#25 – Exodus 13:1-16
A Dedication to Remember
Memories fade over time, we know. We’ve all experienced how details of even significant events can be forgotten or confused. “Was it you or your sister who…?”
G-d has already instituted the annual celebration of Passover to memorialize deliverance from Egypt. The importance of recognizing this seminal event in Israel’s history is underscored by the L-RD’s 1) repeating the commands regarding The Feast of Unleavened Bread, and 2) instituting another rite to be observed throughout the year.
The claim on every firstborn
Then the L-RD spoke to Moses, saying,“Sanctify to Me every firstborn, the first offspring of every womb among the sons of Israel, both of man and beast; it belongs to Me.” (Exodus 13:1-2.)
Back at the burning bush the L-RD had instructed Moses to perform all the wonders which He would enable him to do. But even with such great displays of G-d’s might, the king of Egypt would not be willing to consent to liberating the Jewish people. G-d told Moses to then say to Pharaoh, “Thus says the L-RD, ‘Israel is My son, My firstborn. So I said to you, “Let My son go that he may serve Me”; but you have refused to let him go. Behold, I will kill your son, your firstborn.’” (Exodus 4:22-23.)
At the cost of the firstborn of Egypt, including his own son, Pharaoh relents and allows the Jewish people to leave his land. Having redeemed Abraham’s descendants from bondage, as promised (Genesis 15:13-14 NASB), G-d now lays claim to every firstborn male among the people and animals of Israel.
Remember this day
Moses is careful to pass along the information received from the L-RD:
“Remember this day in which you went out from Egypt, from the house of slavery; for by a powerful hand the L-RD brought you out from this place. And nothing leavened shall be eaten. On this day in the month of Abib, you are about to go forth. It shall be when the L-RD brings you to the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Hivite and the Jebusite, which He swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall observe this rite in this month.”
This should sound familiar. Just as parents often remind their kids to “remember what’s important,” the lesson of Passover is a refrain the L-RD continues to repeat. For generations to come, He will remind His people, “I am the L-RD your G-d who brought you out of Egypt.”
Celebration of Passover and eating unleavened bread in the appointed month was to be accompanied by recitation of the story. And not some dry account of ancient history, but a personal testimony of G-d’s goodness:
You shall tell your son on that day, saying, ‘It is because of what the L-RD did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ And it shall serve as a sign to you on your hand, and as a reminder on your forehead, that the law of the L-RD may be in your mouth; for with a powerful hand the L-RD brought you out of Egypt. Therefore, you shall keep this ordinance at its appointed time from year to year. (Exodus 13:8-10.)
Redemption of the firstborn
G-d has another plan in mind to help His people value their redemption. When He brings the Jewish people to the land of Canaan and gives it to them as He covenanted to do, they will have an obligation to fulfill. The firstborn male offspring of man or beast is to be devoted to the L-RD.[1] (Exodus 13:11-13 NASB.)
And just as with Passover, there is a memorial purpose to this rite.
”And it shall be when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ then you shall say to him, ‘With a powerful hand the L-RD brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slavery. It came about, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the L-RD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore, I sacrifice to the L-RD the males, the first offspring of every womb, but every firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ So it shall serve as a sign on your hand and as phylacteries on your forehead, for with a powerful hand the L-RD brought us out of Egypt.” (Exodus 13:14-16)
Fear factor/Misery index
George Santayana’s statement “Those who do not remember history are condemned to repeat it” is often quoted because it rings true. The Creator “hardwired” into Israel’s calendar and life-cycle rituals memorials to ensure His people would remember who their G-d is and what He has done for them. And then He reminds them to tell their children so they will pass along their godly heritage.
Moses is 80 years old when he experiences the Exodus. For the next 40 years he will shepherd the flock of Israel in the wilderness. At 120 he issues his last series of instructions to the 2nd generation of the children of Israel. The Book of Deuteronomy contains six “do not forget” reminders. Here’s one: then watch yourself, that you do not forget the L-RD who brought you from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. (Deuteronomy 6:12.)
Additionally, 14 times Moses exhorts the Jewish people to remember; the majority of those times it is redemption from Egypt they must recall.
Moses also warned of the consequences of forgetting. “It shall come about if you ever forget the L-RD your G-d and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish. (Deuteronomy 8:19.)
One of the sad realities of our fallen human condition is that we too quickly forget what the L-RD has done for us. G-d intended the annual Passover to be one of those perpetual reminders. We read in 2 Chronicles 35 of a tremendous national celebration under good King Josiah. But we also learn:
There had not been celebrated a Passover like it in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet; nor had any of the kings of Israel celebrated such a Passover as Josiah did with the priests, the Levites, all Judah and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 35:18.)
That means for about 400 years, roughly equivalent to the time of Israel’s captivity in Egypt, there was no national observance of Passover.
Where is G-d?
G-d delivered on His promise by delivering His people. He provided both celebrations and rites to help them remember.
He still is worthy of the praises of His people. As you reflect on His redemptive grace and sovereign goodness in your life, why not thank Him, even in this moment. And take time to tell of His excellent greatness by relating a personal story of His providing, guarding, and guiding to your children and grandchildren.
[1] In Numbers 18:15-18 NASB we learn further details about pidyon haben (redemption of the firstborn). “Every devoted thing in Israel” would belong to the priests, including the firstborn males as follows:
Clean animals (oxen, sheep, goats) were to be sacrificed; the meat was for the priests to eat.
Baby boys and unclean animals (donkeys, e.g.,) were to be redeemed 30 days after birth by giving five silver shekels to the sanctuary (the wilderness Tabernacle, then the Temple when built in Jerusalem).
Today there is no Temple, but the tradition of redeeming the firstborn son continues among observant Jewish families. On the 31st day after the first son’s birth (unless it is a Sabbath), the father contributes five silver coins to a cohen (descendant of Moses’ brother Aaron).
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