Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Exodus

Exodus 
Day 
Day 101

"This also comes from the LORD of hosts, who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance." Isaiah 28:29

Text: Exodus 13 : 14-15

MAKING SURE THE CHILDREN UNDERSTAND

It was more than tradition that God wanted the children of Israel to preserve! Religious tradition is well and good, but there must be deep understanding of God as well. Hence solid teaching must be given to the children of Israel.

“So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying,
‘What is this?’ that you shall say to him,
‘By strength of hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt,
out of the house of bondage. And it came to pass, when Pharaoh
was stubborn about letting us go, that the LORD killed 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 males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons
I redeem.'”
EXODUS 13:14-15

1. Anticipating the questions of the children

Out of natural curiosity, children will ask questions! They will ask about the meaning of “consecration” and “redemption”.

2. Answering questions insightfully

a) “Pharaoh was stubborn”
The fact that Pharaoh did not let the children go, till after the tenth plague was evidence of his stubbornness!
b) “By strength of hand”
Pharaoh was full of himself and his strength. He did rule a mighty empire. Egypt was indeed rich and powerful! But his strength compared to God’s is puny! Pharaoh seemed to understand things only when he is finally convinced by a show of strength!
c) “The LORD killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt”
There is no mincing of words here! The death of all the firstborn was an act of God! (But that does not necessarily make God guilty!)
d) “Therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all males…”
The firstborn of the animals are killed, in remembrance of how the Lord killed all the firstborn! (They may be redeemed though.)
e) “All the firstborn of my sons I redeem”
The firstborn sons were redeemed by parents who possessed faith in the Lord. These were great lessons that must be passed from generation to generation. This knowledge and faith would enhance the value of traditional religious practices!