Key points:-
a.
13:12-14 .. The meaning of redemption of the first-born.
God spared the oldest son of every house. Because God saved the lives of
the first-born, he had the rightful claim to them. But God commanded the
Israelites to buy their sons back from him for 3 main purposes:
i.
A reminder of the
people of how God had spared their sons from death and freed them all from slavery.
ii.
It showed God’s
high respect for human life in
contrast to the pagan gods who demanded human sacrifice.
iii.
It looked forward to the
day when Jesus Christ would buy us back by paying the price for our
sin once and for all.
b.
13:17-18..Instead of guiding the Israelites along the
direct route from Egypt to the promised land, he took them by a longer route to
avoid fighting with the Philistines. If God does not lead you along the
shortest path to your goal, don’t complain or resist. Follow him willingly and
trust him to lead you safely around unseen obstacles. He
can see the end of our journey from the beginning, and he knows the safest
route.
c.
13:21-22.. Pillar of cloud and pillar of fire represent
the presence of God in day and night during all the journey to the promised
land. Today, God gives us the bible that reassures His presence.
i.
Pillar of cloud –
a.
Protection against sun burnt
b.
Guide their movement
ii.
Pillar of fire –
a.
Lighted the path
b.
Provide heat during night time
c. Protect against wild beast
d.
Guide their movement
e. Inspired burning zeal
d. 13:3,
9, 14 & 16 – Powerful hand was mentioned for 4 times in this chapter. A reminder
to us that God was the one who orchestrate the whole event. No human elements
can change the plan of God.
e. Reminder of the event
13:9 - …And
it shall serve as a sign to you on your hand, and as a reminder on your
forehead, that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth…
13:16 -
…So it shall serve as a sign on your hand and as phylacteries on your forehead…..
