Birth order is important and is mentioned many times in the Bible. The firstborn got a double portion of the inheritance but that double blessing was transferable. God seems to have fond affections for the “second born” son and several times they are put ahead of the firstborn. Ex. Seth, Ephraim, Jacob/Israel, and of course Jesus*(see the answer to James) (see Timeline).
Leah
- 1 Reuben*
- 2 Simeon
- 3 Levi
- 4 Judah
Bilhah
- 5 Dan*
- 6 Naphtali
Zilpah
- 7 Gad*
- 8 Asher
Leah
- 9 Issachar
- 10 Zebulun
- 11 Dinah – the only daughter, see Genesis 34
Rachel
- 12 Joseph* – (a)Manassah*, (b)Ephraim but Jacob reversed the blessing and put Ephraim first
- 13 Benjamin
Simeon and Levi lose their birth order rights in Genesis 34:30 and Reuben loses his in Genesis 35:22. Judah is now heir apparent until Genesis 37:3 where it seems that Jacob may be making Joseph (he was the firstborn of the favored wife) the leader of the family. Some experts believe the “coat of many colors” may have been a visible sign that Joseph was going to be given the “double portion blessing” and be made the family leader. Not only did the brothers not like his dreams but when their father gave Joseph the “coat” that was just too much. So in Genesis 37 when they sell him to the Ishmaelites Judah is the ringleader (preserve his blessing) and Reuben is trying to rescue him (get back in favor with Jacob and hopefully he learned something).
Mark's Bible Study 
