in stead] The first-borne were Gods, not onely by a generall right of Creation, but by a particular right of Redemption from the destroying Angel, Exodus 12:23. who in man-kinde were in especiall manner to serve him; in other creatures the first-borne were to be sacrificed unto him, if they were cleane beasts; and if they were not, they were to be ransomed at a price for the maintenance of the Tabernacle; but from henceforth, for the first-borne, I have chosen the Levites to my service in their stead; and he chose rather to be served by one Tribe, then by a number taken out of many Tribes, for prevention of Idolatrie, & division in Religion; and by the Tribe of Levi rather then any other, for their zeale of his glory in revenging the indignitie done unto him, in worshipping the golden Calfe, Exod. 32. vers. 26, 28.