Exodus - Chapter 13

Exodus 13.1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Exodus 13.2 Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine. Exodus 13.3 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. Exodus 13.4 This day came ye out in the month Abib. Exodus 13.5 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. Exodus 13.6 Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to the LORD. Exodus 13.7 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. Exodus 13.8 And thou shalt shew 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. Exodus 13.9 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. Exodus 13.10 Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year. Exodus 13.11 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, Exodus 13.12 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. Exodus 13.13 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. Exodus 13.14 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: Exodus 13.15 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. Exodus 13.16 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. Exodus 13.17 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: Exodus 13.18 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. Exodus 13.19 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. Exodus 13.20 And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. Exodus 13.21 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: Exodus 13.22 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

The Consecration of the Firstborn and the Feast of Unleavened Bread

Exodus chapter 13 establishes fundamental laws regarding the consecration of the firstborn and the celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. These sacred practices play a vital role in preserving the memory of Israel's liberation from slavery in Egypt. This biblical text, rich in meaning, describes not only the sanctification of the firstborn, but also provides specific instructions for an annual celebration, marking the beginning of Israel's journey through the desert. Emerging Spiritual Themes At the heart of this chapter are profound themes such as gratitude, spiritual memory, and divine guidance. God's presence is symbolized by the pillar of cloud and fire, which guides the people of Israel throughout their journey. Exodus 13 also reminds us of the fulfillment of the promise made to Joseph, thus emphasizing the continuity of divine work in salvation history.

Five Bible Passages Related to Consecration and Divine Direction

We invite you to explore five biblical passages that shed light on the themes of consecration and divine direction present in this crucial chapter:

Meditating on these passages and the teaching of Exodus 13, we are called to renew our commitment to God, to honor our own consecrations, and to seek His guidance in our daily lives.