Thou shalt therfore keepe this ordinance in his season from yeere to yere. Exodus 13:10 (KJV)
The verse belongs to the Exodus narrative that recounts Israel’s liberation from Egyptian bondage and their journey toward the Promised Land. In this passage God commands the people to observe a specific ordinance at its appointed time each year.
Divine Ordinance: God established a series of commands for Israel that carried both practical and spiritual weight. The ordinance referenced in Exodus 13:10 is linked to the consecration of the firstborn, a theme introduced in the preceding verses. This command underscores God’s intention that certain acts of remembrance be performed regularly, reinforcing the covenant relationship between Him and His people.
Observing the Ordinance: The Israelites were to keep this ordinance in its season, ensuring faithful observance year after year. The purpose was to memorialize God’s deliverance from Egypt and the sparing of the Israelite firstborns during the final plague. By marking the occasion annually, the community would retain a vivid awareness of the miraculous rescue and the cost of their freedom.
Commemorating God’s Deliverance: The regular observance served as a tangible reminder of God’s mighty act of liberation and His steadfast faithfulness. It prevented the people from forgetting the significance of their redemption and the covenant promises that accompanied it.
Significance for Christians: Although the ordinance was given under the Old Covenant, it offers enduring spiritual lessons. It highlights the importance of remembering and celebrating God’s redemptive work. Christians are likewise called to recall God’s ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ—His sacrificial death on the cross that provides salvation and freedom from sin.
Application:
Believers can apply the principle of regular remembrance by engaging in practices such as observing the Lord’s Supper, celebrating key Christian festivals, participating in worship and reflection times, and maintaining personal devotional habits. These disciplines nurture gratitude and keep the reality of God’s saving work at the forefront of daily life.
In summary, Exodus 13:10 emphasizes the necessity of observing divinely appointed ordinances and continually commemorating God’s deliverance. While the specific ordinance pertained to Israel’s firstborn consecration, the broader principle of remembering and celebrating God’s redemptive acts remains relevant for Christians today.
