# Overview Exodus Chapter 12 details the institution of the #Passover, a pivotal moment in the history of the #Israelites as they prepare for their liberation from #Egyptian slavery. #God commands #Moses and #Aaron to instruct the Israelites to select an unblemished lamb on the tenth day of the first month, which they are to keep until the fourteenth day when it will be sacrificed. The blood of the lamb is to be smeared on the doorposts and lintels of their homes as a sign for the #Lord to "pass over" these houses during the plague of the firstborn. This act of faith becomes a perpetual ordinance for the Israelites, a remembrance of their deliverance by God's mighty hand. The chapter emphasizes obedience to God's instructions, the gravity of the coming judgment, and the profound significance of the blood as a means of salvation. The chapter also recounts the actual #Exodus from Egypt. Following the #Passover, #Pharaoh finally releases the Israelites after the death of every firstborn in Egypt. The Israelites, numbering about 600,000 men plus women and children, depart hastily, taking with them unleavened dough, symbolizing the urgency of their departure. The narrative highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to bring His people out of bondage. Moses instructs the Israelites to observe the Passover annually as a lasting ordinance, ensuring that future generations remember the Lord's deliverance. This chapter underscores the themes of redemption, covenant faithfulness, and the transformative power of God's intervention in history. ## Theological Insights Exodus 12 serves as a profound theological cornerstone, emphasizing the concepts of #deliverance, #obedience, and #covenant. This chapter details the institution of the #Passover, which is both a historical event and a perpetually significant ritual for the people of #Israel. The Passover signifies God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in #Egypt, marking the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land. 1. **Passover as a Symbol of Redemption**: The Passover lamb serves as a symbol of redemption. The lamb's blood, applied on the doorposts, is a sign for the Lord to "pass over" the houses of the Israelites, sparing them from the plague of the firstborn (Exodus 12:13). This act prefigures the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), whose blood delivers believers from the bondage of sin. 2. **Obedience to God’s Command**: The meticulous instructions given for the Passover (Exodus 12:1-14) underscore the importance of obedience. The Israelites’ adherence to God's commands results in their salvation from the final plague. This theme of obedience is recurring throughout scripture, as seen in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 28]], where blessings and curses are contingent on Israel's obedience to God's law. 3. **The Establishment of a Lasting Ordinance**: The Passover is established as a lasting ordinance for generations (Exodus 12:14). This ritual is not merely a commemoration but a covenantal sign, reminding the Israelites of God's faithfulness and their identity as His chosen people. Similar lasting ordinances are observed in the New Testament with the institution of the Lord’s Supper, as seen in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 11]]. 4. **God’s Sovereignty and Judgment**: The events of the Passover also illustrate God's sovereignty and His righteous judgment. Pharaoh's defiance against God's command results in the death of all Egyptian firstborns (Exodus 12:29-30). This demonstrates that God's will is ultimately accomplished, a theme echoed in the prophetic writings, such as [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 46]]. 5. **Community and Family**: The instructions for the Passover emphasize the importance of community and family. Each household is to take a lamb, and if the household is too small, they are to share with their nearest neighbor (Exodus 12:4). This communal aspect is reflected in the early Christian church, as believers are encouraged to share with one another and love one another as a family in Christ (Acts 2:44-47). 6. **A New Beginning**: The Passover marks the beginning of a new year for the Israelites (Exodus 12:2), symbolizing a new beginning and a new identity as they prepare to leave Egypt. This notion of a new beginning is mirrored in the New Testament concept of being "born again" and becoming a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Exodus 12 not only narrates a pivotal moment in Israel's history but also establishes theological themes that resonate throughout the #OldTestament and find fulfillment in the #NewTestament. ## Thematic Connections ### Deliverance and Redemption #Exodus Chapter 12 is pivotal in the narrative of #Israel's deliverance from #Egypt, highlighting the theme of redemption. The institution of the #Passover serves as a powerful symbol of God's deliverance, as He spares the Israelites from the plague of the firstborn. This theme of redemption is echoed throughout Scripture, notably in the ultimate deliverance through [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], the "Lamb of God," as seen in [[John/John Chapter 1|John 1:29]]. The Passover foreshadows the sacrificial death of Christ, who redeems humanity from the bondage of sin. ### Obedience to Divine Instruction The meticulous instructions given to Moses and the Israelites regarding the Passover lamb, its preparation, and the marking of the doorposts with blood underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands. This theme of obedience is mirrored in other biblical narratives, such as the Israelites' adherence to the Law given at #Sinai in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20|Exodus 20]] and the call to obedience in the New Testament, exemplified in [[James/James Chapter 1|James 1:22]]. ### God's Sovereignty and Judgment The final plague and the subsequent liberation of the Israelites demonstrate God's sovereignty and His authority over nations and rulers. This theme of divine judgment against the oppressors is seen in other scriptural accounts, such as the fall of [[Babylon/Revelation Chapter 18|Babylon]] in Revelation. God's judgment upon #Egypt serves as a reminder of His power to deliver His people and execute justice. ### Covenant and Community Identity The establishment of the Passover as a perpetual ordinance for Israel not only marks their deliverance but also solidifies their identity as God's chosen people, bound by His covenant. This theme of covenant identity is reinforced in other covenantal moments, such as the giving of the #Law at Sinai and the new covenant in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 31|Jeremiah 31:31-34]], which foretells a renewed relationship with God through His Spirit. ### Memorials and Remembrance The command to observe the Passover annually serves as a means of remembrance for future generations, instilling a sense of history and continuity within the community of faith. This theme of remembrance is echoed in the institution of the #Lord'sSupper, where believers are called to remember Christ's sacrifice, as noted in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 11|1 Corinthians 11:24-26]]. Such memorials are crucial for sustaining faith and understanding one's place within God's redemptive plan. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Passover Lamb Exodus 12 introduces the institution of the #Passover, an event that prefigures the sacrificial death of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] as the #LambOfGod. The instructions for the Passover lamb, without blemish and whose blood would save the Israelites from death, foreshadow Christ's redemptive work. In [[John/John Chapter 1|John 1:29]], #JohnTheBaptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Paul also references Christ as our Passover lamb in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 5|1 Corinthians 5:7]], affirming that Jesus fulfills this Old Testament typology. ### The New Covenant in Christ The blood of the Passover lamb in Exodus 12 serves as a precursor to the New Covenant established by Jesus’ blood. In the Last Supper, Jesus identifies the wine as His blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 26|Matthew 26:28]]). This links back to the significance of the blood in Exodus 12, which marked the Israelites for salvation. The Passover thus anticipates the greater deliverance brought by Jesus' sacrificial death and the establishment of a new covenant between God and humanity. ### Deliverance and Redemption The deliverance of the Israelites from #Egypt during the Passover is a prophetic picture of the ultimate deliverance and redemption through Christ. Just as the Israelites were freed from slavery by the power of God, believers are freed from the bondage of sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus. This is echoed in [[Romans/Romans Chapter 6|Romans 6:17-18]], where Paul speaks of believers being set free from sin. The Exodus narrative thus foreshadows the comprehensive salvation offered through Jesus, fulfilling God’s promise of redemption. ### The Establishment of a People Exodus 12 not only marks the beginning of the Exodus but also the formation of the #Israelite nation as God's chosen people. This anticipates the formation of the church, a new people of God, through Christ. In [[1 Peter/1 Peter Chapter 2|1 Peter 2:9-10]], believers are described as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, echoing the identity God established for Israel. Through Jesus, prophecies concerning the gathering and sanctification of God’s people find fulfillment, establishing a spiritual nation across all ethnic and cultural boundaries. ### The Timing of God's Salvation The precise timing of the Passover, marking the beginning of the Israelites' exodus, points to God's sovereign timing in salvation history. This theme of divine timing is fulfilled in the coming of Jesus, born "when the fullness of time had come" ([[Galatians/Galatians Chapter 4|Galatians 4:4-5]]). Just as God orchestrated the deliverance of Israel at the right time, He orchestrated the coming of Christ for the redemption of humanity, fulfilling His promises and demonstrating His control over history. ## Verses - **Exodus 12:1** - "While the Israelites were still in the land of #Egypt, the LORD gave the following instructions to #Moses and #Aaron:" - **Exodus 12:2** - "“From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you." - **Exodus 12:3** - "Announce to the whole community of #Israel that on the tenth day of this month each family must choose a lamb or a young goat for a sacrifice, one animal for each household." - **Exodus 12:4** - "If a family is too small to eat a whole animal, let them share with another family in the neighborhood. Divide the animal according to the size of each family and how much they can eat." - **Exodus 12:5** - "The animal you select must be a one-year-old male, either a sheep or a goat, with no defects." - **Exodus 12:6** - "“Take special care of this chosen animal until the evening of the fourteenth day of this first month. Then the whole assembly of the community of #Israel must slaughter their lamb or young goat at twilight." - **Exodus 12:7** - "They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the animal." - **Exodus 12:8** - "That same night they must roast the meat over a fire and eat it along with bitter salad greens and bread made without yeast." - **Exodus 12:9** - "Do not eat any of the meat raw or boiled in water. The whole animal—including the head, legs, and internal organs—must be roasted over a fire." - **Exodus 12:10** - "Do not leave any of it until the next morning. Burn whatever is not eaten before morning." - **Exodus 12:11** - "“These are your instructions for eating this meal: Be fully dressed, wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hand. Eat the meal with urgency, for this is the LORD’s Passover." - **Exodus 12:12** - "On that night I will pass through the land of #Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the LORD!" - **Exodus 12:13** - "But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt." - **Exodus 12:14** - "“This is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the LORD. This is a law for all time." - **Exodus 12:15** - "For seven days the bread you eat must be made without yeast. On the first day of the festival, remove every trace of yeast from your homes. Anyone who eats bread made with yeast during the seven days of the festival will be cut off from the community of #Israel." - **Exodus 12:16** - "On the first day of the festival and again on the seventh day, all the people must observe an official day for holy assembly. No work of any kind may be done on these days except in the preparation of food." - **Exodus 12:17** - "“Celebrate this Festival of Unleavened Bread, for it will remind you that I brought your forces out of the land of Egypt on this very day. This festival will be a permanent law for you. Celebrate this day from generation to generation." - **Exodus 12:18** - "The bread you eat must be made without yeast from the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month until the evening of the twenty-first day of that month." - **Exodus 12:19** - "During those seven days, there must be no trace of yeast in your homes. Anyone who eats anything made with yeast during this week will be cut off from the community of Israel. These regulations apply both to the foreigners living among you and to the native-born Israelites." - **Exodus 12:20** - "During those days you must not eat anything made with yeast. Wherever you live, eat only bread made without yeast.”" - **Exodus 12:21** - "Then Moses called all the elders of Israel together and said to them, “Go, pick out a lamb or young goat for each of your families, and slaughter the Passover animal." - **Exodus 12:22** - "Drain the blood into a basin. Then take a bundle of hyssop branches and dip it into the blood. Brush the hyssop across the top and sides of the doorframes of your houses. And no one may go out through the door until morning." - **Exodus 12:23** - "For the LORD will pass through the land to strike down the Egyptians. But when he sees the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe, the LORD will pass over your home. He will not permit his death angel to enter your house and strike you down." - **Exodus 12:24** - "“Remember, these instructions are a permanent law that you and your descendants must observe forever." - **Exodus 12:25** - "When you enter the land the LORD has promised to give you, you will continue to observe this ceremony." - **Exodus 12:26** - "Then your children will ask, ‘What does this ceremony mean?’" - **Exodus 12:27** - "And you will reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in #Egypt. And though he struck the Egyptians, he spared our families.’” When Moses had finished speaking, all the people bowed down to the ground and worshiped." - **Exodus 12:28** - "So the people of Israel did just as the LORD had commanded through Moses and Aaron." - **Exodus 12:29** - "And that night at midnight, the LORD struck down all the firstborn sons in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn son of the prisoner in the dungeon. Even the firstborn of their livestock were killed." - **Exodus 12:30** - "Pharaoh and all his officials and all the people of Egypt woke up during the night, and loud wailing was heard throughout the land of Egypt. There was not a single house where someone had not died." - **Exodus 12:31** - "Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron during the night. “Get out!” he ordered. “Leave my people—and take the rest of the Israelites with you! Go and worship the LORD as you have requested." - **Exodus 12:32** - "Take your flocks and herds, as you said, and be gone. Go, but bless me as you leave.”" - **Exodus 12:33** - "All the Egyptians urged the people of Israel to get out of the land as quickly as possible, for they thought, “We will all die!”" - **Exodus 12:34** - "The Israelites took their bread dough before yeast was added. They wrapped their kneading boards in their cloaks and carried them on their shoulders." - **Exodus 12:35** - "And the people of Israel did as Moses had instructed; they asked the Egyptians for clothing and articles of silver and gold." - **Exodus 12:36** - "The LORD caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites, and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for. So they stripped the Egyptians of their wealth!" - **Exodus 12:37** - "That night the people of Israel left #Rameses and started for #Succoth. There were about 600,000 men, plus all the women and children." - **Exodus 12:38** - "A rabble of non-Israelites went with them, along with great flocks and herds of livestock." - **Exodus 12:39** - "For bread they baked flat cakes from the dough without yeast they had brought from Egypt. It was made without yeast because the people were driven out of Egypt in such a hurry that they had no time to prepare the bread or other food." - **Exodus 12:40** - "The people of Israel had lived in Egypt for 430 years." - **Exodus 12:41** - "In fact, it was on the last day of the 430th year that all the LORD’s forces left the land." - **Exodus 12:42** - "On this night the LORD kept his promise to bring his people out of the land of Egypt. So this night belongs to him, and it must be commemorated every year by all the Israelites, from generation to generation." - **Exodus 12:43** - "Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “These are the instructions for the festival of Passover. No outsiders are allowed to eat the Passover meal." - **Exodus 12:44** - "But any slave who has been purchased may eat it if he has been circumcised." - **Exodus 12:45** - "Temporary residents and hired servants may not eat it." - **Exodus 12:46** - "Each Passover lamb must be eaten in one house. Do not carry any of its meat outside, and do not break any of its bones." - **Exodus 12:47** - "The whole community of Israel must celebrate this Passover festival." - **Exodus 12:48** - "“If there are foreigners living among you who want to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, let all their males be circumcised. Only then may they celebrate the Passover with you like any native-born Israelite. But no uncircumcised male may ever eat the Passover meal." - **Exodus 12:49** - "This instruction applies to everyone, whether a native-born Israelite or a foreigner living among you.”" - **Exodus 12:50** - "So all the people of Israel followed all the LORD’s commands to Moses and Aaron." - **Exodus 12:51** - "On that very day the LORD brought the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt like an army."