Exodus chapter 13

After reading chapter 13:

*The first part of the chapter looks into the future and introduces us to the first Israelite rules. They begin with instructions for the seven day feast of unleavened bread, again. This must be observed at the proper time, year after year. Next, the Israelites are told that all first born males of people and animals belong to Yahweh. Make no mistake, this represents a physical sacrifice (slaughter). However, a lamb may be sacrificed in place of a donkey. If a firstborn male donkey is not redeemed by a lamb, it's neck must be broken. Lovely. First born sons are not to be sacrificed but also redeemed by the blood of a lamb. Part of the ritual is answering children's questions about those practices in the proscribed manner.

*When the Israelites left Egypt they did not take the quick route to Canaan because of the possibility of war. Instead, God led them around by the desert road. They were armed for battle any way. The bones of Joseph were taken with them to fulfill his dying request. One wonders what the point of that was. Could it be the Israelites and Joseph believed that wherever Joseph's bones were, he was?

*All of the million-plus people camped at the edge of the desert. They were guided by Yahweh in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night, so they could see in the dark. It did not leave them.

NOTE: I am in the habit of going back to previous posts to edit for grammar, spelling, and fact checking. From now on, I will include the last date of editing at the bottom of each post.