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.
When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt - both the firstborn of people and the firstborn of animals. That's why I sacrifice to the LORD every firstborn male animal, but I buy back all the firstborn of my children.
God is explaining why the Israelites must dedicate their firstborn to Him - because He spared their firstborn when He struck down Egypt's firstborn to free His people.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Exodus, this verse recounts the tenth plague where God struck down the firstborn of Egypt as a final judgment to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery, marking the climax of their deliverance from bondage. This event not only secured the Israelites' freedom but also established a lasting covenant reminder for them to consecrate their own firstborn to God. As a result, the Israelites were commanded to redeem their firstborn sons and sacrifice the firstborn of their animals as an act of worship and remembrance.
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