Deuteronomy 21:15-17. THE BIRTHRIGHT.

(15) One beloved, and another hated--i.e., one preferred above the other, according to the idiomatic use of this phrase in Hebrew.

(17) A double portion.--Literally, the mouth of two, i.e., two shares. Supposing there were four sons, the estate would be divided into five shares, and the firstborn would take two. So Jacob said to Joseph (Genesis 48:22): "I have given thee one portion above thy brethren." The birthright of which Reuben was deprived for ill conduct, was given to Joseph's sons (1Chronicles 5:1). So Elisha said to Elijah before they were parted. "I pray thee let a double portion (the first-born's share) of thy spirit be upon me (2Kings 2:9).

Verses 15-17. - If a man have two wives, one of whom is a favorite and the other disliked, and if his firstborn son be the child of the latter, he is not to allow his love for the other to prejudice the right of the son, but must allow him, both in his own lifetime and in the disposition of his property after death, the full privilege and right of a firstborn son.

21:15-17 This law restrains men from disinheriting their eldest sons without just cause. The principle in this case as to children, is still binding to parents; they must give children their right without partiality.If a man have two wives,.... Which is supposed, but not approved of, though permitted because of the hardness of men's hearts; for it was not so from the beginning, when only one man and one woman were created, and joined together in marriage; but as it was connived at, and become customary, a law is made to prevent confusion, and preserve order in families:

one beloved and another hated; or less loved, yet continued his wife, and not divorced. Aben Ezra observes, this follows upon the former, because it is there said, that though first he had a desire to her (the captive beautiful woman), yet afterwards had no delight in her:

and they have borne him children both, the beloved and the hated; as Rachel and Leah did to Jacob, who were, the one very much beloved by him, and the other less:

and if the firstborn son be hers that was hated; or not so much beloved as the other, as was the case in the above instance.