03 July 2018
The Law of the Firstborn
The Law of the Firstborn
Text: Deuteronomy 15:19-23; Exodus 13:1-2, 11-15
- Speaker:
- Rev Dr Charles Tan
- Series:
- Deuteronomy
Message Notes
THE LAW OF THE FIRSTBORN
1. This was first taught (Exodus 13:1-2, 11-15)
a) Before Israel was delivered from Egypt
b) Before the slaying of all firstborn males in Egypt
2. Essential thoughts
a) First-born males to be consecrated to the Lord (Exodus 13:1)
b) The Lord declared “They are Mine” (Exodus 13:2)
c) To be practised when Israel entered Canaan (Exodus 13:11)
d) Firstborn animals to be included (Exodus 13:11-12)
i) To be set apart for the Lord (Exodus 13:12)
ii) A donkey may be redeemed with a lamb (Exodus 13:13)
iii) The donkey is to be slain otherwise (Exodus 13:13)
e) Redemption of the first-born male (Exodus 13:14)
f) Meaning of Redemption to be explained
i) To remember how Go saved the firstborn male (Exodus 13:14-15)
ii) Therefore, all first-born males must be consecrated (Exodus 13:15)
iii) This is a special sign to be remembered forever (Exodus 13:16)
EXPLANATION OF THE LAW OF THE FIRSTBORN
1. Firstborn
a) Donkey: Not to be put to work for the owner (Deuteronomy 15:19)
b) Sheep: Not to be sheared
2. For it is consecrated to the Lord
3. Firstborn to be offered on the altar of sacrifice and its flesh consumed (Deuteronomy 15:20)
4. But it cannot be offered if it has any blemish (Deuteronomy 15:21)
5. The animal must be slain and be eaten (Deuteronomy 15:22)
6. The blood must be drained and consumed (Deuteronomy 15:23)