Exodus 13 - First born

Exodus 13

God claims every first born for his own in this chapter – does this have anything to do with the death of the first born in Egypt? God, having killed the first born of Egypt claims every Hebrew male and every first born livestock. 

A lamb must be offered to God to redeem a first born child, and a horse or donkey can be bought back from God if desired (fortunately the option is not there for children!) but first born of livestock are to be sacrificed to God as a memory of the exodus and the cost of freedom.

God re-iterates the regulations of the Passover, nothing with yeast may be found in any house for 7 days at Passover. 

The annual remembrance of passover in spring and the ritual giving to God of every first born is to be a constant reminder of "the power of God's mighty hand" rescuing Israel from slavery.

It also points back to the suffering of the Egyptians - lest Israel become too arrogant they are forced to remember that they were once slaves and their masters paid a heavy price

The Israelites start the journey towards the promised land. The most direct route is along the coast – but that way is defended and God chose to lead his people through the desert.

Note they are carrying Joseph’s coffin with them when they go after 400 years.

God leads his people by day and night in the form of a pillar of flame by night and cloud by day.

Do you ever wish that God would show us the way like that today? Come to think of it perhaps it is best not, can you imagine the carnage if I followed a cloudy fiery pillar down the motorway?