Exodus 12:42 - Printer Friendly

ESV: It was a night of watching by the Lord, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the Lord by all the people of Israel throughout their generations.

NIV: Because the Lord kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honor the Lord for the generations to come.

NASB: It is a night to be observed for the Lord, for having brought them out of the land of Egypt; this night is for the Lord, to be observed by all the sons of Israel throughout their generations.

CSB: It was a night of vigil in honor of the Lord, because he would bring them out of the land of Egypt. This same night is in honor of the Lord, a night vigil for all the Israelites throughout their generations.

NLT: On this night the Lord kept his promise to bring his people out of the land of Egypt. So this night belongs to him, and it must be commemorated every year by all the Israelites, from generation to generation.

KJV: It is a night to be much observed unto the Lord for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the Lord to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.

NKJV: It is a night of solemn observance to the Lord for bringing them out of the land of Egypt. This is that night of the Lord, a solemn observance for all the children of Israel throughout their generations.

The text reflects on Passover, calling it a "night of watching kept to the Lord." The Israelites followed God's instructions (Exodus 12:28) to mark their homes with blood from spotless lambs (Exodus 12:5–7). Homes so marked were spared (Exodus 12:12–13) from the terrible wrath of God on Egypt (Exodus 12:29–30). This catastrophe is what finally convinced Egypt to release their slaves (Exodus 12:31–33), setting Israel free (Exodus 12:40–41).

This event has been commemorated by Jewish people ever since. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:14–17) were practiced by Jesus and His early Jewish followers (Matthew 26:17–29; John 13:1). Still today, devout Jews continue to observe this time of remembrance of liberation. God established these traditions (Exodus 12:24), so that Israel would be ready to recognize the Messiah who fulfilled the role of a perfect Passover Lamb (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:19).

Exodus 12:33–42 depicts the moment for which this book is named. This is the literal "exodus," or "exit" of Israel from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 1:8–14). After more than four centuries, Jacob's descendants are finally free (Genesis 47:5–6). After the horrific tenth plague (Exodus 12:29–32), the Egyptians want the Israelites gone as soon as possible. The former slaves quickly gather everything they own and leave in a single group. This event is remembered each year during the Jewish holiday of Passover.

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.