We are in chapter eleven of Exodus with our word for today. בְּכוֹר firstborn, oldest offspring. It is used 122 in the Old Testament. We find our word used in the sense of an offspring who came first in the order of birth. Genesis 25:13 These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the בְּכֹ֤ר firstborn of Ishmael. Genesis 27:19, 32 Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your בְּכֹרֶ֔ךָ firstborn...give me your blessing.”…His father Isaac asked him, “Who are you?” “I am your son,” he answered, “your בְכֹֽרְךָ֖ firstborn, Esau.” We also see our word used in the sense of animals who came first in their birth order. Genesis 4:4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the מִבְּכֹר֥וֹת firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering. Numbers 18:17 But you must not redeem the בְּֽכוֹר firstborn of a cow, a sheep or a goat; they are holy. Splash their blood against the altar and burn their fat as a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord. We find our word used in both human and animal senses in our chapter today. Exodus 11:4-5 So Moses said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘About midnight I will go out in the midst of Egypt, and every בְּכוֹר֮firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the מִבְּכ֤וֹר firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the בְּכ֣וֹר firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the handmill, and all the בְּכ֥וֹר firstborn of the cattle.
It is interesting that God identifies his people collectively as his first born son. Exodus 4:22-23 Then say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the Lord says: Israel is my בְכֹרִ֖י firstborn son, and I told you, “Let my son go, so he may worship me.” But you refused to let him go; so I will kill your בְּכֹרֶֽךָ firstborn son.’” God is showing Pharaoh that his people are valuable to him like a father’s firstborn son is valuable to him. After warning Pharaoh what would happen if he did not let his people go. He carries out his promise. Exodus 13:15 When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the Lord killed the בְּכ֣וֹר firstborn of both people and animals in Egypt. This is why I sacrifice to the Lord the first male offspring of every womb and redeem each of my בְּכ֥וֹר firstborn sons. God is setting up this idea of redemption which we have looked at this word previously as the idea of showing the value of someone or something. This is seen in the price paid to set one free or bring them back to oneself. In the sacrificial system God set up he is showing the serious consequences of sin that it separates us from God who is holy and separate from sin. And also shows us that God loves us so much he is willing to allow a substitute to take our place so we can be redeemed. Numbers 18:15 The first offspring of every womb, both human and animal, that is offered to the Lord is yours. But you must redeem every בְּכ֣וֹר firstborn son and every בְּכֽוֹר firstborn male of unclean animals. Jesus is identified with both of the concepts of firstborn and redemption. Colossians 1:15-16, 19-20 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth… For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Jesus who is also God the son as the firstborn reconcile us to God by making peace through his death on the cross for our sins. I’ll close with this great passage that identifies Christ as our redeemer who paid the price to save us from our sins. 1 Peter 1:18-19 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
