What does Exodus 13:1 mean?
ESV: The Lord said to Moses,
NIV: The Lord said to Moses,
NASB: Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
CSB: The Lord spoke to Moses:
NLT: Then the Lord said to Moses,
KJV: And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
NKJV: Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
Verse Commentary:
Israel has just been freed from Egypt (Exodus 12:40–41). As they travel from Succoth (Exodus 12:37), the Lord gives Moses additional instructions. These commands about the firstborn (Exodus 13:2) will expand later in the chapter (Exodus 13:11), after further notes about the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:14–15).
Verse Context:
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).
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).
Book Summary:
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.
Accessed 6/17/2025 8:34:30 PM
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