Exodus 13

The Levites become the fulfillment of the firstborn requirement.

Numbers 3:11-13 (WEB) “The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Behold, I have taken the Levites from amongst the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn who open the womb amongst the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine, for all the firstborn are mine. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I made holy to me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and animal. They shall be mine. I am the LORD.’ “

Exodus 13:14 says, “It shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ that you shall tell him…” This passage reminds us that parents need to be actively involved in the spiritual training of their children. Too often we let others fulfill that role, and in addition to neglecting the command of God, we miss out on the wonderful blessing of being a part of our children’s spiritual growth and maturity. And beyond that, it’s a reminder that we have a responsibility to pass on spiritual truth from one generation to another, regardless of whether or not they’re our biological children!

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (WEB) “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

There is little doubt that the Israelites journey took them by the Red Sea (which is the unanimous understanding of the phrase everywhere it is used in the Bible). They didn’t go by the normal highway which would take them along the Mediterranean. God miraculously led them, and they were faithful to bring Joseph’s remains with them.

Thought for the day: Just as God provided guidance for His people by leading them with the pillars of fire and cloud, so he guides us by giving us His Word!

Psalm 119:105 (WEB) “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.”