Exodus 13:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Today, in the month of Abib, you are going out.

NIV: Today, in the month of Aviv, you are leaving.

NASB: On this day in the month of Abib, you are about to go out from here.

CSB: Today, in the month of Abib, you are going out.

NLT: On this day in early spring, in the month of Abib, you have been set free.

KJV: This day came ye out in the month Abib.

NKJV: On this day you are going out, in the month Abib.

When the Lord freed Israel from slavery (Exodus 1:11–14; 12:40–41), He commanded new beginning to the Hebrew calendar (Exodus 12:2). This great event happened during a Jewish month then called Abib, which would later be known as Nisan. This begins in late March or early April; the dates are tied to cycles of the moon and vary from year to year. Many details related to Passover predict the sacrificial ministry of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7; Luke 22:1–8).

Here, the focus is on a transition from preparation to action. The people are now "going out:" they are leaving the place where they were cruelly enslaved for centuries (Genesis 15:13). Moses will follow this (Exodus 13:5) with more instructions about the Promised Land (Genesis 15:18–21). When they arrive, they are to celebrate both Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 13:10). These would help them remember what the Lord did on their behalf in Egypt (Exodus 13:8).

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 4/30/2025 4:55:45 AM