Definition: Because all the firstborn [are] mine; [for] on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I [am] the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 3:13. It’s a really significant passage in Jewish tradition and has a lot of meaning! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God's special covenant with the Israelites – the people who were leading in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. It speaks to a specific event that marked a huge turning point in their history. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Because all the firstborn [are] mine…” - This means that God is giving the Israelites a special, exclusive privilege – they are all the firstborn. "Firstborn" historically referred to infants, but in this context, it's about being the most important and favored people. “…for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt…” - This is a crucial part. God destroyed the firstborn of Egypt. This wasn’t just a random act; it was a deliberate act to secure the future of the Israelites. Think of it like a special blessing – this destruction was a sign that God was protecting them. “…I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast:” - This is where it gets really powerful. God celebrates and humbles (makes sacred) the firstborn of Israel. He’s giving them a special, revered status – they are not just valued as children but are considered incredibly important. “Hallowed” means to make something holy or sacred. “…mine shall they be: I [am] the LORD.” - This is the most famous part. God declares that he (the Lord) is the one who has made this covenant with them. He’s asserting his authority and control over these people. The “I” is a declaration of ownership – God is the owner, and he's making this arrangement for his own purposes. In simpler terms, it means: God is giving the Israelites a special, exclusive blessing and protection. He’s making them incredibly important to him, and he’s establishing a covenant (a promise) with them that includes giving them a special status and placing them under his control. It's a foundational moment in Jewish history – it establishes God as the ultimate ruler of the world and the people of Israel. Why is this verse important? It’s a story of divine protection, covenant, and establishing a relationship with a chosen people. It speaks to themes of blessing, inheritance, and the importance of being favored by God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Talk about its significance within Judaism or Christianity? Give you some historical context for when this passage was written?