Contemplative Bible Reading

Exodus 4:22-23 (New Living Translation)

22 Then you will tell him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son. 23 I commanded you, “Let my son go, so he can worship me.” But since you have refused, I will now kill your firstborn son!’”

This is one of those posts where I have questions and no answers. These verses seem to disagree with John 3:16 and the phrase “God’s only son.” God is telling Moses that Israel—the people descended from Abraham—are God’s firstborn son.

Of course this could all be explained with literary license or something like that. God wants to emphasize the ultimate punishment of Pharaoh and Egypt and the death of the firstborn. Hence, God notes that Israel is His firstborn. Perhaps that is an answer to the unasked question. Perhaps not.

Still, something to consider on a day when considering the unfathomable riches of God is appropriate.