Exodus 13:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine."

NIV: "Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal."

NASB: Sanctify to Me every firstborn, the firstborn of every womb among the sons of Israel, among people and animals alike; it belongs to Me.'

CSB: "Consecrate every firstborn male to me, the firstborn from every womb among the Israelites, both man and domestic animal; it is mine."

NLT: Dedicate to me every firstborn among the Israelites. The first offspring to be born, of both humans and animals, belongs to me.'

KJV: Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.

NKJV: “Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.”

After leaving Egypt (Exodus 12:40–41), Israel is travelling from Succoth (Exodus 12:37). As the Lord guides them (Exodus 13:21–22), He gives further instructions to Moses (Exodus 13:1). This begins with a command to consecrate all of Israel's firstborn males to God (Exodus 13:12). This practice is to begin once Israel enters the Promised Land (Genesis 15:18; Exodus 13:11). This means that the first male born to any woman or animal belongs to God. The cost of redemption is a sacrificed lamb (Exodus 13:13). This evokes what happened on the night of Passover (Exodus 12:12–13) when Egypt suffered death and Israel was spared (Exodus 12:29–32).

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).

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).

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 7:17:36 AM