Exodus 13:2 - Firstborn

[praise_Jesus_1]

God says "Sanctify to me every firstborn … " after the Israelites were free from Egypt.
This included both man and beast. From my understanding the animals were sacrificed and in the case of people an offering was made to God to ransom them.

Can anyone explain what exactly is going on here any further? Is this in any way similar to the case with Abram when God asked Abram to sacrifice his son Isaac to test his devotion?

Thanks in advance.

 

[tobinatorstark]

God says "Sanctify to me every firstborn … " after the Israelites were free from Egypt.
This included both man and beast. From my understanding the animals were sacrificed and in the case of people an offering was made to God to ransom them.

Can anyone explain what exactly is going on here any further? Is this in any way similar to the case with Abram when God asked Abram to sacrifice his son Isaac to test his devotion?

Thanks in advance.

From the Douay-Rheims Challoner

2 Sanctify unto me every firstborn that openeth the womb among the children of Israel, as well of men as of beasts: for they are all mine.

2 “Sanctify unto me every firstborn”… Sanctification in this place means that the firstborn males of the Hebrews should be deputed to the ministry in the divine worship; and the firstborn of beasts to be given for a sacrifice.

From the Haydock Bible Bible Commentary

Ver. 2. Sanctify unto me every first-born. Sanctification in this place means, that the first-born males of the Hebrews should be deputed to the ministry in the divine worship: and the first-born of beasts to be given for a sacrifice. (Challoner) — Sanctify, set apart. (Menochius) — Openeth, the first male fruit of the womb. If a female was born the first, none of the children were to be redeemed. (Luke ii. 23.) Jesus Christ submitted to this law; though many of the fathers have asserted that, on account of his miraculous conception and birth, he was not subjected to it; while others maintain the contrary. (Calmet)