Exodus 4:22

KJV

And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel [is] my son, [even] my firstborn:

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt say {H559} unto Pharaoh {H6547}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Israel {H3478} is my son {H1121}, even my firstborn {H1060}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then you are to tell Pharaoh: 'ADONAI says, "Isra'el is my firstborn son.

Berean Standard Bible

Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ‘Israel is My firstborn son,

American Standard Version

And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith Jehovah, Israel is my son, my first-born:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 4:22 is a foundational declaration from God to Pharaoh, delivered through Moses, establishing Israel's unique status as God's "son" and "firstborn." This pivotal statement asserts God's intimate covenantal relationship with His people and His supreme authority, setting the divine precedent for Israel's liberation from Egyptian bondage and challenging Pharaoh's perceived sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
This divine pronouncement occurs during God's commissioning of Moses at the burning bush. After Moses expresses significant reluctance and doubt about his ability to confront the powerful Pharaoh, God provides him with miraculous signs and specific messages to deliver. This particular declaration, "Israel is my son, even my firstborn," is a direct command for Moses to convey to Pharaoh. It establishes the divine basis for the demand for Israel's release, directly challenging Pharaoh, who considered himself a deity, with the authority of the true God, Yahweh. This message precedes the devastating plagues and the ultimate deliverance of Israel from Egyptian slavery.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The declaration in Exodus 4:22, "Israel is my son, even my firstborn," is rich with theological significance, revealing God's unique relationship with His chosen people and His sovereign authority.

* **Divine Sonship and Ownership:** The phrase "Israel is my son" signifies an exceptionally close, personal, and covenantal relationship between God and the nation. It transcends a mere national identity, portraying Israel as God's beloved child, His chosen people. This intimate relationship implies divine protection, tender care, and an exclusive claim over them. It is a foundational statement about God's election of Israel, underscoring His initiative in establishing a unique bond, much like a father's bond with his child. This relationship is not merely metaphorical but speaks to a profound, adopted status within God's divine family.

* **Israel as "Firstborn" (Hebrew: _bekor_):** The title "my firstborn" (Hebrew: *bekor*, בְּכֹר) is profoundly significant in ancient Near Eastern culture and biblical theology. The firstborn typically enjoyed a privileged status, inheriting leadership, preeminence, and a double portion of the family inheritance. By bestowing this title upon Israel, God elevates them above all other nations, designating them as His special possession and the primary nation through whom His redemptive purposes for humanity would unfold. This implies that Israel holds a unique role and responsibility among nations, serving as a priestly kingdom, set apart to mediate God's presence and truth to the world, as articulated in [Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Israel as a Kingdom of Priests"). The term *bekor* denotes preeminence, priority, and special status, not merely chronological order of birth. While it often refers to the first child, biblically it can also designate one chosen for special honor or position, even if not literally the firstborn (e.g., Jacob over Esau, David among his brothers). Here, it emphasizes Israel's unique and privileged position among the nations as God's chosen instrument.

* **Divine Authority and Challenge to Pharaoh:** The preceding phrase, "Thus saith the LORD," is a powerful assertion of God's absolute sovereignty and unchallengeable authority. It directly challenges Pharaoh's perceived divine status and absolute power within his kingdom. God is not merely requesting Israel's release; He is demanding it based on His divine right as the owner and protector of His "firstborn son." This declaration sets the stage for a cosmic conflict between the true God, Yahweh, and the gods of Egypt, ultimately demonstrating that the LORD alone is God, and all earthly powers are subject to His will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Covenantal Election:** This verse underscores God's sovereign choice and election of Israel, establishing a unique covenantal relationship that sets them apart from all other nations.
* **Divine Paternity:** The concept of God as a father and Israel as His son introduces the theme of divine paternity, which is later expanded upon in the Old Testament and fully realized in the New Testament with believers adopted as children of God.
* **Redemptive Purpose:** Israel's "firstborn" status highlights their unique role in God's redemptive plan, serving as the lineage through which the Messiah would come and the nation from whom God's revelation would be given to the world.
* **Sovereignty Over Nations:** The confrontation with Pharaoh demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly rulers and nations, asserting His ultimate authority in human history.
* **Preeminence of the Firstborn:** The theological concept of the "firstborn" as one of preeminence and special status foreshadows the ultimate "Firstborn" in the person of Jesus Christ.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Exodus 4:22 offers profound truths about God's character and our relationship with Him. Just as God claimed Israel as His son, through faith in Christ, we are adopted into God's family, becoming [sons and daughters of God](/galatians/4-5 "Believers are adopted as sons in Galatians 4:5"). This adoption signifies an intimate, secure, and unbreakable bond, assuring us of God's unwavering love and care. The fierce determination God showed in defending His "firstborn son" Israel demonstrates His commitment to His people, reminding us that we can trust Him to fight for those who are His. As God's adopted children, we are called to live in a way that reflects His character and sovereignty, representing Him in the world and embodying the unique status He has bestowed upon us.

### FAQ
**Why does God call Israel His "son" and "firstborn"?**

Answer: God calls Israel His "son" to signify an intimate, covenantal relationship, much like a father's unique bond with his child, denoting His special love, care, and ownership. The title "firstborn" (Hebrew: *bekor*) indicates Israel's preeminent status among nations, chosen by God to be His special possession and the nation through whom His redemptive purposes for humanity would unfold, rather than implying a chronological birth order.

**Does this verse mean Israel is superior to other nations?**

Answer: This verse establishes Israel's unique and privileged position as God's chosen instrument for His redemptive plan, not necessarily an inherent moral superiority. Their "firstborn" status carried both honor and responsibility, setting them apart for a specific divine purpose to be a light to the nations, not to lord over them.

**What is the significance of "Thus saith the LORD" in this context?**

Answer: "Thus saith the LORD" is a powerful declaration of divine authority. In this context, it directly challenges Pharaoh's perceived divine status and absolute power, asserting God's ultimate sovereignty and demanding Israel's release based on His divine right, not on negotiation or human plea.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The concept of Israel as God's "firstborn" finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel was God's firstborn nation, a corporate entity representing God's chosen people, Jesus is the singular, ultimate [Firstborn of all creation](/colossians/1-15 "Jesus is the firstborn of all creation in Colossians 1:15") and the [firstborn from the dead](/colossians/1-18 "Jesus is the firstborn from the dead in Colossians 1:18"). His "firstborn" status signifies His preeminence, unique divine sonship, supreme authority over all things, and His role as the heir of all God's promises. Israel's status foreshadowed the one who would perfectly embody God's sonship and fulfill the redemptive purpose for all humanity. Through Christ, believers are adopted into God's family, sharing in the blessings of the ultimate Firstborn.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.