Redemption of Firstborns Born Before the Giving of the Torah
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Question
Were firstborns born before the giving of the Torah required to be redeemed after the giving of the Torah or after the section 'Sanctify to Me' was stated?
Answer
Hello,
The early commentators are divided on whether the obligation of redeeming firstborns was stated only after the sin of the Golden Calf and their disqualification from service, or also before that.
Simply put, the obligation was only after they were disqualified from service. This is the ruling of the Chizkuni and the Rashbam. However, the Sforno wrote that they needed to be redeemed even when they were fit for service, so they could perform secular work.
[Additionally, the Amoraim (Bechorot 4:) are divided on whether the obligation of redeeming firstborns was stated only after entering the Land of Israel or immediately at the giving of the Torah].
Source
Exodus 13
Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Bechorot, page 4b
Rabbi Yochanan said: The firstborns were sanctified in the desert, and Reish Lakish said: The firstborns were not sanctified in the desert;