Exodus 12:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever.

NIV: "Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants.

NASB: And you shall keep this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever.

CSB: "Keep this command permanently as a statute for you and your descendants.

NLT: Remember, these instructions are a permanent law that you and your descendants must observe forever.

KJV: And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.

NKJV: And you shall observe this thing as an ordinance for you and your sons forever.

An earlier command told Israel that they would commemorate the first Passover for the rest of history (Exodus 12:14). That concept is repeated here. The Hebrew people are instructed to remember their liberation from Egypt by following the rites and traditions established on that first Passover night (Exodus 12:5–6, 17–20). It is also important that Israel clearly explain the meaning of these traditions. Each generation must know what happened and why it is being remembered through the various symbols.

"Sons" represent the future life of the Israelite people. Both symbolically and literally, they were the means by which the prior generation could establish a legacy. The Lord is giving His people instructions on teaching their sons. Meanwhile, the impending tenth plague (Exodus 11:4–6) will deprive Egypt of their firstborn.

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 6/18/2025 4:28:20 AM