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 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 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.
19 "The first offspring of every womb belongs to me, including all the firstborn males of your livestock, whether from herd or flock.
19 All that openeth the matrix is mine; and every firstling among thy cattle, whether ox or sheep,
19 All that open the womb are mine, all your male
19 "Every firstborn from the womb is mine, all the males of your herds, your firstborn oxen and sheep.
19 All that open the womb are Mine, and every male firstborn among your livestock, whether ox or sheep.
19 "The firstborn of every animal belongs to me, including the firstborn males from your herds of cattle and your flocks of sheep and goats.
(Read Exodus 34:18-27)
Once a week they must rest, even in ploughing time, and in harvest. All worldly business must give way to that holy rest; even harvest work will prosper the better, for the religious observance of the sabbath day in harvest time. We must show that we prefer our communion with God, and our duty to him, before the business or the joy of harvest. Thrice a year they must appear before the Lord God, the God of Israel. Canaan was a desirable land, and the neighbouring nations were greedy; yet God says, They shall not desire it. Let us check all sinful desires against God and his glory, in our hearts, and then trust him to check all sinful desires in the hearts of others against us. The way of duty is the way of safety. Those who venture for him never lose by him. Three feasts are here mentioned: 1. The Passover, in remembrance of the deliverance out of Egypt. 2. The feast of weeks, or the feast of Pentecost; added to it is the law of the first-fruits. 3. The feast of in-gathering, or the feast of Tabernacles. Moses is to write these words, that the people might know them better. We can never be enough thankful to God for the written word. God would make a covenant with Israel, in Moses as a mediator. Thus the covenant of grace is made with believers through Christ.
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.