The significance of (the death of) a firstborn

[Julllie]

Hello! I am gathering the info on the topic. I'm reading the novel of Sarah Waters "The Little Stranger," and there is a character whose dead daughter (a firstborn, died when she was seven) could have been responsible for the death of the family. I would like to go deeper into this issue, and so far I have found the following examples where a firstborn is "symbolized":
1. In Hindu tradition, the firstborn is somewhat of a holy entity: "Sacrifice, donations and feasts are given at the holy shrines" in gratitude for his/her birth, and while a daughter "can be an object of sympathy," a son is considered to shine "as his [father's] future light in the highest world." (Taken from here (http://www.indianetzone.com/27/importance_first_born_child_indian_custom.htm))
2. In The Book of Exodus, there are mentioned Ten Plagues of Egypt, the last one being the death of all firstborns, except those of Jewish origin. For me it is not clear, however, whether all the firstborns are meant to die, or only boys because in the English translation "About midnight I will go throughout Egypt. Every firstborn son in Egypt will die" However, in many internet sources it is explained that all the firstborns were mentioned. I would be very grateful if anyone could clarify this, since it is important in the framework of my work.

However, the firstborns are passive in both cases. They do not "act." I have always thought that the children's innocent soul cannot be "corrupted" per se, and I am dumbstruck where to proceed. If someone has anything to add, I would be extremely happy!

[togre]

Regarding your questions about the plague of the firstborn in Exodus. It would be helpful first to look at the passages involved. The following are references:

Exodus 11:4-7
4 So Moses said, “This is what the Lord says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt. 5 Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the firstborn son of the slave girl, who is at her hand mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well. 6 There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt—worse than there has ever been or ever will be again. 7 But among the Israelites not a dog will bark at any man or animal.’ Then you will know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.

Exodus 12:12,13
12 “On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn—both men and animals—and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. 13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.

The word used in both places is the same "bekor. It is masculine in form (but that in itself isn't conclusive). Rather the entire concept of first-born and the use of the word bekor assumes and implies "first-born son." The were cultural reasons and implications (bearing the name, double portion of inheritance, etc) that set first born sons apart from other sons and all daughters. For this reason they were most valued by their family (generally). The plague was intended to rob a stubborn nation of their most precious "possessions" and bring them to their knees.


Regarding your second question/point about the innocence of the the first born...

On the one hand, you have a point--this plague was not their fault. The immediate cause of their deaths was the hardness of Pharaoh's heart and his repeated refusal to obey the Lord even after the Lord demonstrated his power.

On the other hand, their deaths were not a crime perpetrated by God. They were not innocent of sin (you may disagree with this and what follows, but this is what the Bible teaches about the nature of all people). No one is born sinless. Ever sin the Fall into Sin (Genesis 3) every human born, has a soul corrupted by sin and a heart hostile to God. What we are deserves not just earthly tragedy and death, but eternal punishment in hell. What we do merely confirms what we are (who would do bad things except a bad person?) and increases the justness of our sentence. If injustice is pointed out, don't point to the firstborn who die or the nations wiped out, point to the the fact that everyone isn't killed, that everyone isn't wiped out. The Exodus has its place in the string of events and promises that God used to bring his firstborn/only-begotten Son into this world. A Lord who could have looked at everyone and said "To hell with them!" set his Son as a Substitute to live in our place and suffer and die in our place. Understanding this mercy and the price it cost him helps us to recognize that even when handing out judgment he is just in doing and merciful and loving as well.

[Julllie]

togre, thank you very much for clarifying this! You provided such a profound answer that I have no words to express my gratitude. I appreciate it very much.