The firstborn son enjoyed a special position in the Jewish family.1 He was expected to receive a double share of the father’s inheritance so that he could care for the family following the father’s death.2 Following God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt, the firstborn was meant to be given to the Lord, serving him at his temple (Exodus 13:11–16). When the Levites were the only tribe who rallied to Moses at the foot of Mount Sinai (Exodus 32:25–29; Numbers 3:40–48), they took the place of the firstborn sons. Old covenant law subsequently stipulated that the firstborn child should be redeemed
from priestly service through the payment of five shekels (Exodus 13:13; Numbers 18:15–16).3
23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”)