Exodus 12:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord.

NIV: "On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord.

NASB: For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and fatally strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the human firstborn to animals; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments—I am the Lord.

CSB: "I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night and strike every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, both people and animals. I am the Lord; I will execute judgments against all the gods of Egypt.

NLT: 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!

KJV: For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.

NKJV: ‘For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.

When God first commissioned Moses to lead Israel out of slavery, He predicted terrible judgments on Egypt (Exodus 3:19–20). He also warned Moses that it would take the direst threats to make Pharaoh finally give up the captive Hebrews (Exodus 4:21–23). After nine catastrophes (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23), the Lord is about to make good on His promise of a tenth plague (Exodus 11:4–6). This will involve the death of every firstborn—the primary heirs—from animals to servants to the household of pharaoh himself. This will be the ultimate proof that the God of Israel, not the idols of Egypt, have divine power.

Instructions in this chapter are for the Israelites to avoid being caught in this judgment. By marking their homes with lamb's blood (Exodus 12:3–7), they demonstrate faith and obedience to the Lord. Over such homes, He will "pass over" in His wrath (Exodus 12:13). That will reinforce the idea that God favors the people of Israel over their oppressors (Exodus 11:7).

When the judgment comes, it will so devastate Egypt that they will demand the Israelites leave immediately (Exodus 12:29–33).

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.