Firstborn

The firstborn concept is invoked here in its most dramatic form — Judah's firstborn Er was struck down by God, immediately signaling that this family's story will not follow the expected pattern of eldest-son succession.

Firstborn status conferred no advantage here — the youngest brother drew from the same lot as the family head, making this system explicitly equal across birth order.

The firstborn principle is deliberately set aside here when Hosah's father appoints Shimri as chief over his older brothers — the passage uses this to illustrate that character outranked birth order.

The firstborn designation marks Hur's special status in the genealogy — as Ephrathah's firstborn, his line carries particular significance, including the founding of Bethlehem.

The firstborn status is invoked here as the institution Reuben forfeited — the double inheritance and family authority that was supposed to be his by birth but was stripped away because of his moral failure.

The firstborn status is invoked here to explain Eliab's sense of authority over David — as the eldest, impressive son Samuel had nearly chosen, his inability to act while his kid brother steps up is theologically charged.

The firstborn status is invoked here to explain why Jehoram received the throne at all — a birthright privilege that, in his case, became a weapon against his own family.

The firstborn inheritance custom is the key to understanding Elisha's request — a double portion was the legal right of the primary heir, signaling Elisha's claim as Elijah's true successor.

Firstborn status is relevant here because Amnon holds the highest position among David's sons — his rank as crown prince makes his crime more egregious and David's inaction more inexplicable.

The firstborn designation matters here because it establishes Amnon's legal standing in David's household — a status that will later collide violently with his character.

The firstborn animal is identified as belonging specifically to God and therefore to the sanctuary — it cannot be eaten casually at home but must be offered and shared at the designated place of worship.

Firstborn animals represented future income and security in an agricultural economy — dedicating them to God before using them for personal gain was a concrete act of financial surrender.

The firstborn's double-portion inheritance right is the legal protection at stake here — Moses is affirming that birth order, not parental favoritism, governs who receives the primary share of the estate.

Firstborn is highlighted here to note Reuben's status — yet his blessing is survival rather than honor, showing that position doesn't guarantee blessing and every tribe gets what fits its story.

The firstborn is the target of the tenth plague — every eldest child in Egypt, from Pharaoh's heir to the prisoner's son, struck simultaneously in a judgment that spared no household in the land.

The firstborn is the central concept of this chapter's opening commands — every firstborn that survived the tenth plague is to be consecrated to God as a living memorial of His rescue.