Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 61:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Isaiah 61:7

"For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them."

First question that came to mind was this double portion the birthright, usually given to the firstborn?

I read the footnotes in this verse.

"Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;"

(Zechariah 9:12)

Bible Dictionary: Firstborn

In the patriarchal order, the firstborn son is the heir and inherits the leadership of the family upon the death of the father. This is often spoken of in the scriptures as birthright. Under the law of Moses, the firstborn son was regarded as belonging to God, and special ordinances were provided for his redemption. The eldest son received a double portion of his father’s possessions; and after his father’s death, he was responsible for the care of the mother and sisters. The male firstborn of animals also belonged to God. Clean animals were used for sacrifices, while unclean animals might be redeemed, sold, or put to death.

Jesus is the firstborn of the spirit children of our Heavenly Father, the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh, and the first to rise from the dead in the Resurrection, “that in all things he might have the preeminence”.

The faithful saints were made members of the Church of the Firstborn in eternity, since they receive through Jesus Christ the inheritance of the firstborn. Joseph, though not the firstborn of Jacob, received the inheritance as though he were the firstborn, as also did Ephraim.

In matters of priesthood, in the Aaronic order, certain prerogatives descend upon the firstborn. For example, the right of presidency, to hold the keys of that priesthood, pertains to the firstborn in the family of Aaron.

I thought about how double portions can be spiritual and physical.

Elisha asking Elijah for a double portion of his spirit.

"And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me."

(2 Kings 2:9)

Job had great loss and suffering, and in the end double was restored to him.

"And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before."

(Job 42:10)

I read this as for the suffering and loss we experience for following God and keeping his commandments, we will be chosen and blessed abundantly. Losses will be made up for in the end.

Day 2899