The firstborns are always special to God, and throughout the Bible, we see this significance highlighted. From the rule that grants the firstborn a double portion of inheritance to their role in representing the family, we often see God favoring them. Are you a firstborn?
Let’s explore what being the firstborn actually means. The firstborn is often seen as the first sign of a father’s strength, the initial proof that a mother is no longer barren, and a symbol of hope for the family. They bring assurance that someone will lead the family after the father’s passing, ensuring continuity.
When God was to plan some great deliverance in Israel, He would often choose a family who had no firstborn – in fact, a barren family would be chosen for His purpose. That’s how Samson was born, or John the Baptist was born. A barren family was chosen for God’s purpose to be fulfilled. These firstborns were required to follow certain rules and regulations. Hence, there were restrictions for them. Only then would the firstborn bear God’s responsibilities.
The devil often targets the firstborn because God holds them in special favor and has unique plans for them. Consequently, the devil works to disrupt these plans. We see this in the lives of Cain, Esau, and Reuben, as well as others who faced challenges that may have stemmed from spiritual opposition. Even King Saul, in a way, was a firstborn — Israel’s first king. Israel made him king to show they were like other nations, hoping he would accomplish great things for them. God had a significant purpose for Saul, including the destruction of the Amalekites, a fulfilment of God’s promise to Israel.
So, even if you aren’t the firstborn in your family, consider this: in a broader sense, you might be the “firstfruits” of something or someone. Perhaps some people or families look up to you with hope, or perhaps your life brought an end to barrenness in someone else’s. If God has a special purpose for you, then in a spiritual sense, you are a firstborn.
“I have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of the first male offspring of every Israelite woman. The Levites are mine, for all the firstborn are mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself every firstborn in Israel, whether man or animal. They are to be mine. I am the Lord.” Numbers 3:12,13
The Levites were chosen to serve as God’s firstborn in place of all the firstborn of Israel. God had declared that all firstborn belong to Him and are called to fulfill His purposes. However, since not everyone could do so, God selected the Levites to represent all the firstborn.
When this rule was established, Moses took a census of the firstborn in Israel and compared it to the number of Levites. He found that there were 22,273 firstborn males in Israel, while the number of Levites totaled 22,000. To redeem the remaining 273 firstborn who exceeded the number of Levites, each had to pay a redemption price of five shekels. Only then were these firstborn considered redeemed from direct service to God.
Throughout Scripture, we see people dedicating their lives fully to God’s service. While the Levites were set apart as God’s portion in place of all firstborns, we also see individuals making personal commitments to serve God completely. God honors such dedication – whether it’s Moses leaving palace life, or Paul counting all his achievements as loss for Christ’s sake (Philippians 3:7-8) or Hannah dedicating Samuel her firstborn to God’s service. Today, God still calls people to dedicate their lives fully to His service, showing that the principle of ‘firstfruits belonging to God’ extends beyond just physical firstborns to encompass all who offer their best to Him.
“This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years old or more shall come to take part in the work at the Tent of Meeting, but at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer. Numbers 8:24,25
Consider this from the Levites’ perspective: they gave up their lives to serve God on behalf of all Israel. They also forfeited their inheritance in the land of Canaan, simply because God chose them as His firstborn. Imagine the day they learned that they would have no inheritance in Canaan. During their slavery in Egypt, their parents and elders had encouraged them with the promise of a reward and inheritance in Canaan. Even through the hardships in the desert, they found comfort in the hope of this inheritance. But one day, God chose them as His firstborn over all Israel and decided that they would receive no inheritance in Canaan.
The Lord said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites.“I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.From now on the Israelites must not go near the tent of meeting, or they will bear the consequences of their sin and will die. Numbers 18:20-22
Not only did the Levites forgo land as their inheritance; they also sacrificed the prime years(25-50 years) of their lives. While other Israelites pursued their trades, with the firstborn of each family often stepping into the professions of their fathers and building their own lives, the Levites were wholly devoted to the work of the temple. They dedicated their best years to this service, performing tasks with diligence and precision. God required them to spend their youth learning His ways, then serve Him, and in old age, pass on that knowledge to others. There was no true rest for the Levites.
Now, consider this: Are you a firstborn? As a firstborn, it’s natural to feel frustrated when you see others enjoying life, while you’re called to take on a different and often heavier yoke for God. You’re asked to make sacrifices, to dedicate your life to God, while others experience the pleasures of life, enjoying growth, eating, and drinking. You might wonder why others receive blessings while you bear the burden of sacrifice.
But remember, all firstborns are promised a double portion of God’s blessing. Even if you don’t feel it here on earth, your inheritance awaits in heaven. Just as the Levites received the firstfruits of Israel, even during times of famine they were sustained by this divine provision. According to the law, the firstfruits belonged to the Levites, ensuring they had food even in difficult times. God provides for the Levites, regardless of famine, plague, or disaster, for He Himself is their inheritance.
As mentioned, the devil works to disrupt God’s purposes, often targeting the firstborn. Samson, the firstborn of Manoah and chosen by God to deliver Israel from the Philistines, fell prey to Delilah’s seduction. Many firstborn today find themselves metaphorically in “the lap of Delilah,” distracted by wealth, pleasure, or other temptations. In this way, many lose sight of their calling.
Yet there are firstborns like John the Baptist, who faithfully pointed Israel to the Messiah and prepared the way for Jesus. Even he, however, experienced doubt and confusion, wondering if Jesus was truly the promised one. Today, many firstborns struggle with similar uncertainty, questioning if what they have done was truly in line with God’s will.
Are you a firstborn? Jesus is the Firstborn of all creation, giving hope to all. He shows us the goodness in God’s creation and that barrenness has ended. He is also the firstborn from the dead(Colossians 1:18), giving us hope that we, too, can be raised from death. Through Him, we have the promise that we can leave behind the barrenness of this earthly body and bear fruit in Him. Jesus, the Firstborn, embodies the image of the invisible God.
Today, we need to rely on this Firstborn, for He took upon Himself the sacrifices required of us. He bore the cross for us and lived a life pleasing to His Father—the life we were meant to live. Jesus did what no other earthly firstborn could do; He is the ultimate example of the Firstborn.
If we follow God’s desires for us, we can become the firstborn He calls us to be. All firstborns will indeed be found in the QUIVER OF GOD.
Dedicated to all firstborn children. May God bless you all.