Exodus 12:50 - Printer Friendly

ESV: All the people of Israel did just as the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron.

NIV: All the Israelites did just what the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron.

NASB: Then all the sons of Israel did so; they did just as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron.

CSB: Then all the Israelites did this; they did just as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron.

NLT: So all the people of Israel followed all the Lord’s commands to Moses and Aaron.

KJV: Thus did all the children of Israel; as the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.

NKJV: Thus all the children of Israel did; as the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.

Moses and Aaron (Exodus 4:10–16) were the Lord's messengers to the people of Israel. They passed along God's instructions to the people (Exodus 4:29–31; 12:1, 21). When the people obeyed, it resulted in the exact outcomes which God had promised. Here, the nation of Israel once again (Exodus 12:28) follows the Lord's commands. They have just been released (Exodus 12:31–33) from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 1:11–14) and are on their way out, through Succoth (Exodus 12:37).

Moses and Aaron also relayed instructions from the Lord to powerful men such as the Egyptian king (Exodus 5:1). Pharaoh's stubborn refusal to obey God is what led to the terrible plagues (Exodus 3:19–20). This included the death of Pharaoh's own son (Exodus 11:4–6; 12:29–30).

"Moses and Aaron" are two brothers who have served together since being reunited in chapter 4. They first appeared to the elders of Israel (Exodus 4:29), then to Pharaoh (Exodus 5:1). Though initially rejected by Pharaoh and consequently scorned by the Jews, the previous nine plagues provided a new level of respect for these two men. The Jews saw Moses and Aaron as spokesmen of the Lord. They fully obeyed their commands prior to the tenth plague, showing their faith in the Lord and obedience to the God of Israel.

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.