By Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg
Thank you for your support!
Many major Genesis stories consistently challenge primogeniture—the ancient cultural norm where the firstborn son inherits the family’s wealth, title, and authority, leaving younger siblings with diminished prospects. By repeatedly elevating the younger or less-favored sibling, Genesis reveals a divine pattern that subverts human expectations, affirming God’s authority to choose the unlikely to fulfill His promises. For those feeling overlooked or marginalized, these accounts offer profound hope: God sees potential where humanity sees weakness, transforming the “last” into the “first” to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
Cain and Abel
The rivalry between Cain and Abel sets a dramatic foundation for this motif. Cain, the elder, and Abel, the younger, present offerings to God, but only Abel’s sacrifice finds favor, while Cain’s is rejected (Gen 4:4-5). The text remains silent on why God prefers Abel’s offering, cloaking the decision in mystery and emphasizing divine prerogative. Cain’s jealousy festers into murderous rage, ending Abel’s life in a tragic clash not over inheritance but over God’s approval. Abel, the younger, is exalted in God’s eyes, while Cain’s status as firstborn proves irrelevant.
Ishmael and Isaac
The narrative of Ishmael and Isaac further illustrates God’s rejection of primogeniture. Ishmael, Abraham’s firstborn through Hagar, holds the natural claim as the elder son (Gen 16:1-4). Yet God designates Isaac, born later to Sarah, as the heir of the covenant, declaring, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named” (Gen 17:21). The expulsion of Ishmael and Hagar (Gen 21:1-14) is harsh by human standards, but it solidifies God’s choice by prioritizing divine promise over cultural norms. Isaac’s elevation as the younger son mirrors Abel’s favor, reinforcing the pattern of God choosing the unexpected to advance His plan.
Esau and Jacob
The story of Jacob and Esau brings the theme of reversal into sharp focus, rich with tension and human complexity. Even before birth, the twins struggle in Rebekah’s womb, prompting her to seek God’s guidance. The oracle she receives is cryptic: “Two nations are in your womb… one will be stronger than the other” (Gen 25:23). The Hebrew text is ambiguous, leaving it unclear whether the “abundant one” serves the “young one” or vice versa, adding layers to Rebekah’s later actions. Esau is born first, but Jacob, grasping his brother’s heel, earns his name (Ya’akov, from “heel”). Years later, Jacob exploits Esau’s hunger, trading a bowl of red lentil stew for the birthright (Gen 25:29-34). Esau’s impulsive trade is compounded by his marriages to Hittite women, which distress Isaac and Rebekah (Gen 26:34-35), raising fears about his suitability to lead their covenant family. Although Jacob is not without faults, he later deceives Isaac to obtain the firstborn’s blessing (Gen 27:1-40), which represents a material blessing of prosperity and authority. Yet Isaac always intended the covenant blessing of Abraham—promising land and descendants—for Jacob (Gen 28:3-4), confirmed by God in Jacob’s dream of the heavenly stairway (Gen 28:13-14).
Zerah and Perez
The brief but vivid story of Perez and Zerah echoes this pattern in a single, dramatic moment. As Tamar labors, Zerah extends his hand, marked with a scarlet thread to signify firstborn status (Gen 38:27-30). Yet Perez emerges first, claiming precedence. Divine will renders the scarlet thread, a human attempt to define priority, irrelevant, akin to Jacob supplanting Esau. Perez’s unexpected rise carries weight as an ancestor of David (Ruth 4:18-22), tying this reversal to God’s broader covenant plan.
Brothers and Joseph
Joseph’s narrative expands the motif to a broader sibling dynamic. As one of Jacob’s younger sons, Joseph receives divine favor through dreams predicting his dominance (Gen 37:5-11). His brothers, envious of their father’s affection and Joseph’s visions, betray him, selling him into slavery. Yet God orchestrates Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt, where his brothers eventually bow before him (Gen 50:18), fulfilling his dreams. Unlike Esau’s shortsighted trade, Joseph’s perseverance aligns with divine providence, enabling him to save his family from famine. Reuben, the firstborn, fades into obscurity, while Joseph’s elevation underscores God’s pattern of favoring the unlikely.
Ephraim and Manasseh
The blessing of Manasseh and Ephraim provides a final, symbolic iteration of the motif in the Book of Genesis. When Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons, he crosses his hands, giving the greater blessing to Ephraim, the younger, over Manasseh (Gen 48:8-20). Joseph protests—“Not this way, my father!”—but Jacob’s deliberate act reinforces God’s prerogative. The crossed hands, like Jacob’s heel-grasping or Zerah’s scarlet thread, symbolize divine reversal, tying this story to the broader pattern.
God’s People
This theme of reversal extends beyond individuals to God’s chosen communities. In Deuteronomy 7:7-8, God selects Israel not for their power but because they are “the fewest of all peoples,” whom He loves in order to fulfill His covenant with Abraham. This mirrors the younger siblings’ rise in Genesis, as Israel embodies the “last” made “first.” In the New Testament, Paul describes the Corinthian church as “not many wise, not many mighty” (1 Cor 1:26-29), yet chosen to shame the strong. Like Jacob or Joseph, these communities reflect God’s preference for the overlooked, showing His pattern of reversal shapes not just individuals but entire peoples, offering hope to those who feel insignificant.
The Ultimate Reversal
The motif of divine reversal finds its pinnacle in Jesus Christ. Born in humble Bethlehem, He is no worldly conqueror (Mic 5:2). Scorned and crucified, He is the “stone the builders rejected” (Psa 118:22; 1 Pet 2:6-7), yet His resurrection makes Him the cornerstone of God’s kingdom. His life and death embody the “last” becoming “first,” echoing the Genesis pattern and offering salvation to all. In Matthew 20:16 we read about Jesus’ famous saying: “So the last shall be first, and the first last.” This verse comes from the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), where Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of Heaven. The parable shows that the least significant or latest may be exalted, while the prominent or earliest may be humbled.
Conclusion
The sibling rivalries in Genesis—Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, Jacob and Esau, Perez and Zerah, Joseph and his brothers, and Ephraim and Manasseh—reveal a profound theological truth: God’s sovereign choice often overturns human expectations. Time and again, Genesis subverts the cultural norm of primogeniture, elevating the younger, the overlooked, or the unlikely to fulfill His redemptive purposes.
These narratives are not merely ancient family disputes but divine object lessons. Abel’s favor, Isaac’s election, Jacob’s blessing, Perez’s breach, Joseph’s exaltation, and Ephraim’s precedence all point to a recurring pattern—God delights in choosing the weak to shame the strong (1 Cor. 1:27). This theme extends beyond Genesis, finding echoes in Moses over Aaron, David over his brothers, Israel among the nations, and ultimately in Christ, the rejected Stone who became the Cornerstone.
For those who feel marginalized or inadequate, Genesis offers a message of hope: God’s ways are not ours. He does not measure worth by birth order, human merit, or societal status. His choices are rooted in grace, His purposes in redemption. Whether in the impulsive folly of Esau, the patient endurance of Joseph, or the crossed hands of Jacob, we see that God writes His story through the unexpected.
The ultimate reversal is Christ—the despised and crucified who became the exalted King. In Him, the last are made first, the humble are lifted, and the overlooked are called. Genesis invites us to trust a God who specializes in surprising reversals, turning human weakness into divine triumph. Hold fast to His promises, for He is faithful to fulfill them—often in ways we least expect.
Thanks for a great article.
You must add David, the 8th brother of that generation.
David is there.
Thanks much Dr. Eli Lizorkin, my beloved friend ! I really do appreciate the insight you have shared concerning the words of scriptures that says: The Last Shall Be First. May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you and your family always!
Bruce, my dear! May the Lord bless and keep you!
Paul also refers to Jesus as the second Adam. This further underscores your ideas here.
Richard, I think that even though that is true, there was never a sibling rivalry between Adam and second Adam. So I would not make the connection here to what I wrote about. But I may be wrong.
“His life and death embody the “last” becoming “first,” echoing the Genesis pattern and offering salvation to all” … In line with Jesus as the ‘second Adam’ – This becomes important because of a later ‘Christian’ conception of ‘replacement theology’ – that Christians REPLACE Abraham’s seed. This is serious error. Even addressing the Pharisees about those baptized by John Jesus said that ‘they will enter before you’, not ‘instead of you.’ Jesus is being revealed to Israel as Joseph was revealed to his brothers in the Court of Egypt. Christians are ‘grafted on to the vine.’
Thank you.
Thank you for a clear message. It blessed me and I will be able to share it’s truth to others.Shalom.
Anne, peace!
Great insight, not firstborn right let us be covenant people, but righteousness and obedience to God‘s commandments. That’s the teaching to Cain:“ And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.“ Gen 4.
Thank you, Louis!
It may be true of the first and second adam that the is no sibling rivalry, but there has been consistent sibling rivalry between the olive and the wild olive that has been grafted in and I, as a fiercely pro-Jewish, gentile believer am sorry about my brothers who have perpetuated it.
Shalom, Peter. Love your pro-Jewish Christian attitude! However, I’m uncertain if the analogy will hold true in this context; after all, Gentile Christians are relatively new in God’s eyes, while Jews are, in a sense, the more experienced ones. Unless I am missing something :-).
My old NT prof., Dr. Allen Mawhinney (a great man!), used to say, When you are holding a hammer in your hand, after a while everything begins to look like a nail. Here is an article by him – https://rts.edu/resources/the-light-is-shining/
This was most helpful and of utter importance. Thank you Dr. Eli! Shalom from Veronika
Blessings to you, my dear!
Dear Dr. Eli, when Yeshua noticed the fairh of the roman soldier, He was astonished and replied: This kind of faith it is greatest…
When Thomas finally recognized his Master and God, Yeshua blessed those whose faith will sprout without the need of signals. Maybe, the sign that the blind, limp, the women… received easily the good news frim heaven indicates that the gentiles just by listening will believe world widely, BEFORE the single entire community of Iodious would.
Regards
Thank you, Ana!
This was beautifully illustrated. Sometimes one can read and study the Word and still miss the obvious. I thank you for providing divine insight in God’s word, and opening our minds to a better understanding. I am still and ever learning, but seeing the Word through the Jewish perspective opens my mind and heart even more! Again thank you
Glad to hear that, Venetia!
Very insightful and educative. Honestly no one can question God’s divine order and whatsoever orchestrated by heaven must surely supercede others. Thanks for this spiritual awakening, when I’m down doesn’t mean God has forsaken me. Indeed there’s hope and blessings for me. Thanks Dr. Eli
For all of us, my friend! Blessings and peace!
Thanks !
Blessings!
I’m so much blessed by reading this great teaching. God bless you
So glad to hear!
Great insight that ties an exploration of Genesis to our ultimate Messianic hope! Well done!
Thanks, Brian!
Well said, Brian.
A very good way to explain how God chooses the lowly for his purpose . I really enjoyed reading this and thank you for making it available.
Thank you, Sharon for your encouragement!
Thank you, Sharon, for your encouragement!
2nd Adam pic of TRUE man as God desires – led by the Holy Spirit within to honor and obey the Father’s will (died to self). Jesus reflecting his Father’s image perfectly. God became a father, not God became a man. Thank you for such good teaching.
Thank you, Judy! Thank you for your blessing!
Very much in few words, we have been on this ; your firm of wisdom and integrity. Your intelligence has brought us this far! We deeply love you sire and to top up. God Bless You Sire!
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Awesome!!!
Thanks be to God!
To Gods true greatest purpose
Always & Everywhere
In reverence, responsibility & blood of Jesus
I & We thank God for &
decree & declare!
❤️✨✝️✨🌍✨💓✨🙌✨🕊️
Blessings to you, Milena!
Thank you dr Eli for compiling these truths throughout biblical history. How God choose divine purpose and develop what He saw as potential in His chosen people. He equipped them into His plan and their future. He used their sometimes weaknesses for His Glory and His Kingdom. We can trust ( His promises and covenant ) Him wholeheartedly. Excellent!
THanks, Emily!
Powerful! Thank you Dr. Eli. I relate to it in my own life.
God bless you, Gerald!
This is WONDERFUL, Dr. Eli.
What insight and theme. Is this part of a book?
Best wishes.
Well, I am slowly working with my youngest son, Moshe, on a book called “When the Bible Does Not Make Sense.” So I am taking ONLY difficult texts and wrestling ONLY with them. Probably a book will come out of it in a year or so. Those of you who would like to contribute to getting this book published plz click HERE.
Thank you for taking time to reply to ALL our comments, Dr. Eli. Continued best wishes w/ yours & Moshe’s collaboration.
Thank you, Jane it is my previlage and great honor.
Really great work Dr Eli. Thanks
Thanks be to God!
Even the conclusion is a fitting reversal. Jesus was literally the firstborn of His siblings. It brings to mind Isaiah 66:2, “…But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.”
Blessings, Ramon.
Thanks Dr Eli for a great article. It’s like a hidden treasure, connecting the dots for the ultimate reversal plan when the light of Israel/ Yeshua will shine from Zion to the Nations. Excellent!
Sylvia, may we be come to worship!
The good learning starts with GENESIS. It was never meant for scientific debate on the evolution of humankind, as it was meant to be a begginer’s manual for making PEACE, this fundamental environment for evolution of the good.
IF THE FIRST COUPLE WERE ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN, THAN THE ONLY LOGIC EXPLANATION IS THAT ALL OF THEIR DESCENDANTS ARE FAMILY OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS.
We all belong to a family, whether we love our family members or not, and regardless whether they love us back or not.
Thank you for your comment, Ana!
The verse “the last shall be first and the first last” is found in the Bible, specifically in Matthew 19:30 and 20:16, as well as Mark 10:31 and Luke 13:30. This saying is often associated with Jesus’ teachings about the Kingdom of Heaven
yes of course.
This reminds me of what is happening to a lot so called “Christian Nations” where a lot churches are becoming “tourist destinations” instead of places of worship. And a lot of 2nd and 3rd generation “born Christians” are not born again. Comments?
Generational faith is vital! Covenant is key.
Indeed, Hope for the marginalized! Thank you for highlighting this from God’s Word!
Thank you so much, dear Patricia! If anyone would like to help to grow this ministry, please contribute by clicking HERE.
Excelente descripción.
Let’s seek the Lord together!
Dr Eli! I really needed this today.
Thank you, for restored hope.
Thank you!!
May the Lord be blessed!
A great display of God’s wisdom, Dr. Thank you very much for blessing us with this insight.
Imagine reading this article as a firstborn😮
Indeed! 🙂 (I am a firstborn, one out of seven).
Dr. Eli, I love this article! Thank you for the time and effort you put into your blogs. These teachings are blessings to all your readers…and all those with whom we share these precious words. Shalom shalom from South Carolina
Kathatrine, your encouragement means a lot and pushes me to write the next chapter of this journey for all of us.
Never before had I considered all these occurrences where God chose the last ahead of the first. Fascinating exploration, where God’s choice of the ‘weak’ confounded the strong. As the last in my family, I was regarded as spoilt and indulged. Perhaps so, because my parents had me in their old age. I loved this, and have shared it.
There are others in the comments that attested to the same. Blessings!
Thank you Dr Eli for the insights…many times we overlook these paramount facts. May the God of Israel continue to bless you.
From your lips to God’s ears as old Y’dish saying goes!
This is a brilliant piece of intellectual work. You bring clarity to the Holy Bible. You are a blessing to me.
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Thank you for this dive into the scriptures… I take heart in it, being the last of seven children where I have felt the ‘least among the brethren’ due to many circumstances. I will be talking to Our Father about this to help me overcome the doubts about my walk with Him due to that cloud of insignificance and self-doubt influence my confidence in His calling on my life.
Much appreciated… many blessings to you and yours, Dr. Eli.
Thank you, Val, for sharing this.
Thank you so much for this great article. God bless!
Blessings and peace!!
Dr. Eli –
This is a wonderful word.
Thank you so much for invaluable the insights and revelations
that you share via this website. So grateful always for
the perspectives – cultural, linguistic, and other – that you offer,
as surely it’s not good to listen to Mozart through only one earbud !
Overflowing Blessings to you.
Steve Harris
Thank you, Steve 🙂
Thank you for this article. Jesus’s calling was quite different.John 1:40 tells us that Peter was older than Andrew. Yet, the incarnate Jesus used Peter extensively to preach the central theme of Christianity—His resurrection. Because Jesus was resurrected, He said He would take us to be with Him forever (John 14:1-11).
Thank you for your comment.
I loved the way that you combined and separated everything. You made it easy to understand and stayed true to overall word. You have quiet a writing style. Thank you.
I am honored to hear these enocuraging words.
Do you have something to share
free of charge please, please.
Thank you for your useful service in God’s plan.
Slavi, this entire blog (now already more than 50 studies is free. Enjoy!
Thank you for great insight from the Bible on Divine choice.
Let’s take encouargement from this!
Amen Christ the second Adam King of kings &Lord of Lords the mighty God But i would say when it comes to a Ephraim and Manasseh it’s slightly different Ephraim does indeed get the blessing from Jacob but it seems it was just an earthly blessing Manasseh certainly seems to do much better in the book of Judges and of course in the book of revelation Joesph is there so is Manasseh but no Ephraim just a point God bless you and be with you in all your ways Amen
Blessings, and thank you for your comment.
You are enriching my life. Thank you
Connie! Bless you your heart!
Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg,
I have never even thought about this before. What a wonderful and insightful piece.
Thank you so much.
Rev. Dr. Dennis R. Sheppard
Dear Rev. Dr. Sheppard,
Thank you for sharing this encouragement! May the Lord richly bless you and continue to draw you to Himself!
The sovereignty of our God helps us know that we are dependent on His Holy spirit to guide us. We can’t exclusively lean on our understanding and knowledge. Thank you for making this article available to us.
Thanks, Carol!
Learning this connection for the first time! Very insightful. Thanks Dr. Eli.
Very exciting!!!
Thanks so much Dr Eli for yet another confirmation of The Holy Spirit’s Revelation even though I have not studied a worldly doctorate. Insight is from seeking God’s wisdom in the presence of the Holy Spirit while reading His Word and studying Yeshua’s actions on Earth.
Your blog is spot on!
God’s first creation Adam introduced sin, punishment and separation in this world and Yeshua introduced grace, pardon and reconciliation! He became the first born!
We have the choice to overcome with God’s intervention.
God is good.
Dr. Eli, your info was so well organized put together and beautifully spoken, had touch my heart, even though I had known all this for many years and experienced our Beloved GOD’s ways to choose the less fortunate, I truly needed to read this as a reminder. Thank you so much for this. Blessings <3
Thank you for your kindness. We all needs to be reminded of God’s simple truths, perhaps, especially.
Thank you Lord.
God bless you Dr Eli, for sharing this. Thank you again.
Dear Rev Dr Monica Jegede, many thanks for your encouragement!
Dear Dr Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg,
I always enjoy reading and re-reading your articles with great interest. No doubt the Good Lord has endowed you with the Charism of unfolding His Word. Thanks for your special ministry which is of great service to all those who are thirsty for God’s Word. Baruch Hashem
Fr Joseph Dominic Borg,ocd
Dear Father Joseph, What an honor to receive this feedback from you. Thank you for your encouragement!
Wow! This article is so informative, insightful, and giving hope to the insignificant indeed. May the blessings of the Lord and the Spirit of my High God remain in you.
Peter, stay tuned!
I mine I will give a nice massage to my church members and explain it’s how both brothers bounding and there relationship with God? We’ll thanks you too much sir 🙂 this message 🙏🌹
Blessings!
That’s very educative. It had not occured to me that that’s the centrality of all these things i read about in the old testament…
indeed. it is easy to miss.
I love the way you see details in all scripture.
I love to listen One for ISRAEL video,and other materials .
Thank you,and God Bless Israel.
SHALOM,
Julia
I don’t have connection to them :-), but I am not the only person out there doing good work! Thank you, Julia and may the Lord richly bless you!
Great, outstaning interpretation never heard before.
Thanks, William! There is a lot more where this it came from. Stay tuned. 🙂
WOW!
GREAT MESSAGE!
THANK YOU JESUS!
THANK YOU DR.ELI!
Thank you, Jeffrey!
You articulate this theme well. However I refer to your comment, ‘The text remains silent on why God prefers Abel’s offering, cloaking the decision in mystery’. Scripture reveals sacrifice is what God requires from all who serve Him which He set in place in Gen 3: 21 where the ‘lamb slain from the foundation of the world’ John 1: 29 was the standard. In the blood is represented the life of the offer-er Lev 17: 11, 14. However, God demands obedience to His word 1 Sam 15: 22 first and foremost. Cain’s refusal to be obedient to God’s will in bringing an offering of a life (representing his own life offered in service Rom 12: 1) he rejected the model that God laid down for mankind’s salvation, the perfect sacrifice of Christ, Eph 5: 2, Heb 7: 27, 9: 26, 10: 5. Abel accepted this principle and brought ‘of the flock’ thus, ‘the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering’
Dear Renay, I understand what you are saying; trust me, I was trained in Christian theology no less than you :-). I know it very well. And yes, this is how it has been traditionally explained. But this is inference. I repeat. There is nothing in the text ANYWHERE that tells us that this is the way we should read/interpret that account. Remember God’s choice of Abel is in line with God’s choice of Isaac, Jacob, Menasseh, David, etc., etc.; there was no issue there with the difference in TYPE of sacrifice. We need to zoom in—yes!—but we also need to zoom out.
I believe G-d accepted Abel’s sacrifice of an animal because it was Abel’s faith that prompted him. His father might have told him how they were clothed in Eden with animal skin after their sin. Abel believed his father’s advice that G-d will approve only blood sacrifice. Cain had no faith.
You were absolutely right to point out that you “believe” this. But I hope you can agree with me that there is NOTHING in the text itself that discloses to US the reasons for God’s decision. If I am wrong I would stand corrected.
Amen Hallelujah Dr Eli , that was what the HOLY SPIRIT Showed me Long time ago , and the thing that matters most , in this day and age is the words of Paul and Peter of Romans 8:19 & 1Pet.1:3-25 which is the Fulfillment of Isaiah 59:21 which underscores John1:12-13 and 1John5:20 which in turn exalts the Fact that YESHUA IS THE AUTHOR AND THE FINISHER OF FAITH. Thank you for your Blog ABBA BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ❤️🙌🙏🙏❤️❤️
I am glad to be on the same wave.
Dr. Eli, thank you so very much for this teaching. It opened such insight and greater clarity to, “The last shall be first, and the first shall be last”. This gave me so much more for the patterns that God has established in His Word. I do praise Him for His wisdom and authority, and I can see more clearly these patterns at work in this world today in so many instances. Thank you for your spiritual insight that brings profound revelation. Truly, God knows best!
He does indeed! Thank you, Brenda!
You write “Yet Isaac always intended the covenant blessing of Abraham—promising land and descendants—for Jacob (Gen 28:3-4)”. This blessing occurs after Jacob deceives Isaac. Having been tricked into blessing Jacob Isaac then continues with the Abrahamic blessing, so why does it indicate that Isaac ALWAYS intended it to go to Jacob?
Because Isaac gave it to him.
A nice global analyses taking multiple generations and centuries into account. Than you.
Thanks, Don.
I started to post this idea with your Jacob/Esau treatise. I am pleased to see this follow up.
You state: “The text remains silent on why God prefers Abel’s offering” {not Cain’s.) I think that can be cleared up. Hebrews 9:20-22 states that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. When Adam sinned, G*d killed animals to make clothing of skins. Abel understood this, Cain offered the work of his hands. Most ancient cultures practiced blood sacrifice. Jesus made that sacrifice for all of us.
There is no doubt it can be interpreted this way. I think it’s valid to connect something that didn’t discuss our topic (Hebrews) to something that preceded it by centuries, but it’s also valid to read the text on its own. In the end God chooses because of His will and grace, not because of something the chosen one does right, which to my mind this (blood offering) interpretation implies.
“In the end God chooses because of His will and grace, not because of something the chosen one does right” – Fair enough :^) It relates in the sense that it shows that from the first ‘sin’ recognized in the Bible the message of the Gospel was already manifest: We are saved by Grace not by our own efforts or goodness.
Yes, but this is classic reading back into the text’s much later theology. Common approach, but to me unjustified. 🙂 If anyone would like to help to grow this ministry, please contribute by clicking HERE.
“Yes, but this is classic reading back into the text’s much later theology. Common approach, but to me unjustified” – That seems to go over my head ? I suppose that you could email me if you like. I think am relating the Jewish roots of Christianity… is that ‘backwards’? Malachi 3:6 “For I am the LORD, I change not” Isaiah 46:10 “I declare the end from the beginning” 🤷♂️
Hm… how do I explain this better? Basically, we try to read Genesis as if it were the only revelation of God. This will do wonders, I promise. You can later try and piece it together with both other parts of the Bible and LATER THEOLOGICAL CONSTRUCTS. The second part presents a larger issue.
“The second part presents a larger issue…” – :^) That I think that I understand. Our individual relationship with The Unknowable is a never ending revelation through fellowship with the Holy Spirit, the Ruach haQodesh. We *come* to understand that Cain displeased the Lord by offering his ‘works’. The Genesis text does not state any causal relationship – BUT it clearly shows that G*d did not condemn Cain for his covetous sin of murder. Likewise Moses sin of murder; likewise David’s sin of murder. 🙏
Very affirming to those of us who feel less than first. Ever since my first trip to Israel I became convinced that unless you speak the language the text was written in (including an understanding of common idioms of the time) and have a firsthand comprehension of life in that culture at that time, you will probably read translations and come up with an entirely different understanding of what the text meant. I have also come to believe that everything Jesus taught came directly from Old Testament writings that we don’t read comprehend like a person of the time read the original texts. Do you have a course that details the teachings of Christ as he gave people of the time a better understanding of what was intended? Things like the 70×7 times to forgive have to mean something more than “make yourself a doormat to be blessed.” Thanks
Dear Bev, in the Schools and Courses section of drelisblog.com you can explore two schools that I am connected with.
I do really enjoy when you do share some of your translations and insights with us! Thank you for that!!!
Thank you, dear Gerrye!
Wow thanks for this exposition. I wonder though what to make of it;
the first born of the less liked wife gets a double portion – Deut 21:17 and also God says Israel is His first born and takes Levites in their place. Christ is also first born. So this is a little perplexing?
It is right? Just imagine how it was back in the time when this was REALLY a big deal!
Thank you for the article. I really enjoy reading these articles.
Do you have any plans on doing any articles on how the church and act was governed?
Did you mean Church in Acts?
Just adding a point to this deeply insightful exploration: An important question is whether there is a connection between attitude toward serving others and primogeniture, as especially those who were in Christ’s lineage had to have the heart of a servant.
Firstborns:
• belong to the Creator
• received a double portion of the inheritance (= are rich)
• took care of their parents and relatives
• are leaders of their families
• are equipped for leadership (with strength, skills, and abilities)
• are tempted to rely on their own strength, wealth, wisdom and efforts (hence, Cain´s sacrifice)
• are tempted to let others serve them, instead of serving others
Yeshua, himself the firstborn, therefore tells other firstborns, including Israel, that whoever wants to be first (= leader) should be a servant to all, as he himself was first and foremost.
Firstborn does not mean bad :-), but God does what he does and we need to ask why.
I’m a retired psychologist, spending many years working with murderers and psychopaths.
Cain murdered Abel. There was no precedence. How did Cain come up with the idea of ending
the ‘thorn’ of his eye. Any Hebrew insight into how Cain’s brain change? or the hatred of Abel built up
over years of jealously? What is jealously? It is a new feeling even outside the Garden. There was no precedence.
Any Hebrew insight into the word “fear” ?
Humbly learning at your feet.
Rob G
Dear Dr. Gan, I would think that jealousy, or kin’ah in Hebrew, is a visceral response to perceived favoritism—here, God’s preference for Abel’s offering. This emotion, novel in the post-Eden world, likely festered in Cain, fueled by comparison and resentment, warping his perception of Abel as a “thorn.” Hebrew insight into yir’ah (fear) suggests a complex emotion, blending awe and dread, possibly reflecting Cain’s fear of rejection or inadequacy before God. Psychologically, unchecked jealousy can distort cognition, leading to rage and impulsivity, as seen in Cain’s act.
Praise God!
Awesome reminder and it can happen within the family, the church and community.
indeed!
Greetings Dr. Eli- Does brit (convenant) and Blessing of Abraham for non-Jew include possession of land and wealth as well, in addition to being partakers of the promise in Messiah Yeshua, salvation, the promise of God’s Spirit, forgiveness of sins, and resurrection at the last day. Essentially are Jews and Gentiles heirship equal?
The Abrahamic covenant (brit) blesses both Jews and Gentiles through faith in Messiah Yeshua (Galatians 3:14, 29, NASB). Non-Jews partake in salvation, God’s Spirit, forgiveness, and resurrection (Acts 2:38-39; Romans 4:16-17). While the original promise to Abraham included land and wealth (Genesis 12:1-3, 17:8), Romans 4:13 extends the inheritance to the “world” through faith, not just physical land. Jews and Gentiles share equal heirship as Abraham’s seed in Christ (Galatians 3:28-29), with spiritual blessings primary. Physical land and wealth may apply contextually, but the universal promise emphasizes spiritual inheritance.
What about Deuteronomy 8:18? How does that apply today for both Jews AND Gentiles?
I would not say that there is difference.
Are there any promises of wealth/financial stability, abundance, overall well-being in the New Covenant for both Jews and Gentiles? 2 Corinthians 8:9; 2 Corinthians 9:8; John 10:10.
Mark 10:29-31 as well, Yeshua speaks on receiving houses, mothers, brothers, children, lands, for ANYONE who has left the aforementioned for Him and the sake of the Gospel. Is this literal homes and lands for both Jews and Non-Jews who does. I am emphasis material possessions in this article, because it is so important to believers and followers of Messiah and has been widely confused in general to them. Also, the tithe from my understanding was never money, how did that come about for ministries to instruct their congregations to give 10% of their income? Paul taught in in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 on giving but no tithe, but to give as led by The Spirit of God. That could be 5%, 20%, 50%, 100%. Also, in the book of Acts chapters 2 and 4, the Church gave to all who were apart so that no one had need. Is that still relevant today? Thanks!
Keyonna, you are a bit off topics 🙂 I think.
Maybe regarding the tithe is for another discussion, however inheritance of money, houses, land (material possessions) are related to last will be first. The exact words are stated in Mark 10:31, proceeding after Mark 10:28-29 with mentioning of material possessions that Yeshua promised to those who left/leave everything for Him and the sake of the Gospel.
Keyonna, of course all Scripture is very imporant, but we are discussing in this section the article I wrote so I am trying to stick to the main topic in a focused way.
Understandable.
What happened if the pattern between Ephraim and Manasseh was reversed?
Not sure. What do you think?
Dr Eli, This post has hit the mark in my own heart as I have lived this out in my own family where I have seven siblings. I’ve been graced with favor my whole life and I have bourn the sting of jealousy even till this day. Yesterday I was having to help conduct my little brothers funeral memorial service, I felt exhausted from not what was said but what was unsaid by my siblings. Every Thursday I do a Zoomcast Torah parasha study based on the triennial torah cycle and it was the Genesis 41 narrative of Joseph and his brother. The timing of your post came to me this morning and it made me think about the scripture that I’d like your comments on Isaiah 11:13 Ephraim’s jealousy of Judah and Judah being hostile toward Ephraim. Also, I love IIBS !
Michael, I am so happy to hear that! May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Your article is both exciting and insightful. It has also called for rereading and rediscovery of the entire Bible.
All nine outlined cases submerged me into a pool of questions but immediately came to peace knowing that the only way One can happily walk with God is TRUST. If not, how would One fathom this, that the same God who knows both the elder and the younger right from when they were but fetuses, and all they will ever become is before his eyes, yet He reverse their state? Now, how can we tell if the actual “crossing-over” was done in the womb while the crossing of the hands and/or the blessing was a fulfillment of what has already been done? Just so many thoughts crossing my mind, Dr. Eli. God is both Supreme and Sovereign.
Thank you for sharing.
We should indeed be overwhelmed by great and mysterious nature of God’s work!
Dr. Eli may God bless you. You did very Good work and I will bless you too soon than later.
Pastor David Muthama.
Dear Pastor David, thank you and God bless you!
Finally got around to reading this article.
Wow! Captures the very essence of God’s unfathomable Grace and protection. How blessed we must be. Praise his Holy Name!
Thank you Dr. Eli.
Quick thought- Cain and Abel could they have been twins?
Thanks, Phil! (answer: there is nothing that indicates that to my knowledge).
Wonderful sermon.
I always enjoy reading your sermons Dr Eli. They are filled with the Holy Ghost and power.
Remain blessed, you and your colleagues. And keep up the good work.
Thank you so much, Patrick :-). I don’t think of them as sermons, but if they effect you in this way I give thanks to God!
Thank you, I now understand Cain and Able’s story. This was confusing to me.
The story is still confusing to me :-). I am glad that you now get it! 🙂
You quote bible verses so that nothing can disrupt your explanation. God’s plan indeed goes further and deeper than human ideas and intentions.
Can we also say: the first and the second instead of first and last?
Adam was the first Adam, while Yeshua is the second Adam.
I think in many cases it is the same concept.
The last generation will be first with Rapture .
Thank you for your comment.
In the Hebrew Scriptures obedience and purity are significant concepts.
In contemporary Christianity, these concepts are either not stressed or are passive in Christian life. Especially, the concept of purity.
If you agree, or somewhat agree, can you share why you think this is so?
Don, this is a HUGE discussion. Purity laws are still very significant in NT too (especially in the Gospels). Perhaps I will do more on that later. See this article (there is Part II on the blog as well) Enjoy – https://drelisblog.com/did-jesus-really-declared-all-food-clean-part-1/
My younger brother was favoured as he was raised in intact family. My mother died at 25, when I was three and my relationship with my step-mother was marked by her coldness and cruelty. My brother was bright and gained his PhD. He had nevertheless problems due to my father’s trauma and his genetic factors. I was slow academically and always felt treated second best. By the time I accomplished my PhD my father had already been dead for about 5 years. This month I published a book dedicated to his life and his aim preserving the memory of Holocaust (The Guardian of Memory by Joseph Janusz Poznanski).
May his memory be blessed!
Cain brought an offering from his crops; Abel from his flocks. There may be a parallel with Adam and Eve making clothes of fig leaves, whereas God clothed them in animal skins which He clearly regarded as more adequate. Later, blood sacrifices were important – even necessary to cover sin. Perhaps God expected Cain to bring a sacrificial animal, as Abel did, which he could have obtained from his brother Abel in exchange for some of his crops.
Perhaps indeed.
In The Antiquities of the Jews, Book 1, Chapter 3 Section 7 (97) – it uses the words ‘last and first’. I think to read those words in its context is well worth it. It may shed light on Jesus’s saying and in either case I believe it is well worth considering it.
Josephus discusses the descendants of Adam, focusing on their remarkable longevity and lineage leading to the Flood. The phrase “last and first” appears in this context, likely referring to the sequence or significance of these patriarchs, such as Adam (the first man) and those like Noah, who mark the culmination of the pre-Flood era. Josephus draws from biblical genealogies, detailing figures like Seth, Enos, and others, emphasizing their extended lifespans and roles in early human history according to Jewish tradition. The phrase may highlight the continuity from the first generation to the last before the Flood. Not sure how this helps. 🙂
Hello, Thanks for this study. It appears to me that according to the Law, the elder son was given the physical blessing and responsibility in order to continue the family God formed; thereby leaving the younger to be available and humbled to be used for God’s ministry to His people. Someti.es we see that the elder ones were bigger and stronger (David’s brothers, etc), so God made them each fashioned for the position that was first described in the inheritance instructions in the Law of Moses. Regarding Moses and Aaron, they were each specially designed and favored for the position God needed them to take for His Chosen People.
Good point. Moses, however, is a dominant character.
My Dear Dr. Eli, may God continue to Bless and keep you. May He continue to fill you with wisdom and guide your thoughts. Your insights into scripture make understanding God’s Word so much more fulfilling for both young and old followers of Christ.
Thank you, Richard, this means a lot!
Does not God the Father, allow the Son to become first in our human story? Now, I am not ignoring the fact that the Father, Son, and Spirit are one. They are. Yet, the Son Jesus Christ takes the center stage in our redemption and will also in our Judgement.
Interesting. But Tom, this assumes that our later formulation of Trinity/Triunity (probably 3rd-4th century) should be read back into the Biblical text as early as Genesis. But Jesus has his own firstborn status :-).
So blessed.
Amen
It seems we are bereft of any two-sister stories! However, we can learn much from several two-women stories. Shiphrah and Puah were blessed with husbands and children for their obedience to God, the first recorded act of civil disobedience, in sparing the lives of the infant boys born in Egypt. One of the two widowed Moabitess daughters-in-law of Naomi, Ruth, was also blessed with a husband and children for her loyalty to Naomi and for her faith in Naomi’s God, with her son Obed finding his place in the lineage of the Messiah.
We could also check the story of Zelophehad’s daughter’s negotiated a share of land for their son-less father.
The Genesis stories of divine reversal, where younger sons like Abel, Isaac, Jacob, Perez, Joseph, and Ephraim are chosen over firstborns, find parallels in women’s narratives that subvert societal norms. Sarah, barren and overlooked, is chosen over Hagar to bear Isaac, the covenant heir (Gen 17:19). Leah, unloved and eclipsed by Rachel, becomes the mother of Judah, ancestor of Jesus (Gen 29:31-35). Tamar, a childless widow, secures her place in the messianic line through bold action (Gen 38:26-30). Hannah, mocked for barrenness, gives birth to Samuel, a key prophet (1 Sam 1:20). Ruth, a Moabite outsider, becomes David’s great-grandmother (Ruth 4:17). Esther, an orphaned exile, saves her people as queen (Est 4:14). Mary, a humble virgin, bears the Messiah (Luke 1:38). God elevates these women, marginalized by status or circumstance, echoing the Genesis pattern of the “last” becoming “first.”
I can give witness to this. The second one grows in the area of humility. Being young, my brother was recognized as being something he wasn’t. The prodigal son was the same. When the younger son returned home, the first was angry about the celebration.
One last thing, our Messiah name is Yeshua, not Jesus. The letter “J” was created in the 16th century. Yeshua is Hebrew, not Jewish. Again, the J.
Shalom, Donald. Regarding the letter J: I’m fine with you using the Hebrew “Yeshua” instead of “Jesus”—though we’re unsure of the exact name, possibly Yehoshua. I appreciate the authenticity. But consistency matters: if you say “Yeshua,” then use “Yerushalaim” for Jerusalem, “Yonatan” for Jonathan, “Beit Annya” for Bethany, and so on. Using original names holds value, not because we can’t translate Yohanan to John or Yeshua to Jesus, but because Hebrew reveals deeper meanings—like Yeshua (salvation) or Yohanan (“God will grace”). Take my name: born “Ilya,” my Hebrew name is “Eliyahu,” or Elijah in English. Sounds odd? Maybe. But I’d know you mean me, whether you use Ilya, Eliyahu, or Elijah. I’m not offended either way. Let’s cherish the richness of names without rigidity. Blessings and peace, my brother.
Hello Sir Dr. Eli,
Pastor David here. Do you know what?
We are all God’s created with His likeness. We know what is wrong and what is good. Here comes our choices to do what is good or bad.
The things you and I need to know is, you can’t pretend with God because He knows you and sees you. Always God first in all what you do. He want always to walk with you in faith belief and trusting in Him alone. All those others are gone. It’s us now and our families brother Eli. My God bless you and your family. Say Jambo to Sharon.
Pastor David.
Blessings and peace, Pastor David!
Awesome 👍
Blessings!
Very interesting Eli – the recurring theme of the two-brothers in Genesis has long intrigued me. I also see it through a personal lens Just as in each of the two-brothers’ stories, the man of flesh comes out first, so it is with us—but Jesus said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit… You must be born again”. And He thought Nicodemus should know this. We need to put off the old man with his deeds, and put on the new man (Col. 3:9-10).
The cryptic nature of Genesis 25:23 is true of man also: both natures compete within us but only one can be in control: we cannot serve two masters. Our flesh nature must serve our new man–and be transformed into the image and likeness of Christ. Thus, the last will be first.
Very kabalistic of you, my dear Dorothy! Long time no hear! 🙂
God bless you Dr. Eli. You and the your staff have given more Brauden mind in my understanding of the bible which I love to understand in perfect understanding. We can add as according to Yeshua s word that the kingdom was supposed to be given to the first People of It Israel to spread the word of God to the nations he said He would give it to the gentiles to bring forth fruits in the kingdom
Blessings to you, Jan!
Valuable insights. I’ve only been exposed to “gentilized” explanations of Scriptural truths until after I got my own Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies. And as I started looking more into the original languages I’ve learned to appreciate yours because the place the Jewishness back in the understanding that has been lacking in so many other ministries. I feel enriched by your perspectives.
Yes, I know what you mean. Of course, some interpretations being “Jewishized” (for lack of a better term) doesn’t make them right. The main thing is that an interpretation has to be faithful—it must at least fit the original context, original grammar, and possible original intention. I think it’s fair to say that some things accepted in modern and ancient Christianities are recast or reworked from their original Jewish setting into a completely foreign one—whether Greco-Roman, American, or Eastern (of a different kind).
It’s all so wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Do you think there are many facets to first and last or do you think that you covered them all?
It would be very presumptuous of me to think that I covered everything of anything :-).
While your observations in the current essay are insightful, interesting, and correct from a particular point of view, you give insufficient attention to the core point that HaShem will always choose the trusting and obedient sibling, rather than the distrusting and disobedient sibling. In short, trust and obedience are always paramount in HaShem’s relationship with each of us. Our assignment as believers is to trust Him and obey Him. He elects us or rejects us primarily—perhaps exclusively—on that basis. Trust and obey—in that order! Everything else in our lives is less important.
Seeking to dispossess your brother of inheritance while acting so dishonestly before your blind father is hardly more trustworthy or obedient. But that’s me :-). Perhaps you see something else there I don’t.
Actually, relative to sibling rivalry, you are indeed correct that all of the examples you present, except one, show a clear presence of sibling rivalry. The example of Moses and Aaron is much less clear on this. While it is true that during the years in Sinai, Aaron and Miriam challenged Moses concerning leadership, a sibling rivalry might have been present but exasperation with the whole situation could also be at fault. I don’t see evidence of Aaron exhibiting a rivalry at all before then in spite of all the challenges. I am not sure what the theological implications would be if a sibling rivalry is necessary for God to choose the younger. But it seems a bit problematic to involve that in God’s choosing.
Richard, I agree. There is no real sibling rivalry there. I was referring more to the reversal of the status quo when it came to leadership style.
Thank you Dr. Eli, your teachings have been a blessing for me. My parents have three boys and I am the oldest. I could see myself in The Last Shall Be First. God bless.
Shalom, Anibal! I hope you are OK with it :-). I am wondering what your experience has been on the oldest end (I am the oldest in the family as well).
Thank you Dr Eli, it’s an interesting read
Shalom, friend. Thank you for your comment. Let us grow together!
I have seen that my brothers think that I don’t know much because I didn’t continue studying after high school. They always think that they are smarter than me. I have always put God first and love to study his word. I know that God has a purpose for me and I pray that I will accomplish his will not minds. God bless.
Thank you, Anibal, for sharing your private experience. I think the big takeaway from the many comments is that what we see in Genesis and in other parts of the Bible can not be applied to everyone in a cookie-cutter manner.
Always interesting to read you! Thank you )
Janis, thank you for touching base! It is good to know how the teaching is being received. Blessings!
I live your teachings, they are deep… Always deep. God continue to bless you and your mind fully.
Essy, thank you for your most encouarging words!
Thank you Dr Eli, for continously doing your research and sharing with. I have most of your books and are such a blessing .
Manuel, you are an amazing supporter. THANK YOU! If anyone reading this would like to help to grow this ministry, please contribute by clicking HERE.
Thank you Dr. Eli ,Your commentary is excellent on this subject. I am looking at the lineage of Yeshua prior to His birth in Bethlehem and noticed that Joseph was placed in Egypt at the perfect time to make sure his father Jacob with Judah and all his brothers did not starve during the famine, and it was through Judah’s family line that Yeshua would be born, not Joseph’s. Is this correct?
Without going into too much detail (some of it I am not sure about anyway 🙂 ) The lineage of Yeshua (Jesus) traces through Judah, not Joseph, as detailed in genealogies like Matthew 1 and Luke 3. Judah’s line, specifically through David, leads to Yeshua, fulfilling messianic prophecies (e.g., Genesis 49:10). Joseph, Yeshua’s earthly father, was not in the direct biological line, as Yeshua’s birth was through Mary, but both genealogies affirm Judah’s lineage. This divine orchestration highlights God’s providence in preserving the messianic line through Judah.
Thank you for your teaching dr Eli I always readyfor the next one.
God claims the first born but for some reason the second child receives the blessings, the authority and responsibilities before the Lord.
That is the Lords sovereignty.
Blessings
Alcira Montoya
Amen! Some reason is His reason. We should be content with that.
“And if a stranger sojourn with you in your land, you shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwells with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19: 33-34
“And it shall come to pass, that you shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be to you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourns, there shall you give him his inheritance, say the Lord GOD.” Ezekiel 47: 32-33
Ray would be glad to know why you asked for these verses to be shared with our study group.
With what’s happening in Israel-Palestine Today the World sees, Dr. Eli should be able to answer his own question, as Israel is quickly becoming last in this temporal World with the curses of Deuteronomy 28. So says the Lord, “The heavens are My throne, and the earth is My footstool; which is the house that you will build for Me, and which is the place of My rest? Yeshayahu 66:1. The Spirit of that letter tells me this whole Earth is the Holy Landץ
Dr. Eli, I truly appreciate your open-minded Faith allowing my perceptions in the discussion on how God upsets the status quo. The Lord be magnified in you. (psalm 40)
It says something all the discussion after it was posted, avoided discussing those Scriptures altogether!
It’s not coincidence your latest article is on the subject of who is a Jew? That same question is posed in the article posted to my blog Today.
I wrote this article a while back.
Hello, Dr Eli. You always make good points in the things you write. You’re very good about stressing the languages, in your writings, and proper understanding is essential for true faith. In this article, you make good points about the elder serving the younger sometimes, but it went both ways with Esau, and Ya’cov, and their blessings, and each was a patriarch.
I do not disagree. Thank you, Danny, for your kind words.
Dr Eli, Greetings, and Shalom to you and yours. I pray all is well with you, and yours.
As for the subject of “The first, and the last”, as opposed to the elder serving the younger, it’s a whole ‘nother subject all on it’s own, especially when it comes to Ha Mashiach, and His being created by His Father. “BE Light!” … Then being made flesh centuries later, and a son of Man (John 1). Truly, I think the First and Last Creations (Gen, & Rev chapter 1), directly by the Holy Spirit. And, in both cases, the Word, The Messenger. Oh-! By the way, in my first comment, I meant AND; not but; Each served the other at certain points.
I very much thank you, eTeacher, and IBC !!
Blessings, Danny, and thank you for your comment and support!
Thanks a lot sir.Your thoughts are eye opening.I wanted to ask about the prodigal son and his older brother,but then I remembered that it is in the New Testament.Again,thanks a lot for the study.
Actually, it is a fair question. Please see that I engage with someone in this forum about this topic. Blessings and much peace!
Thank you for outlining this pattern, I had not noticed it before, nor do I recall its being taught in church, except as the individual stories, of course.
Indeed. This is why we are missing it. The moment we read the whole story through the message I outline pops rather boldly. Blessings!
Dr. Elisabeth,
Thanks for this article! When I think about it, it’s possible that these ideas regarding younger siblings being preferred over the elder ,could in some way be seen numerically in the number 10 biblically.
In Gen.10th chapter it appears that Japheth is the eldest of Noah’s sons,with shem being 2nd oldest, yet Shem is preferred over the elder in regards for God’s future plans for mankind regarding the Messiah.
Other examples!
1. David is 10th from pharez
2.The 10th plague in Exodus pertain to the firstborn
3 The 10th occurrence of the name Benjamin appears in Gen.44:12;. Here’s Joseph searches for his cup, from Eldest to Youngest.. Food for thought
In Christ We Live🙏✝️🙏✝️🙏✝️. AL
When I sign emails with Eli (autofill often suggests Elisabeth, 🙂 so annoying). Can’t Bill Gates learn it already! 🙂 Kidding aside. To make your point a good argument, I think you will need a lot more than what you said, but I am willing to listen and consider.
Awesome study, Dr.Eli! God’s ways are so above our ways and He is always a good, good Father!
Ruth, you so right!
Lovely post here on God’s favor vs traditions of men.
Just an additional comment on ‘Son of Adam’. Isn’t it similar to Son of Man? My understanding from some rabbinical commentary I’ve read is that it refers to a perfect man or Adam before he sinned.
Shalom, Kim. This discussion is probably outside of the scope. Let’s pick this up again when I deal with Son of Man in Jewish tradition topic. We can then discuss it fully. or at least more.
Dear Dr. Eli,
Thank you for a most insightful study. As mentioned by others, this is something
that never really occurred to me in studying Scripture.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Sincerely,
Gabriele
Gabriele, it is important to read Biblical books in one sitting. Basically, insights like these can only be seen when you get the very big picture. Let us continue our journey!
Very encouraging. It’s always painful to be overlooked, but God through His Sovereignty knows us better than anyone. The older you grow, the more insightful the Bible is. God definitely has plans for us and His love is unmatched.
Be blessed, and thank you for sharing these messages with us.
It is my true honor.
Dear Dr. Eli,
Thank you for sharing with us these precious observations into God’s Word, His loving Hand in weaving His golden threads of “divine object lessons” all while glorifying Himself and His great love for us with the culmination of, as you said, the “ultimate reversal in Christ.”, our Creator whom we can trust, love, and serve. Our wonderful Holy God. Shalom in Christ Jesus. <
Shalom and thank you, Loree!
This is an encouraging article. I am the 4th out of 6 children. I have often wondered about this topic in the Bible, and what it reflects of God’s character. Due to no bad intentions on the part of my loving family, but just realities of living life in a busy large family, I grew up often feeling unseen and unimportant. I am very thankful for my godly family that helped me to grow up being taught of God’s love. As adults, I can see how birth order was a factor that affected each of my siblings and our personalities, and even played into our relationships with God.
It is so important to be seen, noticed, and loved.
Do you think that the Jewish believers at Pentecost and the subsequent gentlie believers for the last 2000 years are another example?
(maybe temporarily)
“to the Jew first and then the Greek”
Don’t hate me for this please 🙂 – https://drelisblog.com/is-the-gospel-really-to-the-jew-first/
Thank you DR Eli for the insights that you have been blessed with to in turn bless others.
Thank you for your kind words!
This is a great way of exploring and explaining how God works, you did a great job of comparing the first from the last. Can this be applied to our own lives and families? It is wonderful how the Lord selects the lowly. Even Jesus/Yeshua selected the lowly fishermen instead of the Pharisees and Scribes.
Good point. Lowly in educational way I suppose. Right?
Hi Dr. Eli… This is Len Warner. As a retired High School Anthropology and Biblical Archaeology teacher I always enjoy your articles… Here is my question… from a historical perspective, if we accept that much of Genesis was written in the court of King David (or Solomon) in an effort to form a national narrative (from past traditions) to bind the people of both kingdoms together and legitimize David as king, can’t we interpret the stories of God favoring the younger son or brother as the effort to legitimize David who was the youngest son of Jessie and also legitimize the kingdom of Judah, which in a sense was the younger brother of the kingdom of Israel since the Hebrews tribes were in the north long before they migrated south…. being that David from Judah were now ruling over the people of Israel?
Shalom, Leonard. It is an honor to hear from you. Yes, if we do accept what you suggest, it would make sense, of course. Do I accept it? :-). No.
This is the frist time I got to read this it was interesting I had always woundered what that ment I wished You could run any threw thats came threw blessings
Careful reading pays off. Blessings, Linda!
I belong to a Christian church that “recently” started its own social media site. I’ve been able to offer more insight into our weekly studies thanks to Dr. Eli. I’m so humbled by my 68 years of missing the “point” of biblical study.
Steve, greetings! You were not missing the point. If you have received Christ, you were missing points :-), not THE POINT. We all have room to grow. I am first in line.
Thank Dr. Eli..,
I have always used a blind eye looking at this subject. Even in this post, I was dragging feet to opening it. Thank you for your reminder. It has been a lot profitable.
Thank you.
🙂 You made me smile.
Yes God is not governed by sentimentality to customs or views. He causes to become whatever He needs to in order to fulfil his purposes.
Indeed.
Thanks for your invaluable discourses. I always enjoy reading them. Would love to keep getting more of your posts in the future sir
Dear Allan, more is coming by the grace of our God.
Sometimes, the ordinary or common stands out when properly emphasized. Thanks for pointing out through these brothers’ example that an accurate exposition of God’s word makes common bible knowledge an amazing revelation of our sovereing God! What a privilege to know Him more. Thanks Dr. Eli for being God’s instrument in this realization. Shalom!
Vilma, what a blessing it is to help people in some way. Thank you!
I’m aware of this matter happening repeatedly in the bible where the younger is chosen over the elder.
Does this also apply to Israel being God’s chosen people/nation (firstborn) and now the Gentiles (rest of the world) as the “the first shall be last and the last shall be first”?
Chris, that’s a wonderful question. I don’t know how to answer it yet. Need time to think on it.
Dear Dr. Eli, my first reaction to your answer „Firstborns are not bad“ was: I am not saying that, as I am one of them. But after prayers I see how wrong such a response would be, as it implies that firstborns are good. But Yeshua told us that only God is good. My parents kept telling me that I must tolerate the erroneous behaviour of my younger sibblings as I am older and wiser. But such a belief is leading us to hell. I repented. The antidote is Proverbs 5,3 which in our translation reads: Trust the Lord with all your heart and do not rely upon your wisdom. Thank you for opening this theme.
Marcela, I think the key thing to remember is that the truth we see in Genesis can’t be blanket applied to everything and everyone else!
Israel, the first chosen of God, will paradoxically be the last to enter the Kingdom of HaShem. In contrast, believers from among the nations—the so-called ‘last’ in God’s historical plan—will be taken first at the rapture, entering ahead of Israel. This divine reversal fulfills the words of Yeshua, ‘the last shall be first, and the first last.’ Such an order stirs an ancient and ongoing rivalry between Israel and the nations, rooted in history yet climaxing in prophecy. The nations, once outside the covenant, now receive grace ahead of Israel, not to replace her, but to provoke her to jealousy, until the appointed day when all Israel will be saved.
So Israel, first chosen yet last to enter, and believers from the nations, last yet first—intensifying the ancient rivalry foretold by God.
Perhaps you are on to something here, dear Yonatan!
Indeed, my brother Dr. Eli.
I’m from the remnant of Israel (Ephraim’s tribe from Indonesia). Could you please help me publish my book “Final Decision” to help my brothers Jewish people worldwide recognizing and believing in Yeshua as their proven Messiah, before it’s too late, please? It’s in English and Hebrew. Unfortunately I don’t have any financial means.
The extended version (about 750 pages) is now almost finished 🙏.
Warm Regards,
Yochanan (not Yonatan, that’s my oldest son 😅😉)
750 pages is 3-4 books. About Yonatan (vs. Yohanan), I stand corrected; I can now see that it was Yohanan. I actually thought you were making a mistake at first.
OK, that’s alright Dr. Eli 😃. I’m still busy to unravel the mystery of the Antichrist. I’ll let you know ASAP when my book is ready 🙏😇, shalom!
I LOVE THIS! Thank you for Your grace, Hashem!
Indeed, we give thanks to God!
The Last, we who believe and have not seen.
The first, those who walked with the Son of Man
John 20:29
Bill, thank you for your comment.
Authentic hebrew manuscripts found in Cochin, India, transcribed and translated by Van Rensburgs, include Revelation where Yeshua three times describes himself as being „the first and the last“, instead of alpha and omega, or alef and tav as we could expect:
Rev 1:8, 21:6 and 22:13 reads „Ani hu ha rishon vehaacharon techilat vehasof“, translated as „I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end“. From this we may learn that believers both from Jews and all the nations are united, if in Yeshua. https://www.hebrewgospels.com/revelation
Shalom, Marcela! Thank you for your support and this comment! It is indeed very helpful and people should have access to it. In my brief examination of this document (a few years ago) I arrived at a conclusion that this is a translation into Hebrew (not original Hebrew document). The reason for this (and I can explain it in more detail later) is that whoever translated this into Hebrew knew EXTREMELY well, but didn’t know Judaism (almost at all!). This has led to the omission of numerous important details. I remember finding 2-3 examples like that in the Book of Revelation in this document and concluding there is NO WAY this is anything more than a translation (most probably from Judeo-Greek).
A man had two sons. The younger demanded his share of the inheritance and went far away, squandering it on reckless living. When famine came, he was left destitute, feeding swine, longing for scraps. In desperation, he returned to his father, confessing his unworthiness. The father, moved with compassion, embraced him and restored him with joy. The elder son, who had stayed and labored faithfully, refused to join the celebration, resenting his brother’s welcome. Though near in body, his heart was far from the father’s love. In the end, the younger, once lost, found his place in the father’s house, while the elder, though outwardly obedient, remained outside—proving that proximity without love can leave one more lost than the prodigal.
Perhaps it is connected, perhaps not.
Thank you for this wonderful teaching. I thought about the foolishness of what we preach, (1 Cor.) Christ crucified, not grand cathedrals, traditions and ceremonies, but the humble cross, where Jesus suffered and died, now exalted hallelujah ! I love learning and seeing Jesus in the OT and our Father’s unfolding of His plan pointing to salvation in Jesus. I am without adequate words to express how thankful I am that I have been grafted in and belong to the body of Christ
Thank you for your comment, Jeanette!
Kind of like Jesus being the second Adam…
See comments above :-). Yes, and no.
I did enjoy reading your essay “The First Shall Be The Last. I remember thinking many years ago about how the first born son seldom lived up to God’s standard for leadership. I thought it was odd since man places so much store on the first born son. I concluded that fathers gave more care t rearing up later children based on the mistakes they made with the first one. I never thought of it in terms of the first shall be last.
Thank you for your delightful small bite teachings
Thank you and God bless you!
Does that mean we, the Gentiles. shall be the first to enter the Kingdom of G-d?
Everyone is asking this :-). I think it is taking the point a step too far. Not because Gentiles is a problem somehow, no. But because if something is true in Genesis, it does not mean that it needs to apply to every situation and every time. But who knows? Maybe I am not right here :-).
Much more interesting than competing relations between brothers is assembly between them.
“Cursed be their anger, so fierce. And their fury so cruel! I will scatter them in Jacob and disperse them in Israel (Genesis 49:7)”
“But he turned and rebuked them, and said. Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of” ( St Luke 9:55)
“But Jesus answered and said. Ye know not what ye ask”( St Matthew 20:22)
Thank you! Be blessed! Shalom!
Amen!
Thanks Dr. Eli Lizorkin for great article and interesting theme, which may be continued with another point of view on relationships between siblings in the Old Testament and in the New Testament
In my humble opinion, statement “ So the last shall be first, and the first last” , especially in context of Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) is about: that every soul in spiritual journey in material world has it’s own tasks, own labor, own deadline to be completed, and the reward shall be equal for all workers, that so called “penny”, and it will be beyond our human experience.
Anna, thank you for your support and this comment!
Thank you so much for your insight on this. I had never seen this point in “The last will be first”.
May the Lord continue to give us light.
Regarding Perez and Zerah: Tamar enters the covenant lineage through her unlawful union with her father-in-law, Judah. Yet God’s grace works through Judah’s sincere repentance for failing to keep his promise to Tamar.
a lot to think about. that’s for sure.
What a profound revelation that provides for one’s worth and purpose. However, that longing to rely on the older that will be there just for that ‘living with the peace that there is an older’…! But again, the peace that He has made everyone of purposefully.
Indeed, Aron, indeed.
To human eyes, in patriarchal times, the firstborn was seen as the rightful heir. Yet, in God’s eyes, He looks beyond appearances and sees a heart willing to fulfill His covenantal plan. Thus, His choice, guided by His providence, reflects His greater purpose, bringing glory to His name.
Thank you, Paulette.
The read was very great and informative. Though G-d is G-d and can do ANYTHING He chooses, I still don’t grasp the full understanding of why, especially in the case of Eli and Jacob. I understand that from the womb Jacob was favored by G-d, but why? Since Jacob was chosen, why did G-d allow Jacob’s swindling nature and then used him for the promise? Why did Rebecca interfere in the process? With Esau being banned, or exiled so to speak, how does that religion impact Christianity or Christ followers, if any?
Esau
Who can know the mind of God?!
This is PROFOUND!!!
Dr. Eli, thanks your the article, and thank G for this POWERFUL revelation!!!
God is to be praised for his powerful word indeed!
Extremely helpful! Many thanks for your inspired insight.
You are most welcome, Adrian!
another wonderful insight with a profound and clear understanding. thanks. You make it clearer and clearer
Thank you so much, Hyun Seung Shin!
May our Lord God, reveal all His Heart to you so that His Truth is clearly received in us.
Thank you
Gugu Kiti Shalom
Let’s keep on learning.
Thank you Dr Eli for this teaching and reminding us of the way God work. God is not a man, God knows the end from the beginning, He shows mercy to those He wishes. No man question His authority. Those things He reveals to us are temporal (for us and our our generation) those things He did not reveal to us is eternal.
Thank you for this spiritual insight once again.
God bless you .
God bless you, my friend! Let us grow!
Glory to God, I now clearly see why when I gave life to Jesus. Someone told me you are a firstborn in your family yet I have many brothers and sisters before me.
May we all strive to live our God-given life to the fullest!
Am I wrong or is there a second, though closely related, point in these stories and especially in “choosing the weak to shame the strong”? Could it be that God often chooses the unlikely ones for tactical reasons – to add to the defeat of the strong but godless through an attack on their schemes from an unexpected quarter when they are least expecting it?
You are right! I think that’s the very point of what we are seeing in those stories!
Beautifully structured argumemt. Thank you.
Thank you, Helen!
I believe the central message God is passing to us “Be humble, and be promoted by Him”
Thanks for your comment.
For Cain in Abel, Cain’s offering came from a ‘cursed’ earth, so in a way, he was bypassing the atonement. Abel’s offering was a sacrifice with the blood, highlighting his understanding of redemption.
Hi Loraine! The acceptance of Abel’s sacrifice and rejection of Cain’s in Genesis may not solely hinge on blood (animal vs. crops), as this view feels anachronistic, projecting later knowledge (ultimately Christ) onto earlier texts. Instead, considering God’s consistent pattern of reversing first and last in Genesis, there might be a deeper principle at play. Perhaps it’s about heart, intent, or faith behind the offering, not just the type. Let’s explore this pattern further—could God’s preference for the unexpected or humble reveal something about divine values? Let’s keep digging into this intriguing possibility together.
The idea of God “choosing the unexpected” or “prioritizing divine promise over cultural norms” is certainly present, but it’s not simply a pattern of rejecting the elder for the younger. While Abel and Isaac are examples, there are also instances where the elder is chosen, or where the choice is not solely based on birth order (e.g., Jacob and Esau, where Jacob’s election is foretold before their birth, indicating a divine purpose beyond mere birth order). The underlying principle is divine election, where God chooses based on His own sovereign will and purpose, not on human merit or established social structures.
Agreed.
Blessed by this thoughtful write up. God bless you Dr. Eli.
While God’s choice is sovereign, it is not arbitrary. The New Testament offers a retrospective insight, stating that “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts” (Hebrews 11:4). This suggests that the quality of the offering, stemming from the heart and faith of the offeror, was the determining factor, not merely the act of offering itself. Thus, the status quo of birthright was superseded by the status of faith and righteousness.
Indeed.
greetings. I just read the article and it is very insightful full of a lot of things to contemplate. Thanks for your ministry and for writing this piece. Blessings to you and all who assist you.
Thank you, so much Everett!
Praise the Lord Brother
Really the insights enlighten my spirit and gave me clue, how to understand the scriptures in a simple way.
Blessings and peace!
Thanks Dr. Eli. One of the most important issues I get out of this article is how great God’s grace is for anyone who will believe it in order to obtain redemption in the present time.
Mindy, indeed. No one is too small for our God!
Thank you Dr. Eli, for extracting all these biblical accounts of how God chooses unlikely people to fufill His purposes. This artical is a materpiece!
Thank you, Paul!
Excellent dissertation!
Thanks, Dr. Eli, for another wonderfully poignant view of scripture from G d’s perspective.
Thanks Remi!
WOW!
GREAT MESSAGE!
GREAT WORK!
GOD’S PLAN THROUGH GOD’S MAN!
THANK YOU JESUS!
THANK YOU DR. ELI!
JESUS, BLESS AND PROTECT
MY FRIEND AND MY BROTHER,
DR. ELI AND HIS FAMILY!
HAVE A GREAT NIGHT!
Blessings and much peace, Jeffrey!
Yes this is a most illuminated message thankyou…one of the best
Blessings!
Excellent read Dr. Eli!
I see it like the Star of David. It’s made up of 2 pyramids inverse to each other.
The upright pyramid, secure on it’s base, has God at the Pinnacle.
The inverse pyramid, on it’s tip ready to topple over, is the system the People prefer ruling over them pictured in Daniel 5.
The king and 1000 of the elites of the kingdom, were praising the gods of gold, silver, brass, iron, wood and stone. From then to now, it’s the Economy, Stupid!”
That’s when the Writing on the Wall appeared some 2600 years ago, as it’s appearing again in the Global Economy these Days.
Wonderful, thank you!
Shalom, Frederick! Blessings!
Fascinating, I have a few of your ebooks.
Thank you.
Pam, so glad you liked it!
Great perspective; thank you, Dr. Eli. I always enjoy reading your articles, as they present fresh and thought-provoking insights. Shalom!
Thanks, Jemina! That’s the goal of my research and writing.
Shalom Dr Eli, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your books where you used the OT Hebrew to enhance your OT books.
Please keep me updated on when you have a new book.
Do you have any suggestions for me as I study Biblical Hebrew ? I’ve been studying Biblical Hebrew for over 4 yrs and love every word I learn and can’t get enough.
Shalom
Larry Overstreet
Larry, shalom! The most important thing is to continue reading the Hebrew Bible regularly! This is the greatest advice I can give you. Don’t stop!
Thanks Dr. Eli for this article. I am blessed by this great message. God bless you 🙏🙏🙏
May the Lord bless you!
Thank you for this beautiful expose about the ‘first shall be last’
Jackie, thank you! May we have hope in Him! Always.
Thank you Doctor for this inspiring article
Thank you, my brother!
awsome message,help me to understand scripture so much better.
Wonderful!
Thank you Dr. Eli for this wonderful and deep insight. Lord bless you
Blessings!
Would you include the Prodigal Son story to your list of examples
Absolutely. Same trajectory.
Thank you so much for your explanation of the scriptures. It gives a better understanding of the Word.
May God bless you Man of God always.
I appreciate your messages it means a lot to me. Thank you once again, God Bless you 🙏🙏🙏
Sincerely,
Gail Paul
Thank you, Gail!
I absolutely love your work Dr Eli, it is a joy to see God’s grace through the weak and marginalised.
Blessings, Shirley!
Shalom Dr Eli! & thank you again! But for Christian arrogance dismissing Israel unlawfully in Christ, reading this line to uphold our false cedat replacement theology, who is the cornerstone as you say, while Jesus does call the unwell, lost sheep of Israel & then out to all us pagan nations to be gathered in to God, isn’t He is upholding the Law to do so, that leaves food for, etc & jubilee years of redemption for the outcast, though Jesus of course will conquer all sin & death for us all in the order of Covenants to live in New Creation under His reign, the good King of Israel, from Zion forever?!
Amen. Shalom shalom Israel.
Whom God shall choose. No-one is able to decipher His reasoning and perspective. The choice of His Son Yeshua is again the perspective of the grace of God in His fullness.
Indeed.
Shalom Doc,
and “you keep the best to last!” the wine steward, and in keeping with the Apostle Paul, when Gentile number complete The Good King of Israel’s return to Zion!, Church needs be aware of in our resumption to Covenantal theology that the Apostles uphold, in right relations now in the Commonwealth of Israel, God’s Kingdom. Instead of us rebuilding the walls of enmity as false Letter to Hebrews we read as falsely cedat replacing Israel. evil day. World, not least Israel, still suffering from today, nostra malo.
Shalom.
Shalom, my sister!