Exodus 13:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt therefore keep {H8104} this ordinance {H2708} in his season {H4150} from year {H3117} to year {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore you are to observe this regulation at its proper time, year after year.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore you shall keep this statute at the appointed time year after year.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in its season from year to year.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 13:10 serves as a culminating divine injunction, powerfully reiterating the perpetual and annual obligation for Israel to observe the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This command ensures that God's monumental act of liberating His people from Egyptian bondage would remain an indelible part of their national identity, continually remembered, celebrated, and transmitted across generations as a foundational expression of their covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a significant section (Exodus 13:1-10) that immediately follows the detailed instructions for the initial Passover and the actual Exodus event described in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "The Institution of Passover and the Tenth Plague"). The preceding verses, particularly [Exodus 13:3-9](/exodus/13-3-9 "Remembering the Exodus and Unleavened Bread"), meticulously outline the command to remember the Exodus through the seven-day consumption of unleavened bread and the consecration of the firstborn, as introduced in [Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Consecration of the Firstborn"). [Exodus 13:10](/exodus/13-10 "The Perpetual Ordinance") functions as a concise summary and an emphatic reiteration of the enduring and mandatory nature of these divine decrees, solidifying their place in Israel's liturgical calendar.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, annual feasts and rituals were common, often tied to agricultural cycles, seasonal changes, or the veneration of national deities. However, Israel's feasts, especially the Passover and Unleavened Bread, distinguished themselves by focusing on a specific, historical act of divine redemption. The command to observe these "from year to year" was particularly vital for a nascent nation transitioning from slavery to a covenant people, establishing their unique identity. These annual observances served as a powerful pedagogical tool, a living curriculum that ensured the collective memory of God's covenant faithfulness and His mighty hand in their liberation would not diminish. In a culture where oral tradition and communal practices were paramount for transmitting heritage, these feasts provided a tangible, sensory, and communal experience that reinforced their identity as God's redeemed people, distinct from surrounding nations. This annual re-enactment fostered a profound sense of continuity, community, and covenant fidelity.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 13:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Remembrance**, emphasizing the critical importance of recalling God's past redemptive acts to inform present obedience and future hope. This is not merely cognitive recall but a communal re-enactment designed to embed the truth of God's deliverance into the very fabric of Israelite life. Another key theme is **Covenant Faithfulness**, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to His promises and Israel's reciprocal obligation to obey His commands. The annual observance underscores the **Perpetuity of Divine Law**, indicating that these ordinances were not temporary but foundational for all generations of Israel. Furthermore, the verse reinforces the theme of **Generational Transmission of Faith**, explicitly mandating that the story of God's salvation be passed down to children, ensuring a continuous spiritual heritage (cf. [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Teaching the Commands to Your Children")). The entire section, culminating in this verse, underscores the **Sovereignty of God** in delivering His people and His authority in establishing their worship and national identity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse, "Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year," is a concise, emphatic command that encapsulates the enduring nature of the Passover and Unleavened Bread observances.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **keep (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** H8104. This primitive root properly means "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard." More broadly, it signifies "to protect, attend to, etc." In this context, it conveys the strong sense of guarding, preserving, observing, and diligently adhering to the command. It implies a watchful, careful obedience, ensuring the ordinance is maintained without deviation or neglect.
* **ordinance (Hebrew, _chuqqâh'_):** H2708. This feminine noun, derived from a root meaning "to engrave" or "to decree," denotes "an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)." It refers to a statute, decree, or an established custom, often carrying the weight of divine origin and binding authority. The use of _chuqqâh_ here underscores the non-negotiable, fixed, and perpetual nature of the command, not merely a suggestion or a temporary measure.
* **season (Hebrew, _môwʻêd'_):** H4150. This term refers to "an appointment, i.e. a fixed time or season." More specifically, it denotes a festival, a set time, or a sacred convocation. It emphasizes that the observance was not arbitrary but was to occur at a specific, divinely designated time each year. This highlights God's orderliness and the importance of timely obedience in worship, implying a sacred calendar and rhythm for Israel's communal life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance..."**: The opening "therefore" (Hebrew: וְשָׁמַרְתָּ, _wəšāmārtā_, "and you shall keep") directly links this concluding command to the preceding detailed instructions regarding the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 13:3-9). It signifies a binding obligation, a direct consequence of God's mighty acts of deliverance. The "ordinance" refers to the entire complex of observances related to the Exodus, not as a suggestion but as a mandatory, divinely instituted statute requiring careful and diligent adherence.
* **"...in his season..."**: This phrase specifies that the observance must occur at its divinely appointed time, ensuring regularity and adherence to God's established calendar for His people. It speaks to the sacred rhythm of Israel's worship life, emphasizing that obedience is not merely about *what* is done, but also *when* it is done, according to God's precise timing.
* **"...from year to year."**: This idiomatic phrase (Hebrew: מִיָּמִים יָמִימָה, _mi-yāmîm yāmîmâ_, literally "from days to days," but functioning as "from year to year" or "annually") powerfully emphasizes the perpetual and enduring nature of the command. It was not a one-time event or a temporary measure for the generation that experienced the Exodus, but a foundational practice to be maintained annually by all succeeding generations of Israel. This ensured the memory of God's redemptive act would remain fresh, central, and continuously formative to their national and spiritual identity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Exodus 13:10 is **emphasis** through **reiteration** and **concise injunction**. The phrase "from year to year" (or similar phrasing about perpetual observance) is echoed throughout this section of Exodus (e.g., [Exodus 13:5](/exodus/13-5 "Land Flowing with Milk and Honey"), [Exodus 13:7](/exodus/13-7 "Seven Days Unleavened Bread")), underscoring the enduring and non-negotiable nature of the command. The declarative, almost legalistic, structure of the verse itself serves as a strong, concluding injunction, leaving no doubt about the expectation of continuous obedience. The use of the singular "Thou shalt" (though implying the collective Israel) personalizes the command, making it a direct charge to each individual within the community to uphold this sacred duty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 13:10 teaches several profound theological truths. Firstly, it underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and redemptive power. The command to remember annually is predicated on God's mighty act of delivering Israel from slavery, demonstrating His character as a covenant-keeping God who acts decisively on behalf of His people. Secondly, it highlights the importance of human remembrance and obedience as a grateful response to divine grace. Israel's continued freedom and blessing were intrinsically tied to their faithful observance of these commands. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the vital principle of generational transmission of faith. The feasts were designed not just for the present generation but to instill the story of God's salvation into the hearts and minds of future generations, ensuring their theological heritage and preventing spiritual amnesia.

* This theme of remembrance and perpetual observance connects deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant with His people. Just as God remembers His covenant ([Genesis 9:16](/genesis/9-16 "God Remembers His Covenant")), He calls His people to remember His acts.
* This concept is foundational to Israel's identity, echoing in the call to "remember the Lord your God" throughout Deuteronomy ([Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Remember the Lord Your God")).
* The annual cycle of feasts also foreshadows God's ongoing redemptive plan, culminating in the ultimate deliverance offered through Christ.
* The principle of remembering God's saving acts is a recurring motif in the Psalms, often serving as a basis for trust and praise ([Psalm 77:11](/psalm/77-11 "I will remember the deeds of the Lord")).
* The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of remembering Christ's work ([1 Corinthians 11:24](/1_corinthians/11-24 "Do This in Remembrance of Me")).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Exodus 13:10 transcends a mere historical command, offering profound insights into the importance of spiritual disciplines and communal remembrance in our walk with God. Just as ancient Israel was commanded to regularly recall God's mighty acts of deliverance, we are called to consistently remember God's faithfulness in our lives and in the grand narrative of salvation history. This principle translates into practical applications that foster spiritual vitality and continuity, such as engaging in consistent spiritual disciplines like daily Bible reading, prayer, meditation on God's Word, and journaling, which serve as our personal "season from year to year," keeping our spiritual memory fresh and our hearts attuned to God's presence and work, understanding these practices are not burdensome rituals but vital means of grace that reinforce our understanding of God's character and His ongoing work in our lives. Similarly, corporate worship and sacraments, particularly the Lord's Supper ([1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "Institution of the Lord's Supper")), are communal ordinances that call us to remember Christ's sacrifice and resurrection "until he comes," binding us together as the body of Christ and collectively reinforcing our shared heritage of salvation. Furthermore, intentional discipleship and mentorship encourage us to actively pass on our faith, sharing stories of God's work in our lives and in the history of salvation, ensuring that the legacy of faith continues for future generations, aligning with the command in [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Teach Your Children Diligently"), where parents are instructed to diligently teach their children about God's commands and mighty acts. The verse reminds us that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves active, consistent participation in practices that reinforce our understanding of God's character, His redemptive plan, and our place within it, calling us to cultivate a lifestyle of grateful remembrance, ensuring that God's past faithfulness fuels our present obedience and future hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific spiritual disciplines or communal practices do you consistently engage in that help you "remember" God's faithfulness in your life and in salvation history?**
* **How effectively are you passing on your faith and the stories of God's work to the next generation, whether in your family, church, or community?**
* **In what ways might a lack of consistent "remembrance" of God's past acts of deliverance impact a believer's present faith and future hope?**

### FAQ
**Why is it so important for Israel to "remember" these events annually?**

Answer: Remembering annually was crucial for several reasons. It prevented the events of the Exodus from becoming mere historical facts, transforming them into living, communal experiences. This regular re-enactment ensured that each generation, even those who didn't personally experience the Exodus, would internalize the story of God's power and faithfulness, shaping their identity as His redeemed people and reinforcing their covenant relationship. It was a primary means of spiritual formation and cultural preservation, ensuring that the foundational narrative of their existence was continually re-appropriated and lived out.

**Does "ordinance" imply that these laws are still binding on Christians today?**

Answer: The term "ordinance" (_chuqqâh_) signifies a divinely established law for ancient Israel, part of the Old Covenant. While the specific ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, like the Passover sacrifice and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, are not literally binding on Christians today (as they pointed forward to Christ), the underlying _principles_ of remembrance, gratitude, and obedience to God remain eternally relevant. Christians observe the Lord's Supper as a New Covenant "ordinance" that fulfills and reinterprets the Passover's themes of deliverance and sacrifice, embodying the spirit of remembrance in a new way.

**What is the significance of "in his season"?**

Answer: "In his season" emphasizes that God is a God of order and timing. The specific, divinely appointed time for the observance (Passover in the spring, during the month of Abib/Nisan) highlighted that worship and obedience are not arbitrary but are to be done according to God's design. It ensured uniformity across Israel, fostering a sense of national unity in worship and remembrance. This divine timing also connected the spiritual observance to the natural rhythms of the agricultural year, grounding their faith in both historical redemption and the cycles of creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 13:10, with its command for perpetual remembrance of Israel's deliverance through the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The entire system of Old Testament feasts and ordinances, including the Passover, served as a prophetic shadow, pointing to the greater reality and substance found in Christ ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Shadows of the Things to Come")). Jesus Himself becomes the ultimate "Passover Lamb," whose sinless sacrifice on the cross delivers humanity not merely from physical bondage, but from the spiritual slavery of sin and the dominion of death ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "Christ Our Passover Lamb")). His death, strategically coinciding with the Passover festival, is the supreme act of redemption, far surpassing the physical deliverance from Egypt. The "unleavened bread" of the feast, symbolizing purity and the hasty departure from sin, is beautifully fulfilled in Christ, who is the sinless "Bread of Life" that gives eternal life to those who believe ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus the Bread of Life")). The "ordinance" of remembering the Exodus "from year to year" is transformed and elevated into the New Covenant "ordinance" of the Lord's Supper. At the Last Supper, on the very night He was betrayed, Jesus instituted this new meal, commanding His disciples to "do this in remembrance of me" ([Luke 22:19](/luke/22-19 "Do This in Remembrance of Me")). Just as the Passover looked back to God's mighty act of deliverance and forward to the coming Messiah, the Lord's Supper looks back to Christ's finished work on the cross and forward to His glorious return ([1 Corinthians 11:26](/1_corinthians/11-26 "Proclaim the Lord's Death Until He Comes")). Thus, the perpetual remembrance commanded in Exodus 13:10 is not abolished but perfected and re-centered, now focusing on the person and saving work of Jesus Christ, the one who truly delivers us from the ultimate bondage to sin and death, establishing a New Covenant based on His shed blood ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 12:14

And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

Exodus 12:24

And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.

Exodus 12:25

And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service.

Exodus 23:15

Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)

Leviticus 23:6

And on the fifteenth day of the same month [is] the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.

Deuteronomy 16:3

Thou shalt eat no leavened bread with it; seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread therewith, [even] the bread of affliction; for thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt in haste: that thou mayest remember the day when thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of thy life.

Deuteronomy 16:4

And there shall be no leavened bread seen with thee in all thy coast seven days; neither shall there [any thing] of the flesh, which thou sacrificedst the first day at even, remain all night until the morning.