Bible Strands

Exodus 13:10

Therefore you shall keep this statute at the appointed time year after year.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — God speaks through Moses to the Israelites in the wilderness immediately after detailing the Passover and Unleavened Bread regulations. He issues this command just before describing their imminent entry into the land of the Canaanites.

The words — The Hebrew verb שָמַרְתָּ (sha.mar.Ta) literally means "you will keep," and the phrase לְ/מוֹעֲדָהּ (le./mo.'a.Da/h) translates to "to its appointed time." These terms establish a binding obligation tied to a fixed calendar cycle.

The thread — This directive echoes the permanent statute commands found in Exodus 12:14 and Exodus 12:24, which mandate annual celebration for the LORD. It also aligns with Exodus 23:15, which reiterates keeping the Feast of Unleavened Bread at its appointed time in the month of Abib.

Why it lands — The text requires the reader to maintain a specific annual observance without interruption. It demands consistent action rather than occasional remembrance.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

King James Version

Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year.

Cross-references