Exodus 12:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: In the first month, from the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread until the twenty-first day of the month at evening.

NIV: In the first month you are to eat bread made without yeast, from the evening of the fourteenth day until the evening of the twenty-first day.

NASB: In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty-first day of the month at evening.

CSB: You are to eat unleavened bread in the first month, from the evening of the fourteenth day of the month until the evening of the twenty-first day.

NLT: 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.

KJV: In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.

NKJV: In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty-first day of the month at evening.

God established a new beginning for the Hebrew calendar in connection with their liberation from Egypt (Exodus 12:1–2). The 14th evening of what was now the first month, Nisan, would be remembered as the Passover. This would commemorate the Lord's brutal judgment on Egypt (Exodus 11:4–6) and His gracious mercy on the faithful Israelites who trusted in a sacrificial lamb (Exodus 12:13). This would begin a festival of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:17). This is tied to the bread Israel ate on the night of the Passover (Exodus 12:8), which they also carried as food when suddenly released from slavery (Exodus 12:39).

Altogether, the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread spanned the eight days Nisan 14—21, concluding on the evening of the twenty-first or the start of the twenty-second, with sunset marking the beginning of the new day in the Jewish reckoning. At least since New Testament times, Passover and Unleavened Bread are considered as one holiday. Luke 22:1 simply referred to both times as the Passover. Today, synagogue services are often held on the first and last days of the feast (Exodus 12:16).

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.