13:15 The Lord’s judgment on the firstborn in Egypt is the explanation for His claim on the firstborn in Israel, a claim made both as Creator and as Judge. Israel was not exempted from the death sentence on the firstborn in Egypt. The firstborn were spared only through the blood of the Passover lamb. Subsequent generations must also be redeemed, either through the life consecration of the Levites, chosen by God in place of the firstborn (Num. 3:11–13), or through the redemption price of five shekels (Num. 3:46–51).