Exodus 12:27 - Printer Friendly

ESV: you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the Lord 's Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.’" And the people bowed their heads and worshiped.

NIV: then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’ " Then the people bowed down and worshiped.

NASB: then you shall say, ‘It is a Passover sacrifice to the Lord because He passed over the houses of the sons of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians, but spared our homes.’?' And the people bowed low and worshiped.

CSB: you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when he struck the Egyptians and spared our homes.’" So the people knelt low and worshiped.

NLT: And you will reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. And though he struck the Egyptians, he spared our families.’' When Moses had finished speaking, all the people bowed down to the ground and worshiped.

KJV: That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.

NKJV: that you shall say, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice of the Lord, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians and delivered our households.’ ” So the people bowed their heads and worshiped.

When the people of Israel are freed (Exodus 12:41), they will begin a journey that will eventually bring them to the Promised Land (Genesis 15:13–14, 18–21). The nation is to keep various traditions as a way of remembering how this happened (Exodus 12:14, 17–20). When the children of future generations ask why, their parents should be ready to give an answer (Exodus 12:26). Here, Scripture emphasizes that Israel's freedom is connected to God's wrath on Egypt and His mercy to His people.

The tenth (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23) and last plague on Egypt will be the death of the firstborn (Exodus 11:4–6). While every Egyptian home will be struck with tragedy (Exodus 12:30), the Israelites will be spared (Exodus 11:7). God has provided them with a sign of their faith: lamb's blood applied to the doors of each home (Exodus 12:21–23). This will keep them safe from the terrible judgment coming to Egypt (Exodus 12:13). The Hebrew word used here for "spared" is an active verb, indicating that God is intentionally saving the Israelites just as He is intentionally judging the Egyptians.

Israel's leaders (Exodus 12:21) react with reverence to these words, expressing submission and worship to the Lord (Exodus 4:31).

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.