Exodus 12:26 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’

NIV: And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’

NASB: And when your children say to you, ‘ What does this rite mean to you?’

CSB: When your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’

NLT: Then your children will ask, ‘What does this ceremony mean?’

KJV: And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?

NKJV: And it shall be, when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’

Moses is telling Israel that they will be freed from Egypt (Exodus 12:13, 41) and will eventually come to the land which was promised to Abraham (Genesis 15:13–14, 18–21), Isaac (Genesis 21:3; 26:1–5), and Jacob (Genesis 25:26; 28:10–17; 50:25). The Lord has given instructions about certain festivals which the nation must observe to remember these events (Exodus 12:14, 17–20).

When these traditions are followed, the children of future generations will ask about them. The specific nature of the rituals would invite questions. Why did it have to be a flawless, one-year-old lamb (Exodus 12:5–6, 13)? Why must they eat unleavened bread (Exodus 12:8, 39)? The people must be ready to explain all that the Lord has done for His people. They should also be prepared to give a precise answer (Exodus 12:27).

These words offer hope of a future to the people of Israel. In contrast, the Egyptians are about to be devastated by the loss of their firstborn (Exodus 11:4–6). God's laws and commands in the Old Testament invested children with enormous value (Leviticus 18:21; 20:2–5). Knowing the truth of what God had done was part of teaching the next generation the value of honoring the Lord (Deuteronomy 4:10; 11:18–21; 12:25; 29:29).

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.