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his love and regard for Ishmael’s welfare Peake’s Commentary underscores the
(Gill, 1980, p. 315). importance of sacrificing the firstborn,
Rachel Yudkowsky observes that but it clarifies that human firstborns
Abraham’s petition for Ishmael is very were to be redeemed with money rather
unique and special because he has than physically sacrificed (Peake &
never done this for anyone, neither Grieve, 1920, p.179).
Sarah nor Lot or even Isaac for that Van Seters writes that in ancient
matter and she believes that this is an Israel, human firstborn sacrifice was
indication of his immense love for practiced early on but later generations
Ishmael. She observes, “How great replaced it with redemptive theology,
was Abraham’s love for Ishmael that where money was offered instead of
he makes such a request to God” sacrificing human firstborns (Van
(Yudkowsky, 2007). Seters, 1998). Leading Bible
Dr. Cohen, a renowned Jewish Commentators have made the
Bible commentator notes that following observation about the
separation from Ishmael was ‘Status of the firstborn’ mentioned in
extremely painful for Abraham and Deuteronomy 21: 15-17, Donald C.
this pain was for Ishmael and not Fleming writes, “The firstborn son was
Hagar (Cohen, 1947, p.108). always the heir, whether he was the son
Evidently, Abraham's ‘beloved of the favorite wife or not. This
son’ referred to in Genesis 22 is protected the rights of the firstborn
Ishmael, not Isaac. There’s ample against family jealousies and
evidence of Abraham’s love for prejudices” (Fleming, 1994,
Ishmael, while no verses specifically Commentary on Deuteronomy 21).
depict his affection for Isaac. John Calvin writes, “For if the father
Therefore, Ishmael holds the primary substituted another son in the place of
position as Abraham’s beloved son in his firstborn, it was unquestionably a
the narrative. kind of theft. (Calvin, 1844,
Commentary on Deuteronomy 21).
Status of the Firstborn
The firstborn son holds significant The firstborn son’s privileged position
rights and privileges, as highlighted in is unchangeable, even if a father desires to
various Bible verses. These verses deny him his rightful status. Sacrificing
emphasize the exclusive dedication of the firstborn was considered the best form
firstborn sons and the first fruits of of offering, and in Abraham’s case,
labor to Yahweh. In Exodus 22, there is Ishmael held the honor of being the
mention of dedicating both the firstborn firstborn and thus the ideal sacrifice.
and the initial produce solely to God. Based on these points, it becomes evident
