What does Exodus 12:27 mean?
When the people of Israel are freed (Exodus 12:41), they will begin a journey that will eventually bring them to the Promised Land (Genesis 15:13–14, 18–21). The nation is to keep various traditions as a way of remembering how this happened (Exodus 12:14, 17–20). When the children of future generations ask why, their parents should be ready to give an answer (Exodus 12:26). Here, Scripture emphasizes that Israel's freedom is connected to God's wrath on Egypt and His mercy to His people.The tenth (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23) and last plague on Egypt will be the death of the firstborn (Exodus 11:4–6). While every Egyptian home will be struck with tragedy (Exodus 12:30), the Israelites will be spared (Exodus 11:7). God has provided them with a sign of their faith: lamb's blood applied to the doors of each home (Exodus 12:21–23). This will keep them safe from the terrible judgment coming to Egypt (Exodus 12:13). The Hebrew word used here for "spared" is an active verb, indicating that God is intentionally saving the Israelites just as He is intentionally judging the Egyptians.
Israel's leaders (Exodus 12:21) react with reverence to these words, expressing submission and worship to the Lord (Exodus 4:31).