Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father's strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him. Sermons
I. THE RIGHTS OF THE FIRSTBORN CONSISTED IN A DOUBLE SHARE OF THE FAMILY PROPERTY - TWICE AS MUCH AS THE OTHER CHILDREN. This was that he, as the beginning of his father's strength, and as acknowledged head of the family, might be able to sustain its honor properly. It was for this portion Elisha prayed when he desired a double portion of Elijah's spirit; not twice as much, but twice as much as the other sons of the prophets (2 Kings 2:9). And this is what Jesus gets from the Father, according to the promise, "I will make him my Firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth" (Psalm 89:27). There was another right of the firstborn, in having a seed raised up for him in case of his premature decease. This also has its import in the case of Jesus. II. BECAUSE A FIRSTBORN'S MOTHER WAS HATED WAS NO REASON WHY HE SHOULD BE DENIED HIS RIGHTS. The dark cloud of hate was not to envelop him, and keep him out of his double portion, or his right to a seed, if he prematurely died. And yet this was what Jesus received in the way of treatment. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." As the Firstborn of humanity, he deserved the double portion, yet had not where to lay his head. He was denied his rights among men. III. FROM THE CAPRICE OF MEN WE MAY ALWAYS LOOK UP TO THE IMPARTIAL JUSTICE OF GOD. This was the protection of the firstborn in the house of a bigamist. God was on his side. This was the protection of Jesus amid the injustice of men - the Father was along with him. He always did what pleased him. And whenever we feel aggrieved through the capricious conduct of our fellows, let us always look up confidingly to our Father above. The Lord is just, at all events. We may rely on his vindication of our case in the great day, if not before. - R.M.E.
If one be found slain. "This narrative," says one, "sets forth the preciousness of human life in the sight of God." Dr. Jamieson believes this singular statute concerning homicide is far superior to what is found in the criminal code of any other ancient nation, and is undoubtedly the origin or germ of the modern coroners' inquests.I. DISCOVERED IN THE LOSS OF ONE MAN. Only one missing! But God counts men as well as stars, and "gathers one by one." Ancient philosophy and modern socialism overlook personality, and legislate for men in a mass. The individual exists only for the race, has no rights, and becomes a tool or slave of society. Christianity does not belittle man, but recognises and renews individuals, exalts them to responsibility, and appeals to them for right. "Adam, where art thou?" II. DISCOVERED IN THE INJURY TO ONE MAN. One man was missing, but he was murdered. His blood, like that of Abel, Was crying for justice. Society was wounded in one of its members. An inquiry was demanded, and the reproach must be wiped away. III. DISCOVERED IN THE INTEREST WHICH THE COMMUNITY SHOULD TAKE IN ONE MAN. "Am I my brother's keeper?" Formerly heavy fines were inflicted on districts to prevent the murder of Danes and Normans by exasperated Englishmen. We are members one of another; related one to another, and none of us can turn away like Cain. IV. DISCOVERED IN THE PROVISION MADE FOR EVERY MAN'S SALVATION. Christ died for one and for all. It is not the will of God "that one of these little ones should perish." If one sheep goes astray, the ninety and nine are left by the shepherd. He seeks the one that is lost, and its restoration brings greater joy than over all the remainder. "Dost thou believe?" (J. Wolfendale.) I. TO EXPLAIN THE ORDINANCE. In doing this we must notice — 1. Its general design. God intended by this law — (1) (2) 2. Its particular provisions: the victim, the death, the place; the protestations and petitions of the elders. II. TO POINT OUT SOME LESSONS WHICH MAY BE LEARNED FROM IT. 1. The importance of preventing or punishing sin. 2. The comfort of a good conscience. 3. The efficacy of united faith and prayer. (C. Simeon, M. A.) People Levi, MosesPlaces Beth-baal-peorTopics Acknowledge, Beginning, Belongs, Birthright, Disliked, Double, Father's, Firstborn, First-born, Firstfruits, First-fruits, Giving, Hated, Issue, Portion, Property, Share, Sign, Strength, Twice, Unloved, Vigour, WifeOutline 1. The Atonement for an Unsolved Murder10. The usage of a captive taken to wife 15. The firstborn is not to be disinherited upon private affection 18. A rebellious son is to be stoned to death 22. The malefactor must not hang all night on a tree Dictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 21:17Library The Dead ChristIt was not usual to remove bodies from the cross immediately after their death. They were allowed to hang, exposed to the weather, till they rotted and fell to pieces; or they might be torn by birds or beasts; and at last a fire was perhaps kindled beneath the cross to rid the place of the remains. Such was the Roman custom; but among the Jews there was more scrupulosity. In their law there stood this provision: "If a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be put to death, and thou hang … James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ A Condensed Guide for Life Second Great Group of Parables. Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Messiah Suffering and Wounded for Us Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him to Crucifixion. The Morning of Good Friday. The Crucifixion. Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 21:17 NIVDeuteronomy 21:17 NLT Deuteronomy 21:17 ESV Deuteronomy 21:17 NASB Deuteronomy 21:17 KJV Deuteronomy 21:17 Bible Apps Deuteronomy 21:17 Parallel Deuteronomy 21:17 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 21:17 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 21:17 French Bible Deuteronomy 21:17 German Bible Deuteronomy 21:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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