“Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year.”
Context:The verse is part of the narrative of the Exodus, which describes the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their journey towards the Promised Land. In this specific verse, God is instructing the Israelites to observe a particular ordinance at its appointed time every year.
Key Points:
- Divine Ordinance:God established various ordinances or commands for the Israelites to follow. These ordinances had both practical and spiritual significance. In this case, the ordinance mentioned in Exodus 13:10 is related to the consecration of the firstborn, which is further elaborated in the preceding verses.
- Observing the Ordinance:The Israelites were to keep this ordinance in its appointed season, ensuring that it was observed faithfully from year to year. The purpose of the ordinance was to remember and commemorate God’s deliverance from Egypt and the sparing of the Israelite firstborns during the final plague.
- Commemorating God’s Deliverance:The ordinance served as a reminder of God’s mighty act of liberation and His faithfulness towards His people. By observing it regularly, the Israelites would never forget the significance of their redemption and the covenant relationship they had with God.
- Significance for Christians:While this ordinance was given to the Israelites under the Old Covenant, it can still hold spiritual lessons for Christians today. It highlights the importance of remembering and celebrating the redemptive acts of God in our lives. Christians are called to remember God’s ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death on the cross, which offers salvation and freedom from sin.
Application:As believers, we can apply the principle of regular remembrance and celebration in our spiritual lives. This can be done through various means, such as observing the Lord’s Supper or Communion, celebrating significant Christian holidays, participating in times of worship and reflection, and personal devotional practices. These practices help us maintain a deep sense of gratitude and awareness of God’s saving work in our lives.
In summary, Exodus 13:10 emphasises the importance of observing the divinely appointed ordinances and commemorating God’s deliverance. While the specific ordinance mentioned here was for the Israelites, the principle of remembering and celebrating God’s redemptive acts can be applied in the lives of Christians today.
