1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.
3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
4 This day came ye out in the month Abib.
5 And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.
6 Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to the LORD.
7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters.
8 And thou shalt show thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.
9 And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD's law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt.
10 Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year.
11 And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,
12 That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD's.
13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.
14 And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:
15 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.
16 And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.
17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:
18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.
19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.
20 And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.
21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.
Exodus Chapter 13 is a continuation of the story of Moses and the Israelites' journey out of Egypt. In this chapter, God gives specific instructions to Moses regarding the consecration of the firstborn males and the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The main themes of this chapter include the importance of remembering and honoring God's deliverance, the concept of redemption, and the significance of the firstborn in the Israelite culture. Through these themes, this chapter teaches us about God's faithfulness, provision, and the importance of obedience in our relationship with Him.
The chapter begins with God commanding Moses to consecrate to Him every firstborn male, both of man and beast. This consecration is a reminder of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The firstborn males were considered sacred to God, and this consecration was a way of acknowledging that all firstborn belonged to Him. This practice would continue throughout the generations as a way of remembering and honoring God's deliverance.
God also instructs Moses to declare to the people that the Feast of Unleavened Bread will be observed in the month of Abib, which is the first month of the year. This feast was to commemorate the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and was a reminder of God's miraculous deliverance from slavery. The unleavened bread symbolized the haste with which the Israelites had to leave Egypt and also represented the removal of sin from their lives.
Furthermore, God commands that every firstborn of a donkey should be redeemed with a lamb, and if that is not possible, then the donkey's neck should be broken. This instruction signifies the importance of the firstborn in the Israelite culture and the need for redemption. The donkey, being a symbol of burden and labor, represents the labor of the firstborn in the household. By redeeming the firstborn with a lamb, the Israelites were acknowledging that their labor belonged to God and that He was the one who provided for them.
God also gives instructions for the consecration of the firstborn males among the Levites. They were to be set apart for service to God and were not to be redeemed like the other firstborn males. This was a reminder that the Levites belonged to God and were to serve Him in the tabernacle.
After giving these instructions, God leads the Israelites out of Egypt towards the Red Sea. Instead of taking the shortest route, which would have led them through the land of the Philistines, God leads them towards the wilderness, towards the Red Sea. This was a strategic move by God, as He knew that the Israelites were not yet ready to face the battles that awaited them in the land of the Philistines. Therefore, He led them on a longer route, through the wilderness, where they could be nurtured and prepared for the challenges ahead.
God goes before the Israelites in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, to guide them on their journey. This pillar of cloud and fire was a visible manifestation of God's presence among His people. It was a symbol of His protection, guidance, and provision. The Israelites were able to see this pillar of cloud and fire, and it served as a constant reminder of God's faithfulness and presence with them.
As the Israelites journeyed, they experienced both physical and spiritual challenges. They faced the scorching heat of the day and the cold of the night. They also faced the fear and doubt that comes with the unknown. However, through it all, God was with them, leading and guiding them towards their promised land.
Exodus Chapter 13 teaches us several important lessons about our relationship with God. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring God's deliverance. The consecration of the firstborn and the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread were reminders to the Israelites of God's miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Likewise, as Christians, we should never forget the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and the deliverance He has provided for us from the bondage of sin.
Secondly, this chapter highlights the concept of redemption. The redemption of the firstborn among the Israelites symbolized the need for redemption and the importance of acknowledging that everything we have belongs to God. Likewise, we, as Christians, have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and we should recognize that everything we have belongs to Him.
Furthermore, the pillar of cloud and fire symbolizes God's presence and guidance in our lives. Just as God led the Israelites through the wilderness, He leads and guides us on our journey through life. We may face challenges and uncertainties, but we can trust that God is with us, protecting and providing for us.
Finally, this chapter also teaches us about the importance of obedience in our relationship with God. The Israelites were commanded to consecrate the firstborn and observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and they were also instructed to follow the pillar of cloud and fire. Their obedience to these instructions showed their faith and trust in God. Likewise, as Christians, our obedience to God's commands is a demonstration of our faith and trust in Him.
Exodus Chapter 13 is a significant chapter in the book of Exodus, as it teaches us important lessons about our relationship with God. Through the consecration of the firstborn, the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the pillar of cloud and fire, this chapter emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring God's deliverance, redemption, and His faithful presence in our lives. It also reminds us of the importance of obedience in our relationship with God. As we reflect on these lessons, may we be encouraged to trust and obey God in every aspect of our lives.
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