Genesis 34:7 – The Firstborn Nation, Israel

One objects that the children of Israel existed before they were God’s firstborn. (Genesis 34:7) In this verse we find a reference to the "sons of Jacob".  The usage here is not exactly the same as the later usage of "children of Israel". Nevertheless, this is thought in some way to offer proof that the word “firstborn” in Colossians 1:15 does not mean one brought forth into existence, but that it simply designates Jesus as being “preeminent”. We believe that default reasoning concerning Colossians 1:15 is that it is actually referring to Jesus as being the first of God's creatures to be brought forth into existence. It is because Jesus is God's firstborn son that he is given preeminence.

Actually, Genesis 34:7 does not disprove what we have presented elsewhere about “firstborn” in Colossians 1:15, because the land of Israel came to be as a result of a covenant made with Abraham. (Genesis 26:3; 28:4,13; 35:12; Deuteronomy 34:4; 2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; Acts 3:25; Romans 9:4) Israel was already considered Jehovah’s son, whom Jehovah had called out of Egypt, before the law covenant was given. (Exodus 4:22; Hosea 11:1) Regardless, however, Israel was still the firstborn as a people to Jehovah, and they did have a beginning as nation. Jehovah never recognized any of the nations before as his own. (Amos 3:1,2; Deuteronomy 7:6; 10:15; Psalm 147:19,20) There is certainly nothing the scriptures that would indicate that firstborn means that Israel was never brought forth as a people.

Throughout the scriptures, however, anyone designated as firstborn is always included in the group of which that one is designated firstborn. In Colossians 1:15, Jesus is included in the group of creation, and is thus God's firstborn creature, in harmony with Revelation 3:14.

For links to more studies related to Jesus as being God's firstborn, see our page: Jesus as God's Firstborn.