Exodus 12:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt,

NIV: The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt,

NASB: Now the Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt,

CSB: The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt:

NLT: While the Israelites were still in the land of Egypt, the Lord gave the following instructions to Moses and Aaron:

KJV: And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,

NKJV: Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,

This begins a series of instructions which prepare Israel for the moment when God strikes all the firstborn in Egypt (Exodus 4:21–23; 11:4–6; 12:29–32). Israelite homes who follow instructions about sacrificing a lamb will be spared (Exodus 11:7). The wrath of the Lord will "pass over" them peacefully (Exodus 12:13). This will be the last and most catastrophic plague (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23) on Egypt. After this, Egypt's king will finally agree to release the Hebrew people (Exodus 1:8–14).

Moses and Aaron have been God's line of communication to the Egyptian regime (Exodus 4:14–16; 5:1). They are also how the Lord explains His will to the people of Israel. The nation will cooperate with these new instructions (Exodus 12:50) and leave Egyptian captivity in a single massive group (Exodus 12:51).

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.

Moses was sent to lead Israel into freedom (Exodus 3:10). This meant announcing the Lord's supernatural judgments on Egypt (Exodus 3:19–21). After nine such disasters (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23), a tenth was promised (Exodus 4:21–23; 11:4–6). In this chapter, God provides instructions for Israel to both survive and commemorate this first Passover night. Egypt reels from the death of its firstborn and demands Israel leave that very night. More directions about the future are to come (Exodus 13). Then Pharaoh will once again change his mind and confront the Hebrews on the shores of the Red Sea (Exodus 14).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 4/18/2025 1:10:56 PM