Exodus 13 - Printer Friendly

What does Exodus 13 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

Israel has just been freed from centuries of slavery (Exodus 1:11–14; 12:40–41). The final blow to Egypt was the death of their firstborn (Exodus 12:29–32). Now making a hasty exit (Exodus 12:33–34), they will receive more instructions from the Lord and a dramatic visual guide.

God commands the people of Israel to consecrate their firstborns to Him. His harsh judgment on Egypt took away that nation's firstborn (Exodus 11:4–6), while Israel was spared because of sacrificial lambs (Exodus 12:12–13). The first male born to any person or animal is considered God's. Animals are to be sacrificed. Those which are inappropriate for sacrifice, such as donkeys, are to be killed. Newborn boys are to be "redeemed" by sacrificing a lamb. This practice is to begin when Israel enters the Promised Land (Genesis 12:6–7; 15:13–21). This tradition is established so Israel will always remember how the Lord acted on their behalf (Exodus 13:1–2, 11–16).

Another important observance is the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This was introduced during Israel's preparations for the first Passover (Exodus 12:17–20). Here, the Lord repeats many of the same instructions. Leaven is yeast, which would become a metaphor for the pervasive nature of sin (Galatians 5:9). For a week, the people are not to eat anything with leaven in it. This is meant to remind them of the events of the first Passover (Exodus 12:8) and their liberation from Egypt (Exodus 12:33–34, 39). These ideas are important and must be passed down from generation to generation (Exodus 13:3–10).

God provides Israel with direct guidance as they travel. Northern roads would take them past Egyptian military patrols and into territory well-defended by the Philistines. Instead, the Lord guides the people southeast. This will take them to the shores of the "Red Sea," which is not precisely the same location as the modern-day Red Sea. God provides a dramatic image for the people by appearing in a column of fiery clouds. This is visible day and night and allows the people to keep moving (Exodus 13:17–22).

This haste is important. Back in Egypt, Pharaoh will once again change his mind (Exodus 8:15, 31–32; 9:34–35; 10:19–20). He will send the Egyptian military to pursue Israel. By the time this army catches up, Israel will be on the seashore and protected by the Lord's guiding pillar. There, God will rescue them with perhaps the most spectacular of His miracles in the story so far (Exodus 14).

Exodus 13:1–10 starts with a command for consecration of all Israel's firstborn. It then gives further instructions about the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This is a week-long observance which celebrates God's work to free Israel from Egyptian slavery. Eating bread with no leaven—without yeast—symbolizes being free from the pervasive effects of sin. It also recalls how the people prepared un-risen bread on the night they were freed (Exodus 12:8, 39).

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.

Exodus 13:17–22 depicts Israel's initial travel out of Egypt. Moses personally carries the bones of Joseph (Genesis 50:25). God's chosen path avoids Philistine territory so the people won't be tempted to backtrack into Egypt. He leads the people using a column of clouds which also contains flames or lightning. This allows the nation to keep moving, day and night. This hasty movement is important. Egyptian soldiers will not catch up to Israel until they are at the shores of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:5–9). There, the Lord will perform another miraculous act of rescue (Exodus 14:26–30).

Chapter Summary:

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).

Chapter Context:

The Lord has just freed Israel from centuries of Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12). The final blow to Egypt was the death of all firstborn (Exodus 12:29–32) on the night of the first Passover (Exodus 12:12–13). God's guidelines for that night are partly repeated here along with directions for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. He instructs the nation about consecrating their own firstborn as He guides them. A column of fiery clouds helps the people travel day and night. This haste is important because Egypt's king is about to change his mind. He will soon send the Egyptian military to chase down the Israelites (Exodus 14).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

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