Exodus:13

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* Verse 1-10 - In remembrance of the destruction of the first-born of Egypt , both of man and of beast , and the deliverance of the Israelites out of bondage , the first-born males of the Israelites were set apart to the Lord . By this was set before them , that their lives were preserved through the ransom of the atonement , which in due time was to be made for sin . They were also to consider their lives , thus ransomed from death , as now to be consecrated to the service of God . The parents were not to look upon themselves as having any right in their first-born , till they solemnly presented them to God , and allowed his title to them . That which is , by special mercy , spared to us , should be applied to God 's honour ; at least , some grateful acknowledgment , in works of piety and charity , should be made . The remembrance of their coming out of Egypt must be kept up every year . The day of Christ 's resurrection is to be remembered , for in it we were raised up with Christ out of death 's house of bondage . The Scripture tells us not expressly what day of the year Christ rose , but it states particularly what day of the week it was ; as the more valuable deliverance , it should be remembered weekly . The Israelites must keep the feast of unleavened bread . Under the gospel , we must not only remember Christ , but observe his holy supper . Do this in remembrance of him . Also care must be taken to teach children the knowledge of God . Here is an old law for catechising . It is of great use to acquaint children betimes with the histories of the Bible . And those who have God 's law in their heart should have it in their mouth , and often speak of it , to affect themselves , and to teach others . * Verse 11-16 - The firstlings of beast not used in sacrifice , were to be changed for others so used , or they were to be destroyed . Our souls are forfeited to God 's justice , and unless ransomed by the sacrifice of Christ , will certainly perish . These institutions would continually remind them of their duty , to love and serve the Lord . In like manner , baptism and the Lord 's supper , if explained and attended to , would remind us , and give us occasion to remind one another of our profession and duty . * Verse 17-20 - There were two ways from Egypt to Canaan . One was only a few days ' journey ; the other was much further about , through the wilderness , and that was the way in which God chose to lead his people Israel . The Egyptians were to be drowned in the Red sea ; the Israelites were to be humbled and proved in the wilderness . God 's way is the right way , though it seems about . If we think he leads not his people the nearest way , yet we may be sure he leads them the best way , and so it will appear when we come to our journey 's end . The Philistines were powerful enemies ; it was needful that the Israelites should be prepared for the wars of Canaan , by passing through the difficulties of the wilderness . Thus God proportions his people 's trials to their strength , 1st Corinthians strkjv @10:13 . They went up in good order . They went up in five in a rank , some ; in five bands , so others , which it seems rather to their faith and hope , that God would bring them to Canaan , in expectation of which they carried these bones with them while in the desert . mhcc @Exodus:13:21 ,22 @ Verse 21 ,22 - The Lord went before them in a pillar , or appearance of the Divine Majesty . Christ was with the church in the wilderness , 1st Corinthians strkjv @10:9 . Those whom God brings into a wilderness , he will not leave nor lose there , but will take care to lead them through it . It was great satisfaction to Moses and the pious Israelites , to be sure that they were under Divine guidance . Those who make the glory of God their end , and the word of God their rule , the Spirit of God the guide of their affections , and the providence of God the guide of their affairs , may be sure that the Lord goes before them , though they cannot see it with their eyes : we must now live by faith . When Israel marched , this pillar went before , and pointed out the place of encampment , as Divine Wisdom saw fit . It sheltered by day from the heat , and gave light by night . The Bible is a light to our feet , a lantern to our paths , with which the Saviour 's love has provided us . It testifies of Christ . It is to us like the pillar to the Israelites . Listen to that voice which cries , I am the Light of the world ; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness , but shall have the Light of life , John strkjv @8:12 . Jesus Christ alone , as shown in the Bible , and as the Holy Spirit , in answer to prayer , recommends him to the soul , is the Way , the Truth , and the Life , John strkjv @14:6 . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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