Exodus 12:47 - Printer Friendly

ESV: All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.

NIV: The whole community of Israel must celebrate it.

NASB: All the congregation of Israel are to celebrate this.

CSB: The whole community of Israel must celebrate it.

NLT: The whole community of Israel must celebrate this Passover festival.

KJV: All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.

NKJV: All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.

For those following Israel's covenant relationship to the Lord (Genesis 17:10–14), observing Passover was not optional. The phrase "congregation of Israel" is used frequently in the Old Testament in relation to Israel. This is meant to emphasize the communal, family nature of God's chosen people (Deuteronomy 14:2). In a broad sense, it means every single person in Israel (Leviticus 4:13; Numbers 16:9). Those not native to the nation could still participate, if they complied with the covenant (Genesis 17:10–14; Exodus 12:43–45, 48).

"Keeping" the Passover means following the Lord's instructions (Exodus 12:21–28) for remembrance. God finished His work (Exodus 3:19–20) of breaking the hold of Egyptian slavery (Exodus 1:11–14) over Israel using a terrible plague (Exodus 11:4–6). Those who followed His commands that night were spared (Exodus 12:12–13) as judgment would "pass over" their homes. Israel was commanded to remember this for all time (Exodus 12:14).

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 6/18/2025 12:31:17 AM