.
Obedience of a loving Son was acceptable in the sight of the Father,
John 10:17, “Therefore does my Father love me.”
Daniel 7:14, “Given him (Jesus) dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people nations, and languages should serve him.”
1 Corinthians 15:27, “Having put all things under His feet.” Even all the angels of God are now his subjects, and are commanded to worship Him, Hebrews 1:6, “Let all the angels of God worship him.” And,
1 Peter 3:22: “Angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”
So where does this leave us?
1 Peter 5:3, He is our, “Examples to others;” and,
Titus 2:14, “we are (redeemed from all our iniquities.)” We are brothers in Christ; for He is the head, our Lord, and our lawgiver. He is to be object of our love, worship, and obedience; for He is the dispenser of all spiritual blessings.
Colossians 1:19, “For it pleased the Father that in Him (Jesus) should all fullness dwell.”
We are as faithful believers in Christ Jesus to share in His inheritance, for we are joint-heirs of the heavenly inheritance. Jesus said,
Luke 22:29, “I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father has appointed unto me.”
Romans 8:17, “If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.” These are the privileges of the first-born.
Phil LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com