Exodus 13:12

That thou shalt set apart unto the Lord all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the Lord’s.

Cross-reference

Exodus 13:2 Parallel

Exodus 13:2 gives the initial command to consecrate all firstborn; here it's repeated with specifics for livestock.

Exodus 13:15 Historical context

Exodus 13:15 supplies the reason for this command: God struck Egypt's firstborn and spared Israel's, requiring their dedication.

Exodus 22:29 also commands giving firstborn sons and firstfruits, expanding the principle of first offerings.

Exodus 34:19 restates the same law: all firstborn male livestock belong to the LORD.

Leviticus 27:26 clarifies that firstborn animals already belong to the LORD and cannot be dedicated as a vow.

Numbers 3:12 reveals God substituted the Levites for the firstborn Israelites, making the Levites His permanent possession.

Numbers 8:17 Historical context

Numbers 8:17 gives the reason: the firstborn are consecrated because God spared them in Egypt.

Numbers 18:15 adds redemption rules for human firstborn and unclean animals, expanding the law.

Deuteronomy 15:19 repeats the dedication and prohibits using firstborn livestock for work.

Numbers 3:13 reiterates 'all the firstborn are mine,' directly echoing the claim and rationale in Exodus 13:12.

Nehemiah 10:36 Historical context

Nehemiah 10:36 records post-exile Israelites bringing firstborn to the temple, showing ongoing observance of this law.

Ezekiel 16:20 condemns Israel for sacrificing their firstborn to idols—a perversion of God's command to dedicate them.

Ezekiel 20:26 similarly indicts Israel for defiling themselves by offering firstborn to false gods, twisting the holy command.

Luke 2:23 Citation

Luke 2:23 directly quotes this law when Jesus is presented at the temple, fulfilling the requirement for the firstborn.