Bible Commentaries
Exodus 13

Verses 1-22

As the Passover feast signified the deliverance from death by obedience, and the sprinkling of blood signified redemption through death, the feast of Unleavened Bread was established in connection with it. This was to be a perpetual memorial of the necessity to abstain from anything and everything which cause disintegration in the national life. The chosen people were to be delivered from slavery into submission to the law of their one and only King.

It is significant that in connection with these feasts we have a distinct statement of the true purpose for establishing them, namely, instruction of the children. This throws light on the true value of symbolism. It is ever intended to arouse interest in the minds of the young in order that, true to their instincts, they may ask for information, which is to be supplied by their elders.

The nation delivered and consecrated is seen at once as under the direct government and guidance of God. "God led them not by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near." "But God led the people about." The essential truths revealed here are that He leads and that there is a meaning and purpose in all such guidance. The longer journey was the outcome of His patient desire that they should not be discouraged at the beginning by warfare. It is very arresting that in connection with these movements the story is linked again with that in Genesis. Joseph had died in the faith that such an hour as this would come. He signalized his faith by commandment concerning his bones. The people then moving out from Egypt under divine direction carried those bones with them. As yet they were very far from the possibility of simple faith and needed signs. Hence God gave them the vision of the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.