Numbers 3:13

Because all the firstborn [are] mine; [for] on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I [am] the LORD.

Because all the firstborn {H1060} are mine; for on the day {H3117} that I smote {H5221} all the firstborn {H1060} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} I hallowed {H6942} unto me all the firstborn {H1060} in Israel {H3478}, both man {H120} and beast {H929}: mine shall they be: I am the LORD {H3068}.

All the firstborn males belong to me, because on the day that I killed all the firstborn males in the land of Egypt, I separated for myself all the firstborn males in Isra'el, both human and animal. They are mine; I am ADONAI."

for all the firstborn are Mine. On the day I struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They are Mine; I am the LORD.”

for all the first-born are mine; on the day that I smote all the first-born in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the first-born in Israel, both man and beast; mine they shall be: I am Jehovah.

Commentary

Numbers 3:13 is a crucial verse explaining God's claim over the firstborn of Israel and the basis for the Levites' special role. It links the dedication of the firstborn directly to the pivotal event of the Exodus from Egypt.

Context

This verse is found in Numbers chapter 3, which details the census of the tribe of Levi and the assignment of their duties concerning the Tabernacle. Prior to this, God had established that all the firstborn males of Israel, both human and animal, belonged to Him. This chapter introduces the Levites as a substitute for the firstborn of the other tribes, taking on the responsibility of serving God in the Tabernacle in their place. Verse 13 provides the divine rationale and historical grounding for this claim and substitution.

Key Themes

  • Divine Ownership: God declares His absolute ownership over the firstborn, asserting His sovereign right based on a past act of judgment and redemption.
  • Remembrance of the Exodus: The verse explicitly ties God's claim on the firstborn to the night He struck down the firstborn of Egypt. This event served as a dramatic demonstration of His power and a catalyst for Israel's liberation.
  • Consecration and Hallowing: By claiming the firstborn, God "hallowed" them, meaning He set them apart for Himself. This principle of setting apart the firstborn was established earlier (see Exodus 13:2).
  • Substitution: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, its context in Numbers 3 highlights that the Levites were consecrated and taken by God as a substitute for the firstborn of all the other tribes, fulfilling this claim (see Numbers 3:11-12).

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "hallowed" (Hebrew: קָדַשׁ, qadash) means to set apart, consecrate, or make holy. Here, it signifies God claiming the firstborn as specially dedicated and belonging to Him. The declaration "I am the LORD" (Hebrew: Χ™Φ°Χ”Χ•ΦΈΧ”, Yahweh) emphasizes God's unique identity, authority, and covenant faithfulness as the one true God.

Reflection & Application

This verse reminds us that God's claims are often rooted in His redemptive acts. Just as He claimed the firstborn because He saved Israel from death in Egypt, His work of salvation establishes His claim on the lives of those He redeems. The principle of substitution, seen in the Levites taking the place of the firstborn, points forward to greater biblical themes, ultimately finding its fulfillment in Christ, the "firstborn among many brethren," who redeemed us and set us apart for God through His own sacrifice.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 2:23

    (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

  • Exodus 13:12

    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.

  • Exodus 13:2

    Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, [both] of man and of beast: it [is] mine.

  • Leviticus 27:26

    ΒΆ Only the firstling of the beasts, which should be the LORD'S firstling, no man shall sanctify it; whether [it be] ox, or sheep: it [is] the LORD'S.

  • Exodus 13:15

    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.

  • Numbers 18:15

    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.

  • Hebrews 12:23

    To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
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