Deu 21:16 | MHM | STEP | v. 16-17 : The father must not give the inheritance of the firstborn to the son of the wife he loves more if the real firstborn is from the other wife. The firstborn must always get a double share because he is the beginning of his father’s strength (Psalm 127:4 ). Even though Jacob gave Joseph the birthright instead of Reuben, it was because Reuben sinned, not because of favoritism. Parents must be fair and not take away a child’s rights because of their feelings toward the child’s mother (Deuteronomy 21:16,17 ).

‏ Deuteronomy 21:16

v. 16-17: The father must not give the inheritance of the firstborn to the son of the wife he loves more if the real firstborn is from the other wife. The firstborn must always get a double share because he is the beginning of his father’s strength (Psalm 127:4 ^a). Even though Jacob gave Joseph the birthright instead of Reuben, it was because Reuben sinned, not because of favoritism. Parents must be fair and not take away a child’s rights because of their feelings toward the child’s mother (Deuteronomy 21:16,17 ^b).