Joseph's bones carried with the Israelites, (17–20)
They come to Etham.
God guideth the Israelites by a pillar of (21, 22)
cloud fire.Verses 1–10
In remembrance of the destruction of the first-born of Egypt, both of man and of beast, and the
deliverance of the Israelites out of bondage, the first-born males of the Israelites were set apart to
the Lord. By this was set before them, that their lives were preserved through the ransom of the
atonement, which in due time was to be made for sin. They were also to consider their lives, thus
ransomed from death, as now to be consecrated to the service of God. The parents were not to look
upon themselves as having any right in their first-born, till they solemnly presented them to God,
and allowed his title to them. That which is, by special mercy, spared to us, should be applied to
God's honour; at least, some grateful acknowledgment, in works of piety and charity, should be
made. The remembrance of their coming out of Egypt must be kept up every year. The day of
Christ's resurrection is to be remembered, for in it we were raised up with Christ out of death's
house of bondage. The Scripture tells us not expressly what day of the year Christ rose, but it states
particularly what day of the week it was; as the more valuable deliverance, it should be remembered
weekly. The Israelites must keep the feast of unleavened bread. Under the gospel, we must not only
remember Christ, but observe his holy supper. Do this in remembrance of him. Also care must be
taken to teach children the knowledge of God. Here is an old law for catechising. It is of great use
to acquaint children betimes with the histories of the Bible. And those who have God's law in their
heart should have it in their mouth, and often speak of it, to affect themselves, and to teach others.
Verses 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.
Verses 17–20
There were two ways from Egypt to Canaan. One was only a few days' journey; the other was
much further about, through the wilderness, and that was the way in which God chose to lead his
people Israel. The Egyptians were to be drowned in the Red sea; the Israelites were to be humbled
and proved in the wilderness. God's way is the right way, though it seems about. If we think he
leads not his people the nearest way, yet we may be sure he leads them the best way, and so it will
appear when we come to our journey's end. The Philistines were powerful enemies; it was needful
that the Israelites should be prepared for the wars of Canaan, by passing through the difficulties of
the wilderness. Thus God proportions his people's trials to their strength, 1Co 10:13. They went
up in good order. They went up in five in a rank, some; in five bands, so others, which it seems