Exodus 4:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

God designates the initial believer as the firstborn of his lineage, not implying a hierarchy among believers but rather indicating precedence in time. For instance, during the period when Israel resided in Egypt, God communicated through Moses, declaring, "Israel is My son, My firstborn. I say unto thee, Let My son go." This identifies Israel as the firstborn nation, as they were the inaugural people to have a relationship with God at that moment.

The firstborn is Israel, as they were the first to receive the call through the law; however, the second and those who follow are the believers in Christ. This reflects the imagery of two nations, with Esau and Jacob representing Israel and those who come to faith in Christ.

It is important to recognize that the firstborn has siblings. The firstborn, or firstfruits, is the initial representative in a larger family. Thus, let Israel understand that even though they are designated as God's chosen people, the Gentiles who have faith not only received salvation but also claimed the inheritance of the firstborn. As it is written, "And men shall exceed men, and the greater shall work the lesser" (Gen. 25:23).

Similarly, when you encounter the term "firstborn," do not assume it aligns with human definitions, as earthly firstborns have siblings. The Scripture states, "Israel is My son, My firstborn." Just as Reuben was the firstborn, Israel likewise lost that distinction. Reuben acted treacherously upon his father's bed (Gen. 49:4), and Israel expelled the Son of the Father from the vineyard (Matt. 21:39) and crucified Him. The Scripture also declares, "Ye are the sons of the Lord your God" (Deut. 14:1) and, "I said, Ye are gods; and all of you are the sons of the Most High" (Ps. 81:6). The phrase "I said" points to a declaration, not to a notion of being begotten. Through this divine pronouncement, they received a sonship that was initially absent.

A.C.B. points out that this phrase is clearly understood by Pharaoh, who was referred to as ‘the beloved son of Ra’ (the Sun) or as a representative of the Divine. In this context, Israel emerges for the first time as God's firstborn, signifying that while all nations are considered children of God, Israel holds a special position of preeminence among them.