when that man gives what he has to his sons as an inheritance, he is not to show favouritism to the son of the loved wife as his firstborn over the firstborn of the neglected wife.
He must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the neglected wife, by giving him two shares , of his estate, for he is the firstfruits of his virility; he has the rights of the firstborn.
These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. He is not listed in the genealogy according to birthright.
So he said, ‘Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? , For he has cheated me twice now. He took my birthright, and look, now he has taken my blessing.’ Then he asked, ‘Haven’t you saved a blessing for me? ’
