Exodus 13

2 firstborn. This applied only, as afterwards explained (vers. 12, 15), when the first child was a son.

9 eyes. This figurative command is derived from the Egyptian custom of wearing jewels upon the hand and forehead. The Jews, however, of later times, interpreted it literally, wearing passages of the Law written on parchment, called phylacteries, the Greek form of the Heb. for “frontlets.” Exod. xiii. 1-16; Deut. vi. 8.

13 ass. The ass is probably put for all domestic animals (of which it was the chief) not fit for sacrifice. Hence the law is afterwards extended to the “firstling of unclean beasts” generally. See Numb. xviii. 15.

18 harnessed. Either “in an orderly manner,” or “equipped”; i.e., prepared for their march; “armed” (R.V.).

21 a pillar of a cloud. This symbol of the Divine presence, called the Shekinah, seems to have had the appearance of a lofty column.