Definition: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very short verse from Exodus 13:1. It's a foundational part of God’s plan to liberate the Israelites out of Egypt! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying…” This is just a fancy way of saying “God spoke to Moses.” What’s happening next? God is telling Moses that He wants to help the Israelites escape slavery. The big picture: The verse sets up the main event of the Exodus – the story of the Israelites leaving Egypt. It's like a conversation between God and Moses, indicating that God is about to take action to free them. Essentially, it’s an introduction to a crucial moment in Jewish history. It’s a sign that the time for liberation has arrived. Do you want me to explain why this verse is important or what kind of story it leads into? We could talk about: The context of the Exodus itself – why was Egypt so oppressive? What Moses is going to do in the next verse?

Definition: Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 13:10 together. It's a really important and significant passage about God’s plan for the Israelites during their time wandering in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling the Israelites, “Okay, you’re going to follow this specific set of rules – called an ordinance – for a certain period each year.” It's like a yearly schedule or guideline that God wants them to abide by. Let’s unpack it further: “Thou shalt” : This is a command from God, meaning He tells you must do something. “keep this ordinance” : This refers to a specific set of laws, rules, and practices that God has established for the Israelites. It could include things like: Harvesting: They need to harvest their crops in a certain way. Resting Days: They have designated days where they are allowed to rest. Specific Rituals: Perhaps there’s a particular ceremony or act they must perform. “in his season” : This is the key part! It means this ordinance must be followed at specific times throughout the year, not just once. God is saying it's important to keep this rule consistently. It’s like a yearly cycle of responsibility. What does this have to do with the Israelites? This verse is about God’s protection and guidance for his chosen people. It highlights: God’s Sovereignty: He has a plan for them, even when they are wandering and vulnerable. Consistency: God wants to ensure that His laws and guidelines are followed faithfully over time. Trust & Obedience: It's a reminder that the Israelites need to trust in God's plan and follow His instructions, even when it’s challenging. In short, this verse is a promise of God’s continued care and protection as he guides the Israelites through their journey. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Exodus 13? Give you some examples of what this ordinance might have been? Discuss why this verse is important in biblical history?

Definition: And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 13:11. It’s a really significant passage about God’s plan for Israel! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is promising to lead the Israelites (the people God chose) into a new land called Canaan. Let’s unpack it a little further: “And it shall be…”: This is a way of saying “It will happen.” “…when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites…” This means God is going to lead you and your people (the Israelites) to a new place – specifically, Canaan. Canaan was a region in the Middle East that was known for its rich soil and fertile lands. “…as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers…”: This is where it gets really powerful. God says, “I promise you this.” He’s making a solemn vow – a guarantee – to lead you there. He's telling you, "I guarantee that I will bring you here." “…and shall give it thee.” This means God will give you the land of Canaan. It’s a promise of ownership and a new beginning for your people. What’s the big picture? This story is part of a larger narrative about God’s plan to establish his chosen people in a new land after their enslavement in Egypt. It's a key moment where God demonstrates his power, faithfulness, and promise to his people. In short, it's a blessing – God is going to lead you into a great new place! --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Connect it to other parts of the Bible? Give you some context about why this story was important?

Definition: That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males [shall be] the LORD’S.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 13:12. It's a really important and fascinating passage about how God protects His people. Here’s what it means in plain terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God wants to protect certain things – specifically, animals – and that He will ensure they are treated with respect and holiness. It's a rule set by God to safeguard His chosen ones. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Exodus 13:12 That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix…” This is a bit tricky, but it means "that you will set aside everything that opens or reveals something." Think of it like this: "You'll be careful to keep things open and visible to God.” “…and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast;” This refers to animals – usually livestock – that are not domesticated. “Firstlings” means young, wild animals. This is the key point. “the males [shall be] the LORD’S.” This is the crucial part. It says that only male animals are considered holy and worthy of God’s attention. So, what does this all mean practically? It's about reverence: The verse emphasizes that we should treat these animals with respect and acknowledge their holiness. Protection & Vigilance: It suggests God is watching over His people and protecting them from harm. He’s establishing a level of care and defense. A Reminder to be Careful: This isn't just about keeping animals safe; it's about being mindful of who they are before they enter our community or our lives. The Context – Why is this important? This verse is part of a larger story about the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt and their survival in the wilderness. God decided to test them, and He set this rule as a way to show His power and protect them from danger. It's a symbolic act, but it carries significant weight for understanding God's presence and protection. In short, this verse is a command from God to be mindful of the holiness of animals, safeguarding those who are entrusted to Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the symbolism behind this passage (e.g., what does “the matrix” represent)? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible?

Definition: And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 13:13. It's a really important passage about how to handle livestock – specifically, sheep and goats – before they are taken to Egypt. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about safeguarding your valuable animals. It’s giving you a rule for protecting your livestock while they’re traveling to a new land where they might be vulnerable to predators. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Exodus 13:13” : This is the verse itself – a specific passage from the Book of Exodus in the Bible. “And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb…” : This tells us what to do with the animals. It means you should trade or buy one of the animals (an "ass" is a young goat) and then give the rest of it back to a lamb. “…and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck…” : This is the crucial part! If you don't manage to get rid of the animal, you have to kill it . You must break its neck. “all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.” : This emphasizes that you are responsible for protecting your own children (representing the entire human race). It means you’re safeguarding the most valuable things – your offspring – and ensuring their safety. What does this mean practically? This verse is rooted in a story about Moses leading his people out of Egypt. God told Pharaoh to keep the Israelites from leaving the land, so he commanded him to take the animals as a sign of God’s protection. This verse is an ancient law that was passed down through generations – a way for God to ensure safety and security for His chosen people. In short: It's about protecting your valuable livestock and ensuring their safety through a ritualistic act that demonstrates God’s care. Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or perhaps discuss the significance of this passage within the broader context of the Old Testament? For example, we could talk about: The symbolism behind the lamb and the goat How this verse relates to the story of Noah’s Ark

Definition: And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [is] this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 13:14. It's a really important and profound passage about God’s relationship with our ancestors in Egypt. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that when your son asks you a question about why we were exiled from Egypt , you need to tell him honestly that God helped you escape. It's about a powerful and miraculous act of rescue. Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “And it shall be when thy son asks thee in time to come…” – This tells us this is a future event, something that will happen later . It’s not happening right now. “…saying, What [is] this?”” - This is the crucial part. Your son is asking a question: “What is going on? Why are we here? Where do we go?” “That thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt…” – This is where the story gets really significant. The Lord (God) directly saved our ancestors from slavery in Egypt. He used his power to lead them out. “By strength of hand” means He used His own strength and might. So, what does it mean practically? It's a message of hope and reassurance. It’s saying: Don’t be afraid. God is working for you and your family. Even though things are tough right now, God is actively involved and has helped us overcome challenges. The Significance: This verse is seen as an ancient story of liberation and a powerful testament to God's love and faithfulness. It reminds us that God is always working for our good, even when we feel lost or helpless. It’s a foundational story in Jewish tradition and has been interpreted throughout history as a symbol of hope and resilience. In short: When your son asks a question about why you were exiled, you must tell him the truth – that God helped you escape from Egypt! --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to another Bible story?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 13:15. It's a really significant and somewhat surprising verse in the Bible! Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a dramatic event where God intervened to protect His people from a terrible threat – the Egyptian army. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go…” - This sets the scene. It's about a time when Egypt was facing a serious crisis – they were desperate for slaves and wanted to control the Israelites. “…that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt…” - This is the core of the verse. God, using His power, killed every firstborn child – meaning children born with a special marking (the firstborn) – in Egypt. This was a huge deal for the Egyptians because it meant they had a valuable workforce. “both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast…” - This is where it gets interesting. God wasn’t just killing babies; He was killing all the firstborn – both human children and animals (like livestock). “…therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix…” - This is a clever, symbolic phrase. “The matrix” refers to the entire system of things – the laws, customs, and rules that govern society. It’s like a blueprint of human life. God is saying, "I want to protect this system, this whole framework of life.” “being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.” - This is the key part. God is making a special sacrifice – he's reclaiming or redeming the firstborn sons. It’s not just about killing them; it’s about restoring them to their rightful place, meaning they are valued and protected again. In simpler terms: God is demonstrating that He values His people more than Egypt. He uses a drastic measure – killing all the firstborn – but then chooses to protect those sons through a special act of sacrifice and restoration. What’s the significance? This verse is often interpreted as a symbol of God's protection of Israel, demonstrating His power and sovereignty over nations. It also speaks to the idea that God values certain people more than others – particularly those who are connected to Him and represent his divine plan. Important Note: This passage is part of a larger story about liberation and God’s plan to free his people from oppression. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Talk about the context of this event in the Old Testament? Explore what this verse might mean today in terms of faith and values?

Definition: And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Exodus 13:16. It's a really significant moment in Jewish history! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that God miraculously delivered the Israelites – the people who followed Moses – out of slavery in Egypt. It’s like a sign or a token left behind as proof of this incredible event. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And it shall be for a token upon thine hand…” - This means leave something small and visible on your hand, like a mark. “…and for frontlets between thine eyes.” – This refers to the inner corners of your eyes. It’s a visual reminder of this miracle. “For by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.” - This is the crucial part! The Lord (God) used His power, specifically his strength, to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. So, it's a symbolic reminder: It’s a way for God to show us that He’s powerful and capable of delivering us from our difficult situations. It’s a tangible sign of His intervention and victory. Why is this important? This story is a foundational part of Jewish tradition, especially in the Passover celebration (Pesach). It symbolizes the liberation of the Israelites from oppression – a key event in their history. In short, it's a beautiful and powerful reminder that God can overcome anything! --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you some context about the story behind it? Talk about its significance for a specific event (like Passover)?

Definition: And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not [through] the way of the land of the Philistines, although that [was] near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 13:17. It’s a really important passage about divine protection and strategy during a time of conflict. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is watching over the Israelites (the people Pharaoh had released) and He’s actively guiding them away from a dangerous place. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “When Pharaoh had let the people go…” : This refers to a time when the Israelites were free to leave Egypt. They were allowed to move about, travel, and explore. “…that God led them not [through] the way of the Philistines…” : This is where it gets interesting. The Philistines are an ethnic group who lived near the coast and were often seen as enemies of the Israelites. The “way of the Philistines” meant a route they used for trade, fishing, and other activities. God was not allowing them to go through that area. “…although that [was] near…” : This is a key part. God wasn't directly telling them to avoid the Philistines. He was subtly guiding them away . “For God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:” This is the crucial part. God is warning them about a potential problem. If the Israelites do see the war coming, if they realize the danger, and then decide to turn back, God is setting a plan in motion. He's saying, "If they turn around, I will protect them." In essence, it’s about divine protection and strategic maneuvering. God was ensuring that the Israelites wouldn’t be vulnerable to harm during a time of conflict, and he was actively working to keep them safe from potential threats. Why is this important? This verse is often cited as an example of God's providence – His active involvement in events even when we don’t fully understand it. It emphasizes that God is always watching over his people, protecting them from harm, and guiding them towards a positive outcome. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Exodus? Answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: But God led the people about, [through] the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 13:18. It’s a really significant story about God’s power and a pivotal moment in Israel's history! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God used a massive storm to help the Israelites escape Egypt. Let’s unpack that a little bit: “But God led the people…” : This tells us that God wasn’t just allowing things to happen. He was actively guiding and directing the Israelites – meaning he was in control and working for them. “…through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea” : The Red Sea is a really big, dangerous body of water. This isn't just any sea; it’s the Red Sea! It separated Egypt from Israel. God used this area as a pathway to get away. “And the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.” : This is the key part. The Israelites were being forcibly taken into Egypt, and they were trapped. God actively took them out of that land. “Harnessed” means they were led and brought up – they were freed from their bondage. So, what's the big takeaway? It’s a story about God’s power to overcome obstacles and deliver his people. It’s a reminder that God can work in surprising ways to help those who are struggling. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Exodus 13? Discuss the significance of this story in more detail?