Exodus 12:44 - Printer Friendly

ESV: but every slave that is bought for money may eat of it after you have circumcised him.

NIV: Any slave you have bought may eat it after you have circumcised him,

NASB: but as for every slave that someone has purchased with money, after you have circumcised him, then he may eat it.

CSB: But any slave a man has purchased may eat it, after you have circumcised him.

NLT: But any slave who has been purchased may eat it if he has been circumcised.

KJV: But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

NKJV: But every man’s servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then he may eat it.

The Hebrew word ebed is used here and can refer to a wide variety of servants and slaves. This verse points out that even hired or owned servants could participate in Passover (Exodus 12:1–20) if they followed the Israelite covenant. Such faith was demonstrated by taking part in circumcision (Genesis 17:10–14). Those not part of the nation of Israel (Exodus 12:43) could not partake in the Passover celebration. Many examples in Scripture show how assimilation into God's chosen people (Deuteronomy 14:2) was possible regardless of one's heritage (Joshua 6:25; Ruth 1:4; 4:10–12; Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31).

Passover is celebrated to remember when the Lord broke the Egyptian's hold of slavery over Israel (Exodus 1:11–14; 12:29–33). Various elements are used to recall how the Lord's judgment came to the Egyptians but "passed over" the Hebrews in peace (Exodus 12:12–13).

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.

Accessed 6/15/2025 9:35:32 AM