What Was Consecrated to God?
Consecration in Scripture refers to setting something apart exclusively for God’s purposes. In the context of the Exodus story—particularly Exodus 13—God established a lasting principle for Israel: certain people, animals, and practices were to be dedicated entirely to Him. This command was rooted in both remembrance and redemption.
1. The Firstborn Were Consecrated to God
a. The Firstborn of Israel
After the deliverance from Egypt and the death of Egypt’s firstborn, God told Moses:
“Consecrate to Me all the firstborn. Whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.” — Exodus 13:2
This declaration made clear that every firstborn male, whether of human families or of livestock, was to be regarded as belonging to God. This was not merely symbolic—it created a permanent reminder of God’s rescue of Israel during the final plague.
b. Why the Firstborn?
The firstborn were consecrated because God had spared them during the Passover:
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Egypt’s firstborn died.
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Israel’s firstborn lived because of the blood on the doorposts.
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Therefore, the firstborn were seen as redeemed lives, and redeemed lives belong to God.
Consecration was a form of thanksgiving and acknowledgment of God’s saving power.
2. Firstborn Animals Were Set Apart as God’s Special Possession
a. Clean Animals
The firstborn male animals of clean species—such as lambs, goats, and oxen—were to be sacrificed as offerings to God (Exodus 13:12). These animals were not to be used for ordinary purposes because they were set aside for holy use.
b. Unclean Animals
Since unclean animals could not be sacrificed, God provided an alternative:
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The firstborn of a donkey, for example, had to be redeemed with a lamb.
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If the owner did not redeem it, the animal had to be destroyed (Exodus 13:13).
This procedure reinforced the idea that everything that opened the womb still belonged to God, whether directly or through substitution.
3. The Firstborn Sons Were Also Consecrated – Through Redemption
Unlike animals, human firstborn sons were not sacrificed. Instead, they were redeemed, often through a payment or offering made at the sanctuary.
This redemption ceremony reminded each generation:
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That their families had been spared in Egypt,
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That God delivered Israel at the cost of Egypt’s firstborn,
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That life itself was a gift belonging to God.
The act of redeeming the firstborn son was a solemn acknowledgment of God’s ownership and grace.
4. The Purpose of This Consecration
a. A Permanent Memorial
Consecrating the firstborn served as a living memorial of the Exodus. It ensured that future generations would not forget God’s saving act.
b. A Teaching Opportunity
The practice came with a built-in teaching moment. When children asked, “Why do we do this?” parents would explain:
“By strength of hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” — Exodus 13:14
Consecration was therefore both an act of worship and a method of preserving the nation’s spiritual memory.
c. A Declaration of God’s Ownership
The firstborn represented the whole family. Offering or redeeming them symbolized that all of Israel belonged to God, not just the firstborn.
5. Summary: What Was Consecrated to God?
| Category | How It Was Consecrated | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Firstborn males of Israel | Redeemed | Because God spared them during Passover |
| Firstborn male animals (clean) | Sacrificed to God | Dedicated as holy offerings |
| Firstborn male animals (unclean) | Redeemed with a substitute or destroyed | Still belonged to God by principle |
| The nation itself (symbolically) | Represented by the firstborn | God redeemed all Israel from slavery |
Conclusion
What was consecrated to God?
All firstborn males—human and animal—were set apart as belonging to the Lord. This act served as a continual reminder of God’s power, mercy, and deliverance during the Exodus. Through consecration, Israel acknowledged that their lives and freedom were gifts from God, and that He alone was their Redeemer.