Exodus 13:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the Lord killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of animals. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all the males that first open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’

NIV: When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the Lord killed the firstborn of both people and animals in Egypt. This is why I sacrifice to the Lord the first male offspring of every womb and redeem each of my firstborn sons.’

NASB: And it came about, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the Lord put to death every firstborn in the land of Egypt, from human firstborns to animal firstborns. Therefore, I sacrifice to the Lord the males, every firstborn of a womb, but every firstborn of my sons I redeem.’

CSB: When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the Lord killed every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of humans and the firstborn of livestock. That is why I sacrifice to the Lord all the firstborn of the womb that are males, but I redeem all the firstborn of my sons.’

NLT: Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, so the Lord killed all the firstborn males throughout the land of Egypt, both people and animals. That is why I now sacrifice all the firstborn males to the Lord — except that the firstborn sons are always bought back.’

KJV: 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.

NKJV: And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the Lord killed 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 males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’

Egypt had enslaved Israel (Exodus 1:11–14). When God sent Moses to lead the people to freedom (Exodus 3:10), the assignment came with a prediction of miracles. These would be needed specifically because the Egyptian king, the pharaoh, would be resistant to giving them freedom (Exodus 3:19–20). Pharaoh repeatedly refused the Lord's command to release the Hebrew slaves (Exodus 5:2; 7:12, 14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 34; 10:10). At times, he even broke his word (Exodus 8:15, 31–32; 9:34–35; 10:19–20). Despite many supernatural signs (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23), Pharaoh was obstinate. It took the death of Egypt's firstborn (Exodus 11:4–6) to break him enough to allow Israel to go free (Exodus 12:29–32).

These historic events are the reason Israel is being commanded to observe particular traditions (Exodus 12:14, 17, 24; 13:10). Consecrating the first male born to any woman or animal (Exodus 13:1–2, 12) recalled how the Lord took Egypt's firstborn but spared Israel because of sacrificial lambs (Exodus 12:12–13). Animals were to be sacrificed unless they were unclean (Exodus 13:13). Children were to be "redeemed" by sacrificing a lamb.

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).

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).