FIRSTBORN of Het% bckor, from baker, to break forth). In biblical usage, a term which signifies the first male offspring, whether of man or of other animals. The first born male was devoted from the time of birth to God. in the case of firstborn male children, the law required that, within one month after birth, they should be redeemed by an offering equivalent in value to five shekels of silver (Exod. xiii. 13; Num. xviii. 15-10). If the child died before the expiration of 30 days. the obligation of redemp tion ceased; but if that term were completed, the obligation was not extinguished by the subsequent death of the infant. This redemption took place according to a fixed ceremonial. It is difficult to say in how far these laws of redemption point to the existence in earlier (lays of the actual offer ing, of the first male child to a deity. 'Freres of such offerings are found, but the instances appear to be exceptional—as in moments of great danger ( II. Kings iii. 27). On the other hand. the nar rative of Abraham's readiness to sacrifice Isaac would lose part of its meaning if the rite was really resorted to only under exceptional circum stanees. The rite of circumcision may also be a modification of an original offering of the first born (see Cnter3wistoN), but it is also likely that the symbol replacing the reality was introdueed rat a comparatively early age—long anterior to the separation of the Hebrews in their religious cus toms from their fellow Semites.
The firstborn male of animals also, whether clean or unclean, was equally regarded as de voted to God. The firstborn of clean animals, if free from blemish, was to be delivered to the priests within twelve months after birth to be sacrificed to the Lord (Dent. xv. 19.21) ; nor was it permitted to any but the priests to partake of the flesh of such victims (Num. xviii. 15-19).
If the animal were blemished, it was not to be sacrificed, but to be eaten at home (Deut. xv. 22). The firstborn of unclean animals, not being a fit subject for sacrifice, was either to be put to death or to be redeemed with the addition of one-fifth of its value (Lev. xxvii. 27; Num. xviii. 15). If not redeemed, it was to be sold, and the price given to the priests.
Primogeniture. both by the patriarchal custom and by the Pentateuchal codes. had certain privileges attached to it, the chief of which were the headship of the family and a double portion of the inheritance (cf. Dent. xxi. 16, 17). 'Firstborn' was a title of honor or affec tion (Exod. iv. 22; Jer. xxxi. 9). The Hebrews shared with the other Semites a belief in the sanctity of first fruits in general which may properly be traced back to a natural feeling of rejoicing and gratitude. Hence even among Semites in a nomadic state, special privileges are accorded to the firstborn, and to barter away one's birthright was regarded as a disgrace. In this respect, the story of Esau's selling his birthright for a mere mess of pottage—an act which the writer holds up to scorn (Gen. xxv. 29-34)—well reflects the general view. As a peo ple advances from the nomadic to the pastoral, and thence to the agricultural stage, the views connected with the firstborn are naturally ex tended to animals, and to produce of the fields. hence in the Pentateuchal codes, which are based on the agricultural stage, ample provisions are made for rites connected with the various classes of 'first' productions. See FIRST FRUITS; FAIL: MY; SUCCESSION ; PRIMOGENITURE.