Every Firstborn That Opens the Womb Belongs to the LORD

"Every firstborn that opens the womb is Mine" (Exodus 34:19). One might think this includes even a female. Therefore the verse teaches, "all your cattle that is male" (Exodus 34:19) — just as the firstborn of an animal is a male and not a female, so too the firstborn of a human is a male and not a female. "All your cattle" — one might think even a camel or a horse. Therefore the verse teaches, "the firstling of an ox or a sheep" (Exodus 34:19). This is a general statement and then a specification, and a general statement followed by a specification includes only what is in the specification. Another interpretation: Rabbi Yehoshua ben Korchah says, "Every firstborn that opens the womb is Mine" — this is a general statement. One might think even those belonging to others; therefore the verse teaches, "your cattle." One might think even that of a female; therefore the verse teaches, "male." One might think even that of a wild animal; therefore the verse teaches, "the firstling of an ox or a sheep." This is a general statement that requires the specification.