Chapter 13 begins with “Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.” (Exodus 13:2). The word consecrate means make or declare sacred; dedicate irrevocably to a religious or divine purpose. Literally, set it apart for God. The firstborn are the joy and pride of any family. They are the hope of the next generation. God, the creator and proprietor of all creatures laid claim to the firstborn of the Israelites. The firstborn was considered to be the best. And the best belonged to God. This was to be the memorial for the protection of the firstborn on the night of Passover. The remembrance that God had redeemed Israel, His firstborn people, from Egypt.
Month: November 2024
TAKE YOUR PEOPLE AND GO!
Finally! Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and told them “. . . take your people and go!” He made no restrictions or bargains. Just “Leave my people”. Pharaoh had to have known from the beginning that the Israelites never intended to return. The deaths of the firstborn across all of Egypt was devastating. Even the Egyptians were eager for them to leave as well. They urged them to leave or “. . .we will all die.” The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked for gold and silver and clothing. The Egyptians were eager to comply with all of their requests. This generosity, inspired by God, allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt plundered of its wealth.
