Numbers 3:13

for all the firstborn are Mine. On the day I struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They are Mine; I am the LORD."

Study Bible

For all the firstborn are Mine
The phrase "all the firstborn are Mine" signifies God's sovereign claim over the firstborn of Israel. In the Hebrew context, the firstborn held a place of prominence and responsibility within the family structure. The Hebrew word for "firstborn" is "bekor," which denotes not only birth order but also a special status of inheritance and leadership. This declaration by God underscores His authority and the special consecration of the firstborn to His service, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God's ownership and lordship over all creation.

on the day I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt
This phrase recalls the pivotal event of the Passover, where God executed judgment on Egypt by striking down the firstborn, as recorded in Exodus 12. The Hebrew verb "nakah," translated as "struck down," conveys a decisive act of divine judgment. This historical event is foundational in Israel's identity, marking their deliverance from slavery and God's power over the gods of Egypt. It serves as a reminder of God's justice and mercy, as He spared the Israelites through the blood of the Passover lamb, a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrificial death.

I sanctified them for Myself
The term "sanctified" comes from the Hebrew root "qadash," meaning to set apart or make holy. In this context, God is declaring that He has set apart the firstborn for His purposes. This sanctification is not merely a ritualistic act but a divine claim and dedication to God's service. It reflects the broader biblical principle that God's people are called to be holy and set apart for His glory. This sanctification of the firstborn is a precursor to the establishment of the Levitical priesthood, which would serve as mediators between God and Israel, pointing ultimately to the priesthood of all believers in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who claims ownership of the firstborn.

2. Firstborn of Israel
Refers to the firstborn sons and animals of the Israelites, set apart for God.

3. Egypt
The land where God executed judgment by striking down the firstborn, leading to the Exodus.

4. Sanctification
The act of setting apart the firstborn for God's purposes, signifying holiness and dedication.

5. Exodus Event
The historical event where God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, marked by the Passover.

Teaching Points

Divine Ownership
God claims ownership over the firstborn, symbolizing His authority and sovereignty over all creation. Believers are reminded that their lives belong to God, and they are to live in a way that honors Him.

Sanctification and Holiness
The setting apart of the firstborn illustrates the call to holiness. Christians are called to be set apart from the world, living lives that reflect God's holiness.

Remembrance of Deliverance
The sanctification of the firstborn serves as a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance from Egypt. Similarly, believers are to remember and celebrate their deliverance from sin through Christ.

Christ as the Firstborn
Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the firstborn, being the firstborn over all creation and the firstborn from the dead. This highlights His preeminence and the new life believers have in Him.

Stewardship of Life
Recognizing that we belong to God calls for responsible stewardship of our lives, time, and resources, using them for His glory and purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of the firstborn belonging to God in Numbers 3:13 relate to the idea of believers being set apart for God today?

2. In what ways can we practically live out the principle of being "sanctified" or set apart for God in our daily lives?

3. How does the Exodus event and the sanctification of the firstborn serve as a foreshadowing of Christ's work of redemption?

4. What are some practical ways we can remember and celebrate our deliverance from sin, similar to how the Israelites remembered their deliverance from Egypt?

5. How does understanding that we are "bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) influence our decisions and priorities as Christians?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 13:2
This verse commands the consecration of the firstborn to God, establishing the principle seen in Numbers 3:13.

Luke 2:23
Refers to Jesus being presented in the temple, fulfilling the law of the firstborn's consecration.

Hebrews 12:23
Mentions the "church of the firstborn," connecting the concept of firstborn to the New Covenant believers.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Discusses believers being bought with a price, paralleling the idea of belonging to God.