Bible Commentaries
Exodus 13

Verses 1-16

Exodus 13:2 Comments - The firstborn belonged to the Lord because He spared them in Egypt. They were figuratively considered dead and made alive again in God's eyes, so they were to be the first fruit offerings to the Lord. Note a New Testament reference to Exodus 13:2:

Luke 2:23, “(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)”

Exodus 13:9 Comments - Exodus 13:9 serves as a reference to the wearing of the phylacteries that will later be mentioned in the Mosaic Law.

Exodus 13:12 Old Testament Quotes in the New Testament - Note the New Testament reference to Exodus 13:12:

Luke 2:23, “(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)”

Exodus 13:12-13 Comments The Firstfruit Offering of Livestock - The firstlings of cattle, goats, and sheep could be sacrifices. A lamb could be sacrificed in the place of a firstling ass, or they had to break the ass’s neck. Of male children, redeem them, perhaps with an animal sacrifice also.

Exodus 13:15 Old Testament Quotes in the New Testament - Note the New Testament reference to Exodus 13:15:

Luke 2:23, “(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)”

Verses 17-22

The Escape Thru the Red Sea Exodus 13:17 to Exodus 15:21 records the flight of Israel from Egypt through the Red Sea. This journey has strong symbolism of the Christian’s salvation experience and water baptism. The next passage of Scripture (Exodus 15:22 to Exodus 18:27) will symbolize a Christian’s early journey towards the phase of indoctrination as a part of discipleship, which is demanded of them at Mount Sinai.

1. Israel Journeys Through the Wilderness (Exodus 13:17-22 ) - Israel’s initial journey into the wilderness is characterized by God’s total provision for them. They did not have to do anything to walk in victory except follow Moses. This event could symbolize the Christian’s days immediately following the salvation experience. A new believer finds God at work in every aspect of his life, in his prayers, in miracles of deliverance, being provided everything he needs with little or no effort to exercise his faith.

2. Israel Crosses the Red Sea (Exodus 14:1-31 ) The crossing of the Red Sea could symbolize a Christian’s water baptism, a time when he feels deliverance from all bondages of sin. Water baptism confirms his commitment to follow Christ.

3. The Song of Moses (Exodus 15:1-19 ) and the Song of Miriam (Exodus 15:20-21 ) The songs of Moses and Miriam reflect joy that a new believer experiences by his cleansing from sin and guilt and bondages of this world. He is free and his joy is overflowing.

Illustration - I have known a number of people who were instantly delivered from addictions and illnesses at the time of salvation. One church member testified to us that he was delivered from cigarettes when he gave his life to the Lord. One day he started to buy a pack of cigarettes and the Lord spoke to him, “I delivered you the first time. You will have to deliver yourself the second time.”