The term "firstling" refers to the firstborn offspring of livestock, which holds significant religious and cultural importance in the biblical context. The concept of the firstling is deeply rooted in the practices and laws given to the Israelites, as recorded in the Old Testament. It is associated with the principles of dedication, sacrifice, and redemption.

Biblical Foundation

The idea of the firstling is first introduced in the context of the Passover in Egypt. In Exodus 13:2, the Lord commands, "Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast." This command underscores the principle that the firstborn, whether human or animal, is to be set apart for God.

Sacrificial System

The firstlings of clean animals, such as sheep, goats, and cattle, were to be offered as sacrifices to the Lord. In Exodus 34:19-20, it is stated, "The first offspring of every womb belongs to Me, including all the firstborn males among your livestock, whether cattle or sheep. You must redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb. But if you do not redeem it, you must break its neck. You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons."

The firstling offering was a demonstration of faith and obedience, acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty. It was a reminder of God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, where the firstborn of the Egyptians were struck down, while the Israelites were spared (Exodus 12:29-30).

Redemption of Firstborn Sons

While the firstborn of animals were to be sacrificed, the firstborn sons were to be redeemed. Numbers 18:15-16 explains, "The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD, belongs to you. But you must surely redeem the firstborn of man and the firstborn of unclean animals. You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male, five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs."

This redemption process highlights the sanctity of human life and the special status of the firstborn in Israelite society. It also serves as a typological foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15).

Spiritual Significance

The offering of firstlings is a profound expression of trust in God's provision. By giving the first and best to God, the Israelites demonstrated their reliance on Him for future blessings. Proverbs 3:9-10 echoes this principle: "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine."

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of the firstling is fulfilled in Christ. Jesus is described as the "firstborn from the dead" (Revelation 1:5), signifying His preeminence and the hope of resurrection for believers. The sacrificial system, including the offering of firstlings, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the sacrifice of Christ, who is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).

The principle of offering the first and best to God continues to resonate with Christians today, encouraging a life of dedication and gratitude to the Lord.1. (n.) The first produce or offspring; -- said of animals, especially domestic animals; as, the firstlings of his flock.

2. (n.) The thing first thought or done.

3. (a.) Firstborn.

FIRSTBORN; FIRSTLING

furst'-born, furst'-ling (bekhor; prototokos):

The Hebrew word denotes the firstborn of human beings as well as of animals (Exodus 11:5), while a word from the same root denotes first-fruits (Exodus 23:16). All the data point to the conclusion that among the ancestors of the Hebrews the sacrifice of the firstborn was practiced, just as the firstlings of the flocks and the first-fruits of the produce of the earth were devoted to the deity. The narrative of the Moabite war records the sacrifice of the heir to the throne by Mesha, to Chemosh, the national god (2 Kings 3:27). The barbarous custom must have become extinct at an early period in the religion of Israel (Genesis 22:12). It was probably due to the influence of surrounding nations that the cruel practice was revived toward the close of the monarchical period (2 Kings 16:3; 2 Kings 17:17; 2 Kings 21:6 Jeremiah 7:31 Ezekiel 16:20; Ezekiel 23:37 Micah 6:7). Jeremiah denies that the offering of human beings could have been an instruction from Yahweh (7:31; 19:5).

The prophetic conception of God had rendered such a doctrine inconceivable. Clear evidence of the spiritualization and humanizati0n of religion among the Israelites is furnished in the replacement, at an early stage, of the actual sacrifice of the firstborn by their dedication to the service of Yahweh. At a later stage the Levites were substituted for the firstborn. Just as the firstlings of unclean animals were redeemed with money (Exodus 13:13; Exodus 34:20), for the dedication of the firstborn was substituted the consecration of the Levites to the service of the sanctuary (Numbers 3:11-13, 15). On the 30th day after birth the firstborn was brought to the priest by the father, who paid five shekels for the child's redemption from service in the temple (compare Luke 2:27; Mishna Bekhoroth viii.8). For that service the Levites were accepted in place of the redeemed firstborn (Numbers 3:45). See note. According to Exodus 22:29-31 the firstborn were to be given to Yahweh. (The firstborn of clean animals, if free from spot or blemish, were to be sacrificed after eight days, Numbers 18:16.) This allusion to the sacrifice of the firstborn as part of the religion of Yahweh has been variously explained. Some scholars suspect the text, but in all probability the verse means no more than similar references to the fact that the firstborn belonged to Yahweh (Exodus 13:2; Exodus 34:19). The modifying clause, with regard to the redemption of the firstborn, has been omitted. The firstborn possessed definite privileges which were denied to other members of the family. The Law forbade the disinheriting of the firstborn (Deuteronomy 21:15-17). Such legislation, in polygamous times, was necessary to prevent a favorite wife from exercising undue influence over her husband in distributing his property, as in the case of Jacob (Genesis 25:23). The oldest son's share was twice as large as that of any other son. When Elisha prayed for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, he simply wished to be considered the firstborn, i.e. the successor, of the dying prophet. Israel was Yahweh's firstborn (Exodus 4:22 privileges. She occupied a unique position in virtue of the special relationship between Yahweh and the nation. In three passages (Romans 8:29 Colossians 1:15 Hebrews 1:6), Jesus Christ is the firstborn-among many brethren (Romans 8:29); of every creature (Colossians 1:16). This application of the term to Jesus Christ may be traced back to Psalm 89:27 where the Davidic ruler, or perhaps the nation, is alluded to as the firstborn of Yahweh.

See CHILD; CIRCUMCISION; FIRST-BEGOTTEN; PLAGUES OF EGYPT.

NOTE-The custom of redeeming the firstborn son is preserved among the Jews to this day. After thirty days the father invites the "Kohen," i.e. a supposed descendant of Aaron, to the house. The child is brought and shown to the "Kohen," and the father declares the mother of the child to be an Israelite. If she is a "Kohen," redemption is not necessary. The "Kohen" asks the father which he prefers, his child or the five shekels; the father answers that he prefers his son, and pays to the "Kohen" a sum equivalent to five shekels. After receiving the redemption-money, the "Kohen" puts his hands on the child's head and pronounces the Aaronite blessing (Numbers 6:22-27).

T. Lewis

FIRSTLING

See FIRSTBORN.

6363. peter -- that which separates or first opens
... that which separates or first opens. Transliteration: peter Phonetic Spelling:
(peh'-ter) Short Definition: firstling. firstling, opening, such as open ...
/hebrew/6363.htm - 5k

1069. bakar -- to bear new fruit, to constitute as first-born
... 2), giving birth (1), make (1). make firstborn, be firstling, bring forth
first child new fruit. A primitive root; properly, to burst ...
/hebrew/1069.htm - 6k

1062. bekorah -- the right of first- born
... Or (short) bkorah {bek-o-raw'}; feminine of bkowr; the firstling of man or beast;
abstractly primogeniture -- birthright, firstborn(-ling). see HEBREW bkowr. ...
/hebrew/1062.htm - 6k

The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary.
... they offer unto the Lord, both of man and beast, shall be thine: nevertheless the
first born of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the perpetual virginity of blessed.htm

Christ the Lamb of God.
... Abel saw in it only a "firstling of his flock." God saw in it His own Son""the Lamb
of God that taketh away the sin of the world." Not only so, but on this ...
/.../i christ the lamb of god.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Perhaps with heart and hand they will embrace Thee, as they did my firstling, and
will grace Thee, and thy fellows, with such cheer and fare, As show will they ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

The First Part
... said, Deut. C. xxxiii. v.17. "The firstling of his bullock." And lastly,
on the standard of Dan the figure of an eagle. Bar Nachman ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the first part .htm

The Cross was Foretold in the Blessings of Joseph, and in the ...
... Let him be glorified among his brethren; [2304] his beauty is [like] the firstling
of a bullock; his horns the horns of an unicorn: with these shall he push ...
/.../chapter xci the cross was foretold.htm

This Only Begotten Word of God Reigns, from Ages which had no ...
... first and greatest sacrifice our emperor first dedicates to God; and then, as a
faithful shepherd, he offers, not "famous hecatombs of firstling lambs," but ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter ii this only begotten.htm

An Hymn of Heavenly Love
... heir,. Eternal, pure, and void of sinful blot,. The firstling of His joy,
in Whom no jot. Of love's dislike or pride was to be found,. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/iv an hymn of heavenly.htm

Death and Life in Christ
... He is without spot or blemish, or any such thing. He is the firstling of the flock;
he is the only one of the Great Master; a right royal, heavenly lamb. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/death and life in christ.htm

Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac
... But what must he do? "Take now thy son." Had God said, take now a firstling, or
choicest lamb or beast of thy flock, and offer it up for a burnt-offering, it ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/abrahams offering up his son.htm

The Memorable Hymn. "And when they had Sung an Hymn, they Went Out ...
... full strength about him"taken out to be a victim (if I may use such a figure), not
as a worn-out ox that has long borne the yoke, but as the firstling of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the memorable hymn and when.htm

Firstling (8 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Firstborn. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FIRSTBORN; FIRSTLING. ... T. Lewis.
FIRSTLING. See FIRSTBORN. Multi-Version Concordance Firstling (8 Occurrences ...
/f/firstling.htm - 15k

Makest (68 Occurrences)
... Numbers 18:17 Only, the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the
firstling of a goat, thou dost not ransom, holy they 'are': their blood thou ...
/m/makest.htm - 25k

Kine (24 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 15:19 Every firstling that is born among thy kine and among thy sheep
that is a male, thou shalt hallow to Jehovah thy God: thou shalt do no work ...
/k/kine.htm - 16k

Firstlings (7 Occurrences)
... Exodus 13:12 that thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the womb;
every firstling that is a male, which thou hast coming of a beast, shall be the ...
/f/firstlings.htm - 8k

Dash (30 Occurrences)
... Numbers 18:17 But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling
of a goat, thou shalt not redeem; they are holy: thou shalt sprinkle ...
/d/dash.htm - 19k

Fire-offering (45 Occurrences)
... Numbers 18:17 Only, the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the
firstling of a goat, thou dost not ransom, holy they 'are': their blood thou ...
/f/fire-offering.htm - 21k

Fragrance (63 Occurrences)
... Numbers 18:17 Only, the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the
firstling of a goat, thou dost not ransom, holy they 'are': their blood thou ...
/f/fragrance.htm - 27k

Savour (52 Occurrences)
... Numbers 18:17 But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling
of a goat, thou shalt not redeem; they are holy: thou shalt sprinkle ...
/s/savour.htm - 22k

Openeth (48 Occurrences)
... Exodus 13:12 That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix,
and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall ...
/o/openeth.htm - 20k

Matrix (4 Occurrences)
... Exodus 13:12 That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix,
and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall ...
/m/matrix.htm - 8k

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