12 That thou shalt set apart unto the Lord all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the Lord's.
12 you are to give over to the Lord the first offspring of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the Lord.
12 you shall set apart to the Lord all that first opens the womb. All the firstborn of your animals that are males shall be the Lord's.
12 you are to set aside the first birth out of every womb to God. Every first birth from your livestock belongs to God.
12 that you shall set apart to the Lord all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the Lord's.
12 you must present all firstborn sons and firstborn male animals to the Lord, for they belong to him.
29 Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.
29 "Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats.
29 "You shall not delay to offer from the fullness of your harvest and from the outflow of your presses. The firstborn of your sons you shall give to me.
29 "Don't be stingy as your wine vats fill up.
29 "You shall not delay to offer the first of your ripe produce and your juices. The firstborn of your sons you shall give to Me.
29 "You must not hold anything back when you give me offerings from your crops and your wine. "You must give me your firstborn sons.
Judicial laws.
The people of God should ever be ready to show mildness and mercy, according to the spirit of these laws. We must answer to God, not only for what we do maliciously, but for what we do heedlessly. Therefore, when we have done harm to our neighbour, we should make restitution, though not compelled by law. Let these scriptures lead our souls to remember, that if the grace of God has indeed appeared to us, then it has taught us, and enabled us so to conduct ourselves by its holy power, that denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, Titus 2:12. And the grace of God teaches us, that as the Lord is our portion, there is enough in him to satisfy all the desires of our souls.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 13:12
Commentary on Exodus 13:11-16
(Read Exodus 13:11-16)
The firstlings of beast not used in sacrifice, were to be changed for others so used, or they were to be destroyed. Our souls are forfeited to God's justice, and unless ransomed by the sacrifice of Christ, will certainly perish. These institutions would continually remind them of their duty, to love and serve the Lord. In like manner, baptism and the Lord's supper, if explained and attended to, would remind us, and give us occasion to remind one another of our profession and duty.