Exodus 13:5 - It shall be, when Yahweh shall bring you into the land of the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Amorite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall keep this service in this month.
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What does "Exodus 13:5" mean?
This verse, Exodus 13:5, is part of a larger passage (Exodus 13:1-16) concerning the dedication of the firstborn and the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover). Let's break down the verse's meaning:
"It shall be, when Yahweh shall bring you into the land of the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Amorite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite...": This sets the scene. It's a promise and a prophecy. Yahweh (God) is assuring the Israelites that He will lead them into the promised land. The mention of these specific Canaanite groups emphasizes the formidable presence of other peoples already inhabiting the land. This is not going to be an empty or easily acquired territory. It highlights the need for God's power and guidance to displace these established nations.
"...which he swore to your fathers to give you...": This reinforces the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites. The promise to give them this land wasn't a new idea; it was a fulfillment of an oath made to their ancestors (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). This adds weight and authority to the promise. It also connects the current generation to their history and destiny.
"...a land flowing with milk and honey...": This is a classic descriptor of the promised land, symbolizing its abundance and fertility. "Milk and honey" represents the blessings and prosperity that God will bestow upon them in the land. It paints a picture of a land of plenty, where their needs will be met.
"...that you shall keep this service in this month.": This refers to the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is described in the preceding verses. The "service" (or "rite") includes eating unleavened bread for seven days and dedicating the firstborn to God. This part emphasizes that upon entering the promised land, their first priority should be to remember God's deliverance and keep the ordinances connected to the Exodus from Egypt. In this specific context, the phrase "this month" most likely refers to the month of Aviv (later called Nisan), the month in which the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are celebrated.
In essence, the verse means:
When God fulfills his promise and brings you into the land he swore to give your ancestors—a land of great abundance—remember to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover) in the appointed month as a way of remembering and honoring God's deliverance and the sacrifices involved in your redemption from slavery.
Key Takeaways:
Promise and Fulfillment: God will fulfill his promise to give the Israelites the land.
Covenant Relationship: This promise is based on a covenant with their ancestors.
Abundance: The land is rich and fertile, symbolizing God's blessing.
Remembrance and Obedience: Upon entering the land, they are to immediately observe the prescribed rituals to remember God's deliverance and to demonstrate their obedience to Him. Their prosperity in the new land is directly linked to their faithfulness to God's commands.
Exodus 13:5 - It shall be, when Yahweh shall bring you into the land of the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Amorite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall keep this service in this month.
What does "Exodus 13:5" mean?
This verse, Exodus 13:5, is part of a larger passage (Exodus 13:1-16) concerning the dedication of the firstborn and the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover). Let's break down the verse's meaning:
"It shall be, when Yahweh shall bring you into the land of the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Amorite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite...": This sets the scene. It's a promise and a prophecy. Yahweh (God) is assuring the Israelites that He will lead them into the promised land. The mention of these specific Canaanite groups emphasizes the formidable presence of other peoples already inhabiting the land. This is not going to be an empty or easily acquired territory. It highlights the need for God's power and guidance to displace these established nations.
"...which he swore to your fathers to give you...": This reinforces the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites. The promise to give them this land wasn't a new idea; it was a fulfillment of an oath made to their ancestors (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). This adds weight and authority to the promise. It also connects the current generation to their history and destiny.
"...a land flowing with milk and honey...": This is a classic descriptor of the promised land, symbolizing its abundance and fertility. "Milk and honey" represents the blessings and prosperity that God will bestow upon them in the land. It paints a picture of a land of plenty, where their needs will be met.
"...that you shall keep this service in this month.": This refers to the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is described in the preceding verses. The "service" (or "rite") includes eating unleavened bread for seven days and dedicating the firstborn to God. This part emphasizes that upon entering the promised land, their first priority should be to remember God's deliverance and keep the ordinances connected to the Exodus from Egypt. In this specific context, the phrase "this month" most likely refers to the month of Aviv (later called Nisan), the month in which the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are celebrated.
In essence, the verse means:
When God fulfills his promise and brings you into the land he swore to give your ancestors—a land of great abundance—remember to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover) in the appointed month as a way of remembering and honoring God's deliverance and the sacrifices involved in your redemption from slavery.
Key Takeaways:
Promise and Fulfillment: God will fulfill his promise to give the Israelites the land.
Covenant Relationship: This promise is based on a covenant with their ancestors.
Abundance: The land is rich and fertile, symbolizing God's blessing.
Remembrance and Obedience: Upon entering the land, they are to immediately observe the prescribed rituals to remember God's deliverance and to demonstrate their obedience to Him. Their prosperity in the new land is directly linked to their faithfulness to God's commands.