The oldest son or daughter in a family (Genesis 22:21; 29:26).
Israel was called God’s firstborn because of that nation’s miraculous beginning and special rescue from Egypt (Genesis 17:5, 15–16; Exodus 4:22). As God’s firstborn, Israel had a special status over all other nations. Gentiles (non-Jewish people) were “blessed” only in relation to their kindness to Israel (Genesis 12:3; Exodus 19:6; Deuteronomy 4:5–8). The prophet Isaiah foresaw a day when Israel would have a double portion of inheritance (Isaiah 61:7). Thus, being firstborn implies priority or superiority, as well as an inheritance.
The expression “firstborn of the poor” in Isaiah 14:30 means one who is the most poor, the poorest of the poor. The expression “firstborn of death” in Job 18:13 suggests that Job’s disease would kill him.
Because God saved Israel’s firstborn sons from death in Egypt, he expected that all future firstborn sons be set apart for his service (Exodus 11:4–7; 13:12). The first male child was a representative of the entire offspring (Genesis 49:3; Exodus 22:29; Numbers 3:13). God commanded that the firstborn of all animals used for offerings should be set apart for him (Exodus 13:2, 15).
Firstborn and Redemption
Each tribe was to redeem their firstborn, except Levi's, by paying a sum not to exceed five shekels (Numbers 18:15–16). Redemption implied a prior bondage. It was to remind Israel of their liberation from Egypt (Exodus 13:2–8).
The firstborn of ritually clean animals was devoted to the Lord. It was brought to the tabernacle (or later, the temple) within a year from the eighth day after birth. This animal was then sacrificed and its blood sprinkled on the altar. The meat of the sacrificed animal was for the priests (Exodus 13:13; 22:30; compare Numbers 18:17). The firstborn of unclean animals could be redeemed with an addition of one-fifth of the value as determined by the priest. If not redeemed, these animals were sold, exchanged, or destroyed by the priests (Leviticus 27:27). The colt of an ass was to be redeemed with a lamb (Exodus 13:13). If not redeemed, it was to be killed. Meat from unclean animals was not eaten.
Firstborn and Birthright
The firstborn acted as the priest of the family if the father was gone or dead. Esau and Reuben are both examples (Genesis 27:19, 32; 1 Chronicles 5:1–2). This position of the firstborn ended when the priesthood was committed to Levi’s tribe (Numbers 3:12–13). All the firstborns of later generations had to be redeemed. The redemption money became part of the Levites’ yearly income (Numbers 8:17; 18:16).
A double portion of the family inheritance was the right of the firstborn. This protected the firstborn when a man had more than one wife. The son of a favorite wife could not take the place of the first son born of the household (Deuteronomy 21:17).
The title “firstborn” is applied to Jesus (Luke 2:7; Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15, 18; Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 1:5). It stresses Jesus's priority over all because he was the first to rise from the dead. As firstborn, Jesus's is:
Heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2)
The head of the church (Ephesians 1:20–23; Colossians 1:18, 24; Hebrews 2:10–12)