Exodus 12:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it.

NIV: Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.

NASB: Moreover, they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses in which they eat it.

CSB: They must take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses where they eat them.

NLT: They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the animal.

KJV: And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

NKJV: And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it.

Moses and Aaron (Exodus 12:1) are delivering instructions to Israel regarding the first Passover (Exodus 12:1–6). This will be a night of great pain for Egypt (Exodus 11:4–6), but nothing will happen to those who follow the Lord's instructions (Exodus 12:13). Each Israelite family is to set aside a flawless year-old male lamb and sacrifice it just after sunset on the fourteenth day of the month.

Blood from the sacrificed lambs is then to be applied to the doorway of each home. Later verses mention a "basin" (Exodus 12:22). This was either the bowl used to collect the lamb's sacrificed blood, or a depression near the door meant to catch debris and rainwater. This blood was to be wiped onto the top and side posts of the doorway. Some commentators note that this instruction could create a bloody cross on the door (1 John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7). Others do not think this was an intended part of the process. What's clear is that obedience in this area (Hebrews 11:28) marked that home as safe from God's brutal wrath (Exodus 12:13).

This sacrifice also creates a prophecy about the role of the Messiah (Genesis 3:15). Thousands of years later, Jesus Christ would come as the perfect sacrifice for human sin (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7). Those covered by His blood, by virtue of their faith, are also saved from God's eternal judgment on their sin (John 3:16–18, 36; Titus 3:5).

Exodus 12:1–28 records the Lord's instructions for the first observation of Passover. The Israelites are to sacrifice lambs and prepare a specific set of foods. These must be eaten while dressed for travel. The lamb's blood is to be collected at the threshold of the door and then applied to the top and side posts. On that first Passover, God will kill the firstborn of Egypt (Exodus 11:4–6). Houses marked with the lamb's blood will be spared: God's judgment will "pass over" them without harm (Exodus 11:7). This event will establish a new start for Israel's yearly calendar. It is to be commemorated every year by using various symbolic elements. Future generations are to be carefully taught the meaning of these things.

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.