Exodus 12:43 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "This is the statute of the Passover: no foreigner shall eat of it,

NIV: The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "These are the regulations for the Passover meal: "No foreigner may eat it.

NASB: And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'This is the ordinance of the Passover: no foreigner is to eat it;

CSB: The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "This is the statute of the Passover: no foreigner may eat it.

NLT: Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'These are the instructions for the festival of Passover. No outsiders are allowed to eat the Passover meal.

KJV: And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:

NKJV: And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the ordinance of the Passover: No foreigner shall eat it.

Israel was freed from Egyptian slavery through powerful, devastating plagues on Egypt (Exodus 12:29–33). The last of these, known as Passover (Exodus 12:12–13), is to become a permanent, annual celebration. The Lord provided instructions for the initial observance (Exodus 12:1–20). This is a central event establishing the identity of the nation of Israel. Those barred from the celebration are identified by the Hebrew phrase ben nēkār. This literally means "son of a stranger." This verse might seem restrictive, but it is part of a very inclusive concept of God's chosen people (Deuteronomy 14:2).

When Israel left Egypt, many non-Israelites joined them (Exodus 12:38). These were probably Egyptians who recognized the Lord's power (Exodus 8:18–19; 10:7). God's distinction between Israelites and non-Israelites had ethnic components, but it was primarily a matter of faith. Those not born naturally into the nation could join it through their belief and obedience. Those who accepted the Hebrew concept of circumcision (Genesis 17:10–14) were part of that covenant. The "foreigner" mentioned here is someone who is not part of this community. Those who wanted it could participate (Exodus 12:48) if they followed the covenant.

Exodus 12:43–51 expands on future remembrances of Israel's exodus from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12:33–42). God connects Passover rituals to the identifying rite of circumcision (Genesis 17:9–11). Only those who identify with the Lord through circumcision can participate. Israel has obeyed these commands and is now leaving Egypt in a single massive group. Instructions about festivals will be provided in the next chapter.

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.