First-born, Sanctification of the
Sanctification of the First-born
Easton, 1897
A peculiar sanctity was attached to the first-born both of man and of cattle. God claimed that the first-born males of man and of animals should be consecrated to him, the one as a priest (Exodus 19:22, Exodus 19:24), representing the family to which he belonged, and the other to be offered up in sacrifice (Genesis 4:4).
Dictionary: M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary (1897, public domain).