He must recognize the rights of his oldest son, the son of the wife he does not love, by giving him a double portion. He is the first son of his father’s virility, and the rights of the firstborn belong to him.

Commentaries

4

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

AlbertBarnes

18th Century
Presbyterian
18th Century

Moses did not originate the rights of primogeniture , but recognized them, since he found them pre-existing in the general social system of the Eas…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

CharlesEllicott

19th Century
Anglican
19th Century

Deuteronomy 21:15–17. THE BIRTHRIGHT.

One beloved, and another hated —that is, one preferr…

John Gill

John Gill

JohnGill

17th Century
Reformed Baptist
17th Century

But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the
firstborn
Own him and declare h…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

MatthewHenry

17th Century
Presbyterian
17th Century

This law restrains men from disinheriting their eldest sons without just cause. The principle in this case regarding children is still binding on p…