(1) Structure and overview
(NET) This next section seems a little confusing at first glance: vv. 1 and 2 call for the dedication of the firstborn, then vv. 3–10 instruct concerning the ritual of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and then vv. 11–16 return to the firstborn. B. Jacob (Exodus, 360) explains that vv. 3–16 contain a sermon, in which Moses “began his speech by reminding the people of the events which had just occurred and how they would be recalled by them in the future,” and then he explained the rulings that went along with it. So the first two verses state the core of the sermon, a new command calling for the redeemed (firstborn) to be sanctified. The second portion stresses that God requires the redeemed to remember their redemption by purifying themselves (3–10). The third section (11–16) develops the theme of dedication to Yahweh. The point is that in view of God’s mighty redemption, the redeemed (represented by the firstborn) must be set apart for Yahweh’s service.
(2) Repeated phrases:
a. "remember" v.3, "keep this ceremony" v.5 , "you are to tell your son" v.8, 14, "a memorial" v.9, "you must give over to the LORD the first offspring..." v.12, The remember and following the command should be treated as burden.
b. slavery v.3,14, redeemv.15, the LORD brought us out v.3,5,8,9,14, going out v.4
They were brought out from Egypt by the Lord. When they were in Egypt they were enslaved and had no lives. The One Who brought them out gave them a new life and they belonged to Him. Not just the firstborns were brought out, but the whole nation. They were the ones whose lives were spared when the Egyptians were killed. They were saved in a more vivid way and should have more gratitude to God.
c. the way to remember is through (1)remember a date, (2) eat a certain food, (3) giving offering, (4) to carry the commandments with you
What more is that God not only brought them out, but also brought them to the land of milk and honey. Their lives belonged to God, and He treated them well.
He does not treat us like a new slave master. He brought us to belong to Him and we enjoy our new lives with Him.
'Remember this day" v.3, "on this day" v.4, "in this month" v.5, "for 7 days you must eat" v.6-7, "keep this at its appointed time from year to year v.10," "giving" v.12.
v.9 It will be a sign for you on your hand and a memorial on your forehead, so that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth
13:16 It will be for a sign on your hand and for frontlets on your forehead
13:16 It will be for a sign on your hand and for frontlets on your forehead
(NET) This passage has, of course, been taken literally by many devout Jews, and portions of the text have been encased in phylacteries and bound on the arm and forehead...The point of the teaching was obviously meant to keep the Law of Yahweh in the minds of the people, to remind them of their duties.
(NET) The people were to use the festivals as outward and visible tokens to remind them to obey what the Law required.
Reflection: Just like this passage first talked about the Unleavened feast then the offering of the firstborn, do we ask for forgiveness of sin before we pray or before we start our meetings?
We should remember God's blessing and follow His commandment willingly because our lives belong to Him. He gave us a new life.
We should incorporate our remembering in our daily life. Remember God on a certain date, when we eat, when we give, etc. We can also create our own ways to carry the Scriptures with us and they can readily remind us.
Audrey
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