Exodus 12:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you.

NIV: "This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year.

NASB: This month shall be the beginning of months for you; it is to be the first month of the year for you.

CSB: "This month is to be the beginning of months for you; it is the first month of your year.

NLT: From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you.

KJV: This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.

NKJV: “This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you.

Israel has been enslaved by Egypt for centuries (Genesis 47:5–6; Exodus 1:8–14). Now, Moses and Aaron (Exodus 12:1) deliver God's instructions about preparing for that slavery to end. In a single night, God will devastate every home in Egypt (Exodus 11:4–6; 12:29–32). Israel will be freed (Exodus 12:51).

This monumental event will reset the Hebrew calendar. The current month, then called Abib but later known as Nisan, is to become the first month of the Israelite new year. This comes around the end of March, after the spring equinox: the date when daylight and darkness are perfectly equal during a day at earth's equator. Israel is to follow specific instructions for that night. They will also receive rules to follow when celebrating this event in the future. This moment is the "Passover," when God's wrath leaves His people untouched (Exodus 11:7) as a sign of judgment.

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 5/31/2025 9:06:42 PM