Who Comes First? Surprising Stories of Firstborns in Genesis

As I’ve been reading through the first half of Genesis, a recurring theme has stood out to me: the concept of the “firstborn.” It’s a theme that shows up in many of the stories, often in ways that challenge what we know about the cultural importance of the firstborn. For example, Cain, the older brother, becomes a cautionary figure, remembered for his jealousy and anger. Ishmael, Abraham’s first son, doesn’t become the child of promise, perhaps in part because his mother, Hagar, was a slave. Now, in the story of Isaac’s sons, we meet Esau, the older brother, whose position is complicated in its own way.

The Cultural Weight of Being First

In the world these stories describe, being the firstborn carried a lot of weight, as the firstborn son typically received a double share of the inheritance and held an important place in the family’s hierarchy. However, there were exceptions. Sons born to concubines or slaves could be excluded, and daughters didn’t share the same rights as their male counterparts. In many ancient societies, the firstborn represented continuity and authority, making these cultural practices an interesting backdrop to the stories in Genesis. Yet, the pattern often shifts in unexpected ways. Younger siblings, like Isaac over Ishmael or Jacob over Esau, are chosen instead. These reversals challenge the norms of the time and suggest that outcomes aren’t always determined by human traditions or expectations.

From Genesis to Beyond: How the Firstborn Theme Evolves

Later in the Bible, I know that the concept of the firstborn continues to evolve. In Exodus, the firstborn in Egypt becomes central to the story of the tenth plague, while the firstborn of Israel is dedicated to God. In the New Testament, the term “firstborn” appears again, used to describe Jesus in ways that highlight his importance and role.