Exodus 34:20 - You shall redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb. If you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before me empty.
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What does "Exodus 34:20" mean?
This verse from Exodus 34:20 is part of a larger section outlining laws related to agriculture, Sabbath observance, and festivals. It addresses the redemption of firstborn animals and sons, and the requirement to bring an offering when appearing before God. Let's break down each part:
"You shall redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb."
Firstborn of a Donkey: According to the Law, all firstborn animals belonged to God. However, donkeys, being considered unclean animals (unsuitable for sacrifice), were not directly offered as sacrifices.
Redeem with a Lamb: Instead, the owner had to redeem (buy back) the donkey by offering a lamb as a substitute sacrifice. The lamb was acceptable to God, and the donkey could then be kept for the owner's use.
"If you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck."
Consequence of Not Redeeming: If the owner refused to redeem the donkey with a lamb, they were required to break its neck, essentially destroying it. This ensured that the animal, dedicated to God by its firstborn status, would not be used for the owner's personal gain without proper redemption.
"You shall redeem all the firstborn of your sons."
Firstborn Sons: Like the firstborn of animals, the firstborn sons were also considered to belong to God. However, human sacrifice was abhorrent to God.
Redemption Required: The firstborn son was redeemed or bought back from God through a specific offering or payment (Numbers 18:15-16 specifies a payment of five shekels of silver). This act acknowledged God's ownership and provided a way for the son to remain within the family.
"No one shall appear before me empty."
Appearing Before God: This refers to approaching God in worship, particularly during the appointed festivals.
Offering Required: This commandment emphasizes that whenever someone came before God, they were to bring an offering as a sign of honor, gratitude, and recognition of God's provision. Coming "empty" was seen as disrespectful and showed a lack of appreciation for God's blessings.
In summary, the verse highlights the following principles:
God's Ownership: All firstborn, both animals and sons, belong to God.
Redemption: A mechanism for reclaiming what belonged to God through a substitute sacrifice (lamb for a donkey) or payment (for a son).
Reverence and Gratitude: The requirement to bring an offering when appearing before God emphasized the importance of honoring Him and acknowledging His provision.
Symbolic Significance:
Beyond the literal meaning, this verse also has symbolic significance:
Sacrifice: The concept of redemption through sacrifice foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who redeemed humanity from sin through his death on the cross.
Consecration: The dedication of the firstborn to God symbolizes the concept of consecration – setting something apart for God's special use.
Reverence and Worship: The requirement of an offering emphasizes the importance of approaching God with a spirit of reverence, gratitude, and generosity.
Exodus 34:20 - You shall redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb. If you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before me empty.
What does "Exodus 34:20" mean?
This verse from Exodus 34:20 is part of a larger section outlining laws related to agriculture, Sabbath observance, and festivals. It addresses the redemption of firstborn animals and sons, and the requirement to bring an offering when appearing before God. Let's break down each part:
"You shall redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb."
Firstborn of a Donkey: According to the Law, all firstborn animals belonged to God. However, donkeys, being considered unclean animals (unsuitable for sacrifice), were not directly offered as sacrifices.
Redeem with a Lamb: Instead, the owner had to redeem (buy back) the donkey by offering a lamb as a substitute sacrifice. The lamb was acceptable to God, and the donkey could then be kept for the owner's use.
"If you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck."
Consequence of Not Redeeming: If the owner refused to redeem the donkey with a lamb, they were required to break its neck, essentially destroying it. This ensured that the animal, dedicated to God by its firstborn status, would not be used for the owner's personal gain without proper redemption.
"You shall redeem all the firstborn of your sons."
Firstborn Sons: Like the firstborn of animals, the firstborn sons were also considered to belong to God. However, human sacrifice was abhorrent to God.
Redemption Required: The firstborn son was redeemed or bought back from God through a specific offering or payment (Numbers 18:15-16 specifies a payment of five shekels of silver). This act acknowledged God's ownership and provided a way for the son to remain within the family.
"No one shall appear before me empty."
Appearing Before God: This refers to approaching God in worship, particularly during the appointed festivals.
Offering Required: This commandment emphasizes that whenever someone came before God, they were to bring an offering as a sign of honor, gratitude, and recognition of God's provision. Coming "empty" was seen as disrespectful and showed a lack of appreciation for God's blessings.
In summary, the verse highlights the following principles:
God's Ownership: All firstborn, both animals and sons, belong to God.
Redemption: A mechanism for reclaiming what belonged to God through a substitute sacrifice (lamb for a donkey) or payment (for a son).
Reverence and Gratitude: The requirement to bring an offering when appearing before God emphasized the importance of honoring Him and acknowledging His provision.
Symbolic Significance:
Beyond the literal meaning, this verse also has symbolic significance:
Sacrifice: The concept of redemption through sacrifice foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who redeemed humanity from sin through his death on the cross.
Consecration: The dedication of the firstborn to God symbolizes the concept of consecration – setting something apart for God's special use.
Reverence and Worship: The requirement of an offering emphasizes the importance of approaching God with a spirit of reverence, gratitude, and generosity.