“You clothe the orphan, and double his portion” – I love this line in a popular Christian song. It makes me think of Oliver Twist and how he was denied a second portion—because that’s what man does. That’s what we are all prone to do in this fallen state. We are sinners, not naturally generous or compassionate.
But God is!
Jesus gives to all the poor and needy, and He gives abundantly! As many portions as needed to be spiritually filled.
In the Bible, receiving a double portion refers to attaining first-born status in terms of inheritance:
Deuteronomy 21:17
“But he shall acknowledge the son of the unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.”
2 Kings 2:9
“When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?’ ‘Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,’ Elisha replied.”
But this third one applies to US:
Isaiah 61:7
“Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.”
We can receive a “double portion” of blessings in place of our shame, signifying restoration and abundance.
It’s amazing how in a society based on birth order status, there were so many exceptions when God declared somebody else to receive the honor as if they were firstborn.
But it’s more than Jacob over Esau or Seth over Cain. Moses was called to lead Israel even though Aaron was older. Ephraim received the greater blessing even though Manasseh was older. Solomon was chosen over his elder brother Adonijah. David himself was anointed as the youngest brother, and of course Joseph as well!
But no, this concept of a double portion is more than just a younger sibling getting a boost.
You see, we are not younger siblings. We have absolutely no rights and no inheritance. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
“There is no one righteous, not even one…All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one” (verses 10-12).
It’s beyond a miracle that we have ANY inheritance at all! Let alone a second portion!
But “all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).
In the Great Exchange, Jesus the only worthy one imputed his righteousness to us. In return, he took our sin. And by proxy He was found guilty—the worst sinner in the history of the world. And in this exchange I can be deemed righteous even though I was actually nowhere close! But I am clothed in HIS righteousness. I am judged by HIS worthiness, not my own. Because I have none. I have nothing to offer.
This is the message of the book of Romans! I encourage you to read it with fresh eyes, and in a translation of your own speaking. The Bible will come alive and testify of the atonement with such power — and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ 💕
All I Possess 