Exodus 13 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Exodus 13 meaning explained in AI Summary

The Israelites depart from Egypt in haste, taking the bones of Joseph with them. God guides them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. God also instructs the Israelites to consecrate their firstborn sons and animals to him.

This chapter details the instructions God gives Moses regarding the dedication of the firstborn and the institution of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, both commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt.

Key Points:

Consecration of the Firstborn (1-16): God reminds Moses that all firstborn males, both human and animal, belong to Him. This is a reminder of the Passover, where God spared the firstborn sons of Israel while striking down those of the Egyptians. Instructions are given for the redemption of firstborn sons and the sacrifice of firstborn animals. This act serves as a constant reminder of God's deliverance.
The Festival of Unleavened Bread (3-10): God commands the Israelites to observe the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days, eating only unleavened bread and removing all leaven from their homes. This commemorates their hasty departure from Egypt, when they had no time to let their bread rise. The festival serves as a yearly reminder of God's swift action and their freedom.
Teaching Future Generations (8, 14-16): Moses emphasizes the importance of teaching future generations about the significance of these observances. The Passover, the redemption of the firstborn, and the Festival of Unleavened Bread are not just rituals, but tangible reminders of God's power and faithfulness, ensuring the story of their liberation is passed down through generations.
Journey to the Promised Land (17-22): The chapter concludes with the Israelites departing from Egypt. Instead of taking the direct route, God leads them on a longer path through the wilderness, avoiding a potential Philistine attack. God's presence is constantly with them, appearing as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, guiding and protecting them on their journey.

Overall Theme:

Exodus 13 emphasizes remembrance and obedience. God instructs the Israelites to observe specific rituals and festivals to remember their deliverance from slavery and to teach future generations about His faithfulness. The chapter highlights God's continual presence and guidance as they embark on their journey to the Promised Land.

Exodus 13 bible study ai commentary

Exodus 13 transitions the Israelites from the event of liberation to the life of the redeemed. The chapter focuses on consecration, remembrance, and divine guidance. Having been saved by God's mighty hand, Israel must now live as a people set apart for Him. This new life is built on remembering God's past redemption through perpetual ordinances and is sustained by His present, visible guidance into the future.

Exodus 13 context

The context is the immediate aftermath of the tenth and final plague, the death of the Egyptian firstborn. The Israelites have just experienced a terrifying and miraculous night of deliverance and are now taking their first steps out of 400 years of bondage. Culturally, the firstborn son held a preeminent position in the Ancient Near East, receiving a double inheritance and spiritual leadership. By claiming Israel's firstborn, God establishes His supreme right over the nation He has just purchased. The laws given here are foundational, establishing the rhythm of remembrance and consecration that will define Israel's relationship with Yahweh.

Exodus 13:1-2

The LORD said to Moses, "Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine."

In-depth-analysis

Consecrate (qadash): This Hebrew root means "to set apart" or "make holy." It is a foundational command establishing the principle of firstfruits. Because God spared Israel's firstborn while judging Egypt's, He now claims ownership of them. They belong to Him.
First to open the womb (peter rechem): This specific phrase emphasizes the biological firstborn male. This is not about status but about being the first-fruit of the family's life.
Of man and of beast: The principle is comprehensive. God's claim extends to every part of Israelite life, including their livestock, which was the basis of their wealth. All "firsts" belong to Him as a recognition of His total sovereignty and provision.

Bible references

Luke 2:22-23: 'And when the time came for their purification... they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord").' (Direct NT fulfillment in Jesus' life).
Numbers 3:13: 'For all the firstborn are mine. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated for my own all the firstborn in Israel, both of man and of beast.' (God's explicit reasoning for the command).
Colossians 1:15, 18: 'He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation... He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead.' (Christ as the ultimate Firstborn, fulfilling the type).

Cross references

Exo 22:29 (firstfruits command); Exo 34:19 (reiteration); Lev 27:26 (firstborn animals); Num 8:17-18 (Levites as substitutes); Heb 12:23 (church of the firstborn).

Exodus 13:3-10

Then Moses said to the people, “Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, because the LORD brought you out of it with a mighty hand. Eat nothing with yeast... For seven days eat unleavened bread... This ordinance will be a sign to you on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that this law of the LORD is to be on your lips. For the LORD brought you out of Egypt with his mighty hand...”

In-depth-analysis

Commemorate (zakhar): This is not a passive memory but an active, liturgical remembrance. It involves ritual and retelling to make the past event present for every generation.
Leaven (chametz): Leaven, which puffs up bread, represents the sin, pride, and corruption of Egypt. Biblically, it often symbolizes pervasive, hidden influence. Its removal signifies a complete break from the old life of slavery and sin. Eating unleavened bread (matzah) commemorates the haste of their departure.
Sign on your hand ('ot al yadkha): A metaphor for action. God's law should govern everything an Israelite does.
Reminder on your forehead (zikaron bein 'eynekha): A metaphor for thought. God's law should be the lens through which an Israelite sees the world. This imagery later formed the basis for the literal application of tefillin (phylacteries) in Jewish tradition.
Law of the LORD is to be on your lips: The story of redemption is not to be a secret but a public confession and a story told to the next generation.

Bible references

1 Corinthians 5:7-8: 'Cleanse out the old leaven... For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival... with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.' (The NT spiritual application of unleavened bread).
Deuteronomy 6:6-8: 'And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart... You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.' (A direct parallel instruction).
Matthew 16:6: 'Jesus said to them, “Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”' (Jesus using leaven as a metaphor for corrupt teaching and hypocrisy).

Cross references

Exo 12:15-20 (initial instructions); Deut 16:3 (bread of affliction); Mark 8:15 (leaven of Herod); Luke 12:1 (leaven as hypocrisy); Gal 5:9 (leaven's corrupting influence).

Polemics

The command to remember with physical actions ('ot and zikaron) stands in contrast to abstract Gnostic or purely philosophical belief systems. For God, faith must be embodied and lived out in the physical world through deeds (the hand) and worldview (the forehead/eyes).

Exodus 13:11-16

“And when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites... you shall set apart to the LORD all that first opens the womb... every firstborn of your sons you shall redeem... And when in time to come your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you shall say to him, ‘By a strong hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slavery. For when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt... Therefore I sacrifice to the LORD... but every firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ It shall be as a sign on your hand and as a frontlet between your eyes..."

In-depth-analysis

Redeem (padah): This means to "buy back." Since the firstborn humans belonged to God, a substitute was required. This introduced the foundational theological concept of substitutionary atonement. While a clean animal was sacrificed, a human or unclean animal had to be redeemed by a substitute (often a lamb or a monetary payment).
Didactic purpose: The law is framed around a child's question: "What does this mean?" The purpose of the ritual is to provoke questions that lead to telling the story of salvation. The faith is meant to be passed down through instruction within the family.
Connection to the Plague: The rationale is explicitly stated. "Because God killed their firstborn to save us, our firstborn belong to Him." The act of redemption is a constant reminder of the price of freedom.

Bible references

1 Peter 1:18-19: 'knowing that you were ransomed... not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.' (Contrasts the OT redemption price with the ultimate redemption through Christ's blood).
Numbers 18:15-16: 'Everything that opens the womb... shall be yours. Nevertheless, the firstborn of man you shall redeem... their redemption price... shall be five shekels of silver.' (Specifies the redemption price).
Hebrews 9:22: 'Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.' (Establishes the principle behind the animal sacrifices).

Cross references

Josh 4:6 (stones provoke questions); Neh 10:36 (post-exilic reaffirmation); Gal 3:13 (Christ redeemed us); Gal 4:4-5 (God sent his Son to redeem those under the law).

Exodus 13:17-18

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people repent when they see war and return to Egypt.” But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.

In-depth-analysis

Divine Providence: This passage reveals God's tender, pastoral care. He knows His people's weakness and immaturity. A direct confrontation with the well-fortified Philistines would have discouraged them and made the "safety" of slavery seem appealing.
The Longer Way: God's path is not always the most direct, but it is always the most protective and instructive. The wilderness journey was necessary for forging Israel into a nation and teaching them dependence on Him.
Red Sea (Yam Suph): Literally "Sea of Reeds." While the exact location is debated, the path chosen was desolate but was the one God would use for His greatest sign-act: the parting of the sea.
Equipped for battle (chamushim): This Hebrew word indicates they left in an orderly, organized fashion, not as a disorganized, fleeing mob. It suggests they were arranged in military-style divisions.

Bible references

Deuteronomy 8:2: 'And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart.' (Explains the purpose of the wilderness journey).
1 Corinthians 10:13: 'No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability.' (Echoes the principle of God's protective guidance).
Psalm 77:19-20: 'Your way was through the sea... yet your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.' (Reflects on God's mysterious and faithful leading).

Cross references

Exo 14:11-12 (people immediately regret leaving); Num 14:1-4 (wanting to return to Egypt); Heb 11:27 (Moses' faith).

Exodus 13:19

Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones with you from here.”

In-depth-analysis

Covenant Faithfulness: This is a profound act of faith spanning over 400 years. It links the Exodus directly back to the patriarchs in Genesis. Moses, leading the people out, fulfills an oath made to Joseph generations prior.
Joseph's Faith: Joseph's dying wish was not for a grand Egyptian burial but to be buried in the Promised Land. He believed God's covenant promises and saw himself not as an Egyptian but as part of the people of God whose future lay elsewhere.
Symbolism: Carrying the bones was a tangible reminder of God's long-term promises. The coffin was a sign of past faith and future hope throughout the entire wilderness journey.

Bible references

Genesis 50:24-25: 'And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear an oath...' (The origin of the oath).
Joshua 24:32: 'As for the bones of Joseph, which the people of Israel brought up from Egypt, they buried them in Shechem, in the piece of land that Jacob bought...' (The final fulfillment of the oath).
Hebrews 11:22: 'By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.' (Highlights this act as a key demonstration of faith in the unseen).

Cross references

Acts 7:16 (Stephen's historical summary).

Exodus 13:20-22

And they moved on from Succoth and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.

In-depth-analysis

Shekinah Glory: The pillars of cloud and fire are a visible manifestation of the personal, guiding presence of God, often called the Theophany or Shekinah. This is God Himself, not an angel, leading them.
Guidance and Protection:
- Cloud by day: Provided direction and shade from the relentless desert sun.
- Fire by night: Provided light for travel or security and warmth in the cold desert night.
Constant Presence: The text emphasizes the pillars "did not depart." God's presence was their 24/7 reality, a source of constant comfort, guidance, and security. It was unambiguous and undeniable.
Polemic: Against the pagan gods who were confined to specific temples or statues, Israel's God was mobile and personally present with them on their journey.

Bible references

John 1:14: 'And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory...' (The Greek for "dwelt" is eskenosen, meaning "tabernacled," echoing God's visible presence in the wilderness).
Nehemiah 9:19: 'you in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud to lead them in the way did not depart from them by day, nor the pillar of fire by night to light for them the way...' (A later recollection of God's faithfulness).
1 Corinthians 10:1-2: 'our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.' (Paul links the cloud to a form of baptism, a defining sign of God's people).

Cross references

Exo 14:19-20 (the pillar moves to protect them); Num 9:15-23 (detailed operation); Deut 1:33 (recapitulation); Ps 78:14 (poetic retelling); Isa 4:5-6 (prophecy of future glory-canopy).

Exodus chapter 13 analysis

From Redemption to Relationship: The chapter masterfully pivots from the event of salvation (Passover) to the ongoing life of a saved people. Redemption isn't the end goal; it's the beginning of a consecrated relationship with God.
The Theology of Signs: The entire chapter is built on physical signs ('ot) that point to spiritual truths. The Unleavened Bread, the redeemed firstborn, Joseph's bones, and the Pillar of Cloud/Fire are all tangible reminders of God's character, promises, and actions.
Forward-looking Memory: Israel's memory is not meant to be nostalgic. It is purposefully didactic, designed to be passed down through generations ("When your son asks...") to shape the identity and faithfulness of the entire community forever.
Christological Fulfillment: The themes of Exodus 13 are a rich foreshadowing of Jesus Christ:
- He is the Firstborn from the dead (Col 1:18) who consecrates a people for God.
- He is our Passover and we are to live lives of unleavened sincerity and truth (1 Cor 5:7-8).
- He is the Redeemer who bought us back, not with silver or gold, but with His own blood (1 Pet 1:18-19).
- He is the Light of the World (John 8:12), and the Way (John 14:6) who guides us through the wilderness of this life via the Holy Spirit.

Exodus 13 summary

God commands the consecration of the firstborn of Israel, both man and beast, as His own. This is to be commemorated alongside the Feast of Unleavened Bread as a perpetual ordinance—a sign and reminder of how God delivered them from Egypt with a mighty hand. This act of redemption is to be taught to every future generation. Finally, demonstrating His pastoral wisdom and immediate presence, God leads the Israelites on a non-direct route toward the Red Sea, guiding them visibly and constantly with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

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Exodus chapter 13 kjv

¹ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
² Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.
³ And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
⁴ This day came ye out in the month Abib.
⁵ And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.
⁶ Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to the LORD.
⁷ Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters.
⁸ And thou shalt show thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.
⁹ And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD's law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt.
¹⁰ Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year.
¹¹ And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,
¹² That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD's.
¹³ And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.
¹⁴ And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:
¹⁵ And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.
¹⁶ And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.
¹⁷ And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:
¹⁸ But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.
¹⁹ And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.
²⁰ And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.
²¹ And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
²² He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

Exodus chapter 13 nkjv

¹ Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
² "Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine."
³ And Moses said to the people: "Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out of this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten.
⁴ On this day you are going out, in the month Abib.
⁵ And it shall be, when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, which He swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall keep this service in this month.
⁶ Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the LORD.
⁷ Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days. And no leavened bread shall be seen among you, nor shall leaven be seen among you in all your quarters.
⁸ And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, 'This is done because of what the LORD did for me when I came up from Egypt.'
⁹ It shall be as a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the LORD's law may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the LORD has brought you out of Egypt.
¹⁰ You shall therefore keep this ordinance in its season from year to year.
¹¹ "And it shall be, when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you and your fathers, and gives it to you,
¹² that you shall set apart to the LORD all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the LORD's.
¹³ But every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And all the firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem.
¹⁴ So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, 'What is this?' that you shall say to him, 'By strength of hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
¹⁵ And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the LORD killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.'
¹⁶ It shall be as a sign on your hand and as frontlets between your eyes, for by strength of hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt."
¹⁷ Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt."
¹⁸ So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.
¹⁹ And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had placed the children of Israel under solemn oath, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here with you."
²⁰ So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness.
²¹ And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.
²² He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.

Exodus chapter 13 niv

¹ The LORD said to Moses,
² "Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal."
³ Then Moses said to the people, "Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, because the LORD brought you out of it with a mighty hand. Eat nothing containing yeast.
⁴ Today, in the month of Aviv, you are leaving.
⁵ When the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites and Jebusites?the land he swore to your ancestors to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey?you are to observe this ceremony in this month:
⁶ For seven days eat bread made without yeast and on the seventh day hold a festival to the LORD.
⁷ Eat unleavened bread during those seven days; nothing with yeast in it is to be seen among you, nor shall any yeast be seen anywhere within your borders.
⁸ On that day tell your son, 'I do this because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.'
⁹ This observance will be for you like a sign on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that this law of the LORD is to be on your lips. For the LORD brought you out of Egypt with his mighty hand.
¹⁰ You must keep this ordinance at the appointed time year after year.
¹¹ "After the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites and gives it to you, as he promised on oath to you and your ancestors,
¹² you are to give over to the LORD the first offspring of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the LORD.
¹³ Redeem with a lamb every firstborn donkey, but if you do not redeem it, break its neck. Redeem every firstborn among your sons.
¹⁴ "In days to come, when your son asks you, 'What does this mean?' say to him, 'With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
¹⁵ When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed the firstborn of both people and animals in Egypt. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the first male offspring of every womb and redeem each of my firstborn sons.'
¹⁶ And it will be like a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead that the LORD brought us out of Egypt with his mighty hand."
¹⁷ When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt."
¹⁸ So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.
¹⁹ Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the Israelites swear an oath. He had said, "God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up with you from this place."
²⁰ After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert.
²¹ By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.
²² Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

Exodus chapter 13 esv

¹ The LORD said to Moses,
² "Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine."
³ Then Moses said to the people, "Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the LORD brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten.
⁴ Today, in the month of Abib, you are going out.
⁵ And when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, you shall keep this service in this month.
⁶ Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the LORD.
⁷ Unleavened bread shall be eaten for seven days; no leavened bread shall be seen with you, and no leaven shall be seen with you in all your territory.
⁸ You shall tell your son on that day, 'It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.'
⁹ And it shall be to you as a sign on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth. For with a strong hand the LORD has brought you out of Egypt.
¹⁰ You shall therefore keep this statute at its appointed time from year to year.
¹¹ "When the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as he swore to you and your fathers, and shall give it to you,
¹² you shall set apart to the LORD all that first opens the womb. All the firstborn of your animals that are males shall be the LORD's.
¹³ Every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, or if you will not redeem it you shall break its neck. Every firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem.
¹⁴ And when in time to come your son asks you, 'What does this mean?' you shall say to him, 'By a strong hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slavery.
¹⁵ For when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of animals. Therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all the males that first open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.'
¹⁶ It shall be as a mark on your hand or frontlets between your eyes, for by a strong hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt."
¹⁷ When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt."
¹⁸ But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.
¹⁹ Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones with you from here."
²⁰ And they moved on from Succoth and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness.
²¹ And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.
²² The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.

Exodus chapter 13 nlt

¹ Then the LORD said to Moses,
² "Dedicate to me every firstborn among the Israelites. The first offspring to be born, of both humans and animals, belongs to me."
³ So Moses said to the people, "This is a day to remember forever ? the day you left Egypt, the place of your slavery. Today the LORD has brought you out by the power of his mighty hand. (Remember, eat no food containing yeast.)
⁴ On this day in early spring, in the month of Abib, you have been set free.
⁵ You must celebrate this event in this month each year after the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites, and Jebusites. (He swore to your ancestors that he would give you this land ? a land flowing with milk and honey.)
⁶ For seven days the bread you eat must be made without yeast. Then on the seventh day, celebrate a feast to the LORD.
⁷ Eat bread without yeast during those seven days. In fact, there must be no yeast bread or any yeast at all found within the borders of your land during this time.
⁸ "On the seventh day you must explain to your children, 'I am celebrating what the LORD did for me when I left Egypt.'
⁹ This annual festival will be a visible sign to you, like a mark branded on your hand or your forehead. Let it remind you always to recite this teaching of the LORD: 'With a strong hand, the LORD rescued you from Egypt.'
¹⁰ So observe the decree of this festival at the appointed time each year.
¹¹ "This is what you must do when the LORD fulfills the promise he swore to you and to your ancestors. When he gives you the land where the Canaanites now live,
¹² you must present all firstborn sons and firstborn male animals to the LORD, for they belong to him.
¹³ A firstborn donkey may be bought back from the LORD by presenting a lamb or young goat in its place. But if you do not buy it back, you must break its neck. However, you must buy back every firstborn son.
¹⁴ "And in the future, your children will ask you, 'What does all this mean?' Then you will tell them, 'With the power of his mighty hand, the LORD brought us out of Egypt, the place of our slavery.
¹⁵ Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, so the LORD killed all the firstborn males throughout the land of Egypt, both people and animals. That is why I now sacrifice all the firstborn males to the LORD ? except that the firstborn sons are always bought back.'
¹⁶ This ceremony will be like a mark branded on your hand or your forehead. It is a reminder that the power of the LORD's mighty hand brought us out of Egypt."
¹⁷ When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt."
¹⁸ So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle.
¹⁹ Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear to do this. He said, "God will certainly come to help you. When he does, you must take my bones with you from this place."
²⁰ The Israelites left Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness.
²¹ The LORD went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night.
²² And the LORD did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.