Exodus 12:51 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And on that very day the Lord brought the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts.

NIV: And on that very day the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt by their divisions.

NASB: And on that very day the Lord brought the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt according to their multitudes.

CSB: On that same day the Lord brought the Israelites out of the land of Egypt according to their military divisions.

NLT: On that very day the Lord brought the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt like an army.

KJV: And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the Lord did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

NKJV: And it came to pass, on that very same day, that the Lord brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt according to their armies.

This emphasizes the truth of this record of the first Passover. This was the exact means, and the exact time, when God accomplished Israel's rescue from slavery (Exodus 12:41). The people obeyed the Lord's commands (Exodus 12:28). As a result, Egypt was judged and the Hebrews were freed (Exodus 12:29–33). Following instructions from that night (Exodus 11:1–2; 12:8, 11, 35–36) made them prepared for sudden travel.

Just as prophesied (Genesis 15:13–14), Israel leaves Egypt as a massive group (Exodus 12:37) that included many non-Israelites (Exodus 12:38) and livestock. The phrase "by their hosts" has a military sense. It suggests unity of purpose and movement, rather than random wandering.

In the next chapter, the Lord will provide additional instructions regarding Israel's firstborn and their celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

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 4/16/2025 4:40:20 PM