Throughout human history, many societies have been led by some kind of king or ruler.
And when that king dies, he passes down his power and inheritance to his firstborn son.
This is often called the right of the firstborn or the birthright. And this practice wasn't just for kings but also for families.
Yeah, fathers would pass on their authority to the firstborn as the rightful heir of the family estate.
But what if the firstborn son isn't the most qualified? What if they're bad for the job?
Yeah, history has shown that firstborns often abuse their birthright, using it for personal gain leading to conflict and violence.
Now, the Bible came into existence in a culture where the right of the firstborn was normal and taken for granted.
But interestingly, in the story of the Bible God consistently overturns this cultural norm. Really?
Yeah, from the beginning God regularly selects the younger sibling, the late-comer, and gives them the birthright.
For example, in the story of the first two brothers, God elevates the second-born, Abel, over Cain, his firstborn brother.
