What does Exodus 13:16 mean?
Over time, ancient Israel developed the practice of wearing teffilin: small containers of scripture strapped to the forearm and forehead. This tradition was inspired by verses such as this, as well as others using the same figure of speech (Exodus 13:9; Deuteronomy 6:8–9; 11:13–21). God's chosen people (Deuteronomy 14:2) were to maintain a constant awareness of His truth and all that He had done for them. That relationship was to be part of everything they saw, thought, or did. God did not necessarily mean that His people were to physically attach these words to their bodies. During Jesus' earthly life, this practice had become a prideful display instead of a remembrance (Matthew 23:5).God's "strong hand" was responsible for Israel's freedom from slavery (Exodus 1:11–14; 12:40–41). Egypt was never going to release their captives without tremendous pressure (Exodus 3:19–20). So, God sent supernatural disasters (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23). None were enough until the last plague. The Lord killed all of Egypt's firstborn (Exodus 11:4–6). Only then did Pharaoh give the Hebrews an unconditional release (Exodus 12:29–32).
Exodus 13:11–16 expands on the command to consecrate all firstborn of Israel to the Lord. Every male which is the first birthed by any person or animal is considered God's. Animals may be sacrificed, but persons and animals that are to be kept must be "redeemed" by sacrificing a lamb. This reminds Israel of God's work on their behalf (Exodus 12:29–32). It also emphasizes the need for sacrifice in order to be reconciled to God.
God reiterates the requirements of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Israel is to celebrate this every year as a way of remembering their liberation from Egyptian slavery. In addition, the people are to consecrate all of the first-born of any mother—both people and animals. Animals that cannot be sacrificed are to be redeemed. Sons are to be redeemed by an animal sacrifice. The Lord creates a column of clouds for the people to follow during the day, which is lit by fire so they can also follow it at night. This keeps them moving quickly. Soon, Egyptian soldiers will catch up to them and God will once again provide miraculous rescue (Exodus 14).
