Bible Dictionary
Firstborn
The firstborn, especially the eldest son, held a privileged place in the family and ordinarily received a double portion of the inheritance. Under the law, Israelite firstborn sons and male animals were devoted to God and subject to redemption or offering.
Definition
The first-born, especially the eldest son, held a privileged position in the family. He ordinarily received a double portion of the father’s inheritance and was regarded under the law as devoted to God. Male first-born animals were likewise devoted to God.
Biblical Usage
The eldest son was redeemed by an offering of no more than five shekels within one month of birth. Under the monarchy he usually succeeded his father, though this was not always so. Unclean animals were redeemed, sold, or put to death according to the law.
Historical Background
The first-born regulations recalled the death of Egypt’s first-born at the Exodus. The prescribed redemption of a son was five shekels.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Under the law, in memory of the exodus (when the first-born of the Egyptians were slain), the eldest son was regarded as devoted to God, and was in very case to be redeemed by an offering not exceeding five shekels, within one month from birth. If he died before the expiration of thirty days, the Jewish doctors held the father excused, but liable to the payment if he outlived that time. (Exodus 13:12-15,16; Leviticus 27:6) The eldest son received a double portion of the father’s inheritance, (21:17) but not of the mother’s. Under the monarchy the eldest son usually, but no always, as appears in the case of Solomon, succeeded his father in the kingdom. (1 Kings 1:30; 2:22) The male first-born of animals was also devoted to God. (Exodus 13:2,12,13; 22:29; 34:19,20) Unclean animals were to be redeemed with the addition of one-fifth of the value, or else put to death; or, if not redeemed, to be sold, and the price given to the priests. (Leviticus 27:13,27,28)