The birthright is emphasized in the Bible because it honored the rights or privileges of the family’s firstborn son. After the father died, or in the father’s absence, the firstborn son assumed the father’s authority and responsibilities. In addition to assuming the leadership role in the family, the recipient of the birthright inherited twice that received by the other sons. The birthright of a king’s firstborn son included his succession to the throne. As New Testament Christians, we have an inherited “birthright” status through Jesus Christ as the firstborn Son of God. As God’s only begotten Son, Jesus received the kingdom from His Father and is Lord of all. Christ promises to share with us His kingdom and inheritance but, we are warned not to imitate Esau who, on impulse, gave away his birthright for a bowl of stew. Because of his foolishness, Esau lost his birthright and the blessings of his father.
