But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.
Instead, he must recognize the son of the wife he dislikes as his firstborn by giving him a double share of everything he owns. This son represents the beginning of his father's strength, and the rights of the firstborn belong to him.
This verse teaches that a father cannot play favorites with inheritance - he must give the firstborn son his rightful double portion, even if that son's mother is the wife he likes less.
📚 Historical Context
This law addressed the common ancient practice of polygamy, where a man might have multiple wives but favor one over another. In Israel's patriarchal society, the firstborn son traditionally received twice the inheritance of other sons, regardless of family politics. This law protected children from their father's marital preferences and ensured fair treatment based on birth order rather than favoritism.
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