a theological ideal about the special place of the firstborn son, an ideal whose realization could range from literal to non-literal implementation, that is, from sacrifice to redemption, or even to mere intellectual assent without any cultic act whatsoever.” The basic rationale for donating a firstborn child to God is to produce more offspring. Thus in Gen 22:15–18, God promises Abraham numerous descendants in reward for his willingness to sacrifice Isaac. Note, too, that after receiving Hannah’s