THE LAW OF THE DOUBLE PORTION - Thursday, February 12th 2026
But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving himathdouble portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his (Deuteronomy 21:17)
Many misunderstand what the Bible refers to as the principle or law of the double portion. According to this principle, let’s say a man had six sons to whom he was required to apportion his inheritance. He was required to divide his inheritance into seven equal parts or portions. Each son would receive one portion, while the extra or seventh portion was given to the firstborn.
That extra portion to the firstborn means he got the “double portion.” He got double what everyone else got; it’s not about receiving twice as much as what the father had. The double portion is the right of the firstborn, a mark of inheritance, a's symbol of leadership and heirship in the family. The one who received the double portion became the heir and the one recognized to carry on the father’s authority and name.
Genesis 48:5-6 shows that Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob, was entitled to the double portion. But he lost it due to his transgression. The inheritance was transferred to Joseph, who received it through his sons Ephraim and Manasseh. This is why there are two tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh, named after Joseph, instead of only one tribe.
The same principle is what Elisha referred to when he said to Elijah, “...I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me” (2 Kings 2:9). He wasn’t asking for twice the “anointing” Elijah had; how is that even possible? Rather, he was requesting to inherit Elijah’s position as the leading prophet, as the ‘firstborn’ as it were, among the school of prophets.
When Elijah was taken up by a chariot of fire, Elisha saw it happen. The mantle of Elijah fell, and Elisha picked it up. Returning to the Jordan, he asked, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” and struck the waters. The Jordan parted just as it had for Elijah. When the sons of the prophets saw this, they bowed before Elisha and declared, “...The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha...” (2 Kings 2:15). They recognised that the same spirit, the same prophetic office and authority was now upon Elisha.
That’s the true meaning of the double portion: inheriting the same authority and position, not necessarily asking for more power or “double anointing”; there’s no such thing. You already have the Spirit living in you in His fullness. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for granting me understanding through your Word. I walk in the knowledge of my inheritance in Christ, exercising authority and dominion as your heir. Your Word enlightens my path and causes me to function in wisdom and truth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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