Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem.
Every firstborn child and firstborn animal that people bring to the LORD belongs to you. However, you must buy back every firstborn human child, and you must also buy back the firstborn of any unclean animals.
God is telling the priests that firstborn children and animals belong to them, but human babies and unclean animals must be bought back with a payment.
📚 Historical Context
In the ancient Israelite community, after their deliverance from Egypt, God established the Levites, particularly Aaron and his descendants, as priests to handle sacred duties and receive designated portions from the people. This verse is part of instructions outlining what belonged to the priests, including the firstborn of humans and animals as a reminder of God's redemption of Israel during the Passover. However, it required the redemption of human firstborn and unclean animals through a substitute, emphasizing God's holiness and the need to separate the sacred from the common.
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