The firstborn son of a hated wife still received the double portion because inheritance rights were based on birth order, not favoritism or emotion. God’s law protected the rights of the firstborn, even if the father favored another wife. This ensured fairness, upheld the structure of the family, and restrained partiality in matters of justice and blessing.
“He must acknowledge the son of the unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double portion of all that he has… for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.” (Deuteronomy 21:17)
This law prevented the abuse of authority by a father who might be tempted to disinherit a son simply because of strained family relationships. It also honored the covenantal importance of the firstborn as a symbol of strength and leadership.
Favoritism had already caused great trouble in Israel’s history, such as with Jacob, Rachel, and Leah. This command upheld order and righteousness, requiring that a man’s personal preferences not interfere with what God had established.
The double portion given to the firstborn was a legal recognition of his status and role in the family, not a reward for personal merit. It was a safeguard against injustice and a reminder that God’s laws supersede personal bias.
