Hello and Welcome to today’s exciting Bible study on Exodus 13. In this chapter, we will discuss the firstborn law and the way of the wilderness. According to biblical scholars, the events of Exodus 13 occurred around 1446 B.C.
As usual, I encourage you to turn to Exodus 13 in your Bible. Kindly invite the Holy Spirit to guide you as you read and study Exodus 13. I mention this in all the Bible Studies because it is only through the Holy Spirit that we get fresh revelation and knowledge to understand the word of God. No one else can teach you better than the Holy Spirit Himself. I am using the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible, just in case you want to know.
In the Bible Study on Exodus 12, we read and learned about the Lord’s passover and the Lord’s instructions about it. We also read about the last plague – the tenth plague – that the Lord brought upon Egypt which is the death of the firstborn. Today, in Exodus 13, we will learn about the consecration of the firstborn and the way of the wilderness.
Backstory on Exodus 12
The Passover is established as the Lord gives Moses and Aaron instructions on how it is to be a lasting ordinance for the Israelites. Each household was to apply the blood of a lamb to the doorposts, ensuring that when the Lord passed over to strike the firstborn of the Egyptians, the Israelite firstborn would be spared. The tenth plague struck Egypt, and no household was left untouched by the death of the firstborn. Finally, Pharaoh relented and allowed the Israelites to depart, marking the beginning of their exodus. Additionally, the Lord provided guidance regarding the Passover regulations.
Without any further delay, let us study together and learn what is Exodus 13 about, shall we?
Exodus 13 Summary
The Lord instructed Moses to consecrate all firstborn males among the children of Israel, both human and animal, declaring they belong to Him. Moses reminded the people to remember the day they left Egypt, emphasizing that it was through the Lord’s strength that they were liberated from bondage. They were to eat unleavened bread for seven days, with a feast on the seventh day, celebrating their exodus in the month of Abib. He emphasized the importance of passing this tradition to their children as a reminder of God’s deliverance. This event would serve as a sign and a memorial, ensuring that the Lord’s laws would be ever-present in their hearts and minds, and they were to observe this ordinance annually.
Moses instructed the Israelites to dedicate all firstborn male animals and their firstborn sons to the Lord, providing specific guidelines for these practices. He emphasized that when their sons inquire about the significance of these rituals in the future, they should explain that the Lord rescued them from slavery in Egypt with mighty power. When Pharaoh obstinately refused to let them go, the Lord struck down all the firstborns in Egypt—both humans and animals. Consequently, they should explain to their sons that they dedicate all firstborn male animals to the Lord, while they redeem their firstborn sons. These actions are meant to serve as a lasting reminder of the Lord’s strength and their liberation from Egypt.
After Pharaoh released the Israelites, God chose not to lead them through the land of the Philistines, fearing they might change their minds and return to Egypt when they saw war. Instead, He guided them through the wilderness near the Red Sea. The Israelites left Egypt in an organized manner, and Moses carried the bones of Joseph, as he had made the Israelites promise to take them when they left. They journeyed from Succoth and set up camp in Etham at the edge of the wilderness. God led them with a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night.
Exodus 13 Commentary
1. Exodus 13:5
The Lord was not giving the Israelites a brand-new land. It was a land flowing with milk and honey, already occupied by the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites, and Jebusites. The Israelites were to drive them out and occupy the land.
2. Exodus 13:12
All male firstborns among the Israelites are to be dedicated to the Lord, according to the law of the firstborn outlined in this chapter. It’s also important to recognize that Israel is referred to as the Lord’s firstborn. Additionally, Jesus, the Son of God and our Lord was the first to rise from the dead. Through Him, we have been adopted into His family as sons and daughters.
3. Exodus 13:17-18
The Lord guided the people through the wilderness rather than leading them through the route of the Philistines. He knew that if they encountered the threat of war, they might have second thoughts and choose to return to slavery. Similarly, there are times when God takes us through our own wilderness experiences. We are to trust Him during these times because He knows everything and is working for our ultimate good.
4. Exodus 13:19
Before he passed away, Joseph had foretold the Exodus and declared that the Lord would surely visit the Israelites and lead them out of Egypt. He made them promise to carry his bones with them to the land that the Lord was guiding them to. Moses remembered this pledge and took Joseph’s bones with him on their journey more than 100 years after Joseph’s death.
5. Exodus 13:21-22
The Lord guided His people personally, leading them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, providing light for their journey at all hours. He remained with them continuously, never removing the cloud by day or the fire by night from before them. God is faithful and was with His people every single step of the way.
Exodus 13 Lessons
What can we learn from Exodus 13?
1. The Lord knows you better than you know yourself
God understood that the Israelites might be afraid of the war in the Philistine land and could potentially choose to return to slavery. Sometimes, when people face challenges, they tend to gravitate back to the familiar place they were in before God saved them. This often stems from a sense of habit and comfort, as they become accustomed to their bondage. In reality, they cling to a deceptive notion of freedom. But, the Lord knows us better than we know ourselves and that is why He often doesn’t give us the entire plan but reveals it step by step, lest we, as His people become overwhelmed and give up too soon.
2. The Lord will never leave nor forsake you
The pillar of cloud and fire never left the Israelites’ side. The Lord was guiding them, acting as the Good Shepherd who was leading His people in the right direction. Just as He guided the Israelites back then, He will lead you as well if you put your trust in Him and follow the path that He shows you. You only need to ask Him to take the lead, and He will be there for you. He is unchanging and He will never leave nor forsake you. If there is anyone that we can trust, it is Him because He is always faithful.
Conclusion
This concludes the bible study on Exodus 13. I hope you enjoyed this free bible study and found it helpful in your Bible study journey. Feel free to share it with your friends and family. Also, share your thoughts and what the Holy Spirit has revealed to you about Exodus 13. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Until next time!