What does Exodus 12:6 mean?
The prior verse (Exodus 12:5) included four requirements for lambs to be used for the very first Passover (Exodus 12:1–4). The animals must be year-old male sheep or goats without any defects, injuries, or illnesses. These are to be selected on the tenth day of the month and set aside from the rest of the flock. Here, Israel is instructed to keep the lambs until the fourteenth day and to sacrifice the animals at a particular time. This time is "twilight," the period just after sunset when there is still some light in the sky (Exodus 16:12; Deuteronomy 16:6).Once again, this passage uses an expression translated as "the congregation of Israel" (Leviticus 4:13; Numbers 16:9) to mean all of the people: the nation as a whole. Next will come instructions on how to use the lamb's blood and meat to complete the Passover rituals (Exodus 12:7–10).
Exodus 12:1–28 records the Lord's instructions for the first observation of Passover. The Israelites are to sacrifice lambs and prepare a specific set of foods. These must be eaten while dressed for travel. The lamb's blood is to be collected at the threshold of the door and then applied to the top and side posts. On that first Passover, God will kill the firstborn of Egypt (Exodus 11:4–6). Houses marked with the lamb's blood will be spared: God's judgment will "pass over" them without harm (Exodus 11:7). This event will establish a new start for Israel's yearly calendar. It is to be commemorated every year by using various symbolic elements. Future generations are to be carefully taught the meaning of these things.
Israel is to realign their calendar to begin with the current month. They receive instructions to prepare a special meal. This includes sacrificing lambs and applying their blood to the doorway of each home. Following these instructions will cause God's wrath to "pass over" that house. Egypt's firstborn are killed and they demand Israel leave immediately. The people quickly gather their belongings and march out in a single massive group. These events are to be remembered with festivals to be celebrated for all time.
