Exodus 34:19-20

19 "1The first offspring from every womb belongs to Me, and all your male livestock, the first offspring from cattle and sheep.
20 "2You shall redeem with a lamb the first offspring from a donkey; and if you do not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem 3all the firstborn of your sons. 4None shall appear before Me empty-handed.

Exodus 34:19-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 34

In this chapter Moses has orders to hew two tables of stone, that God might write on them the ten commands, and bring them up with him to the mount, Ex 34:1-4 where the Lord proclaimed his name, and caused his glory and his goodness to pass before him, Ex 34:5-7 when Moses took this favourable opportunity that offered to pray for the people, that God would forgive their sin, and go along with them, Ex 34:8,9 upon which he made a covenant with them, which on his part was to do wonders for them, and drive out the inhabitants of Canaan before them; and on their part, that they should have no confederacy and communion with these nations, and shun their idolatry, and everything that might lead unto it, Ex 34:10-17 and he repeated several laws before given, and urged the observance of them, which Moses was to acquaint the people with, Ex 34:18-27 and after a stay of forty days and forty nights on the mount, he came down with the two tables of the law; and the skin of his face shone so bright, that the people of Israel were afraid to come nigh him, and therefore he put a vail over his face while he conversed with them, Ex 34:28-35.

Cross References 4

  • 1. Exodus 13:2; Exodus 22:29
  • 2. Exodus 13:13
  • 3. Exodus 13:15; Numbers 3:45
  • 4. Exodus 22:29; Exodus 23:15; Deuteronomy 16:16

Footnotes 3

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