Exodus 13

The Israelites depart Egypt—a massive, triumphant exodus of over 600,000 men, plus women and children. This chapter establishes the law that every firstborn son and every firstborn animal belongs to the Lord, to be dedicated or redeemed. Moses leads the people, taking Joseph’s bones with him as promised centuries earlier. God guides the immense column of people by appearing as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, providing constant, visible direction for their journey through the wilderness.