◄ Exodus 12 ►
Book Sum People Lessons Que
Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
The First Passover (Numbers 9:1–14) 1Now the LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, 2“This month is the beginning of months for you; it shall be the first month of your year. 3Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man must select a lamba for his family, one per household. 4If the household is too small for a whole lamb, they are to share with the nearest neighbor based on the number of people, and apportion the lamb accordingly. 5Your lamb must be an unblemished year-old male, and you may take it from the sheep or the goats. 6You must keep it until the fourteenth day of the month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel will slaughter the animals at twilight.b 7They are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframesc of the houses where they eat the lambs. 8They are to eat the meat that night, roasted over the fire, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9Do not eat any of the meat raw or cooked in boiling water, but only roasted over the fire—its head and legs and inner parts. 10Do not leave any of it until morning; before the morning you must burn up any part that is left over. 11This is how you are to eat it: You must be fully dressed for travel,d with your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. You are to eat in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover. 12On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. 13The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a sign; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:4–8; Numbers 28:16–25; Deuteronomy 16:1–8) 14And this day will be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD, as a permanent statute for the generations to come. 15For seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day you are to remove the leaven from your houses. Whoever eats anything leavened from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel. 16On the first day you are to hold a sacred assembly, and another on the seventh day. You must not do any work on those days, except to prepare the meals—that is all you may do. 17So you are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread,e for on this very day I brought your divisions out of the land of Egypt. You must keep this day as a permanent statute for the generations to come. 18In the first month you are to eat unleavened bread, from the evening of the fourteenth day until the evening of the twenty-first day. 19For seven days there must be no leaven found in your houses. If anyone eats something leavened, that person, whether a foreigner or native of the land, must be cut off from the congregation of Israel. 20You are not to eat anything leavened; eat unleavened bread in all your homes.” 21Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and told them, “Go at once and select for yourselves a lamb for each family, and slaughter the Passover lamb. 22Take a cluster of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin, and brush the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out the door of his house until morning. 23When the LORD passes through to strike down the Egyptians, He will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway; so He will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down. 24And you are to keep this command as a permanent statute for you and your descendants. 25When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as He promised, you are to keep this service. 26When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’ 27you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped. 28And the Israelites went and did just what the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron. The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn 29Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn among the livestock. 30During the night Pharaoh got up—he and all his officials and all the Egyptians—and there was loud wailing in Egypt; for there was no house without someone dead. The Exodus Begins 31Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. 32Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also.” 33And in order to send them out of the land quickly, the Egyptians urged the people on. “For otherwise,” they said, “we are all going to die!” 34So the people took their dough before it was leavened, carrying it on their shoulders in kneading bowls wrapped in clothing. 35Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. 36And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians. 37The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succothf with about 600,000 men on foot, besides women and children. 38And a mixed multitude also went up with them, along with great droves of livestock, both flocks and herds. 39Since their dough had no leaven, the people baked what they had brought out of Egypt into unleavened loaves. For when they had been driven out of Egypt, they could not delay and had not prepared any provisions for themselves. 40Now the duration of the Israelites’ stay in Egyptg was 430 years. 41At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions went out of the land of Egypt. 42Because the LORD kept a vigil that night to bring them out of the land of Egypt, this same night is to be a vigil to the LORD, to be observed by all the Israelites for the generations to come. Instructions for the Passover 43And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the statute of the Passover: No foreigner is to eat of it. 44But any slave who has been purchased may eat of it, after you have circumcised him. 45A temporary resident or hired hand shall not eat the Passover. 46It must be eaten inside one house. You are not to take any of the meat outside the house, and you may not break any of the bones. 47The whole congregation of Israel must celebrate it. 48If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, all the males in the household must be circumcised; then he may come near to celebrate it, and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it. 49The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you.” 50Then all the Israelites did this—they did just as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron. 51And on that very day the LORD brought the Israelites out of the land of Egypt by their divisions. Footnotes: 3 a The Hebrew word can mean lamb or kid; also in verses 4 and 5. 6 b Hebrew between the two evenings 7 c Literally on the two doorposts and on the lintel; similarly in verses 22 and 23 11 d Literally Gird up your loins 17 e That is, the seven-day period after the Passover during which no leaven may be eaten 37 f Succoth means booths or shelters or tabernacles. 40 g MT; SP in Canaan and Egypt; LXX in Egypt and Canaan Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Exodus 12 Summary The First Passover Verses 1–2 – A New Beginning God resets Israel’s calendar. The month of Abib becomes the first month, turning slaves into a people with their own sacred timetable. Verses 3–6 – Choosing the Lamb Each household selects an unblemished male lamb on the tenth day. They keep it until the fourteenth day, building anticipation and personal attachment. Verses 7–13 – The Blood as a Sign Blood is brushed on doorposts and lintels. That visible sign shields the Israelites when the LORD strikes Egypt’s firstborn. “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” (v. 13) Verses 14–20 – Feast of Unleavened Bread Established Seven days with no yeast remind them of speedy departure and purity. Anyone eating leaven is cut off from Israel. Verses 21–28 – Israel’s Obedience Moses relays God’s word; the people worship and do exactly as instructed, dipping hyssop in the blood and staying indoors till morning. Verses 29–30 – Death of the Firstborn At midnight the LORD strikes every Egyptian firstborn, from Pharaoh’s heir to the cattle in the pasture. Egypt wakes to a great cry. Verses 31–36 – Pharaoh Releases Israel Pharaoh summons Moses, orders Israel to leave, and the Egyptians press gifts of silver, gold, and clothing on them, fulfilling God’s promise. Verses 37–42 – The Night of Watching About six hundred thousand men, plus women, children, and a mixed multitude, march from Rameses to Succoth. After 430 years, the LORD brings them out on a night to be remembered. Verses 43–51 – Passover Regulations for Future Generations No foreigner may eat it unless circumcised. The lamb must remain whole, no bones broken. All Israel keeps the same ordinance, and that very day the LORD leads His people out of Egypt. This chapter captures the divine instructions on the observance of the first Passover, leading up to the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. The LORD, through Moses and Aaron, gives meticulous commands on the preparations, conduct, and commemoration of this vital event that would mark the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Historical Setting Centuries earlier, Jacob’s family settled in Egypt (Genesis 46). Over four generations, they grew from seventy persons to a nation. Pharaoh “who did not know Joseph” (Exodus 1:8) enslaved them. Exodus 12 records the climax of God’s confrontation with Pharaoh, demonstrating His supremacy over Egypt’s gods (Exodus 12:12). Symbolism of the Lamb • Unblemished: points to innocence (1 Peter 1:19). • Chosen on the tenth day, sacrificed on the fourteenth: foreshadows Jesus entering Jerusalem and dying four days later (John 12:12–19; 19:14). • No broken bones (v. 46) mirrors John 19:36, “Not one of His bones will be broken.” • Blood applied publicly: salvation is never private; it must be displayed. • Consumed entirely: believers embrace all of Christ, not selective parts. Feast of Unleavened Bread Leaven pictures hidden sin (1 Corinthians 5:6–8). For one week Israel removes yeast, practicing cleansing and readiness. The rapid departure forced flat bread, memorializing God’s swift rescue. Calendar Matters Abib (later called Nisan) overlaps March–April. Israel measures time from deliverance, much as Christians mark history by Christ’s coming. Ancient Near Eastern Context Egyptian households often painted protective symbols on doorways during plagues; God retools the custom, replacing magic with faith in His word. Hyssop, common in Egypt for cleansing, becomes Israel’s brush for blood. Archaeological Insights • Ipuwer Papyrus, an Egyptian text, laments nationwide disaster: “The land is in turmoil… He who had no tomb is a corpse on the high ground.” Though not a direct match, it echoes plague language. • Semitic slave settlements unearthed in the eastern Nile Delta align with biblical Goshen. • Records of Asiatic laborers departing with livestock exist in Egyptian border fort archives, hinting at mass movement. Eating in Haste Sandals on feet, staff in hand, cloak tucked into belt (v. 11) show faith in motion. Luke 12:35–36 urges believers, “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning,” echoing Passover readiness. The Mixed Multitude (v. 38) Non-Israelites join the exodus, underscoring God’s open door to outsiders. Later, Rahab (Joshua 2) and Ruth (Ruth 1) likewise enter the covenant community. Divine Judgment and Mercy One night reveals both wrath and grace: plague for Egypt, protection for Israel. Romans 11:22 speaks of this “kindness and severity” of God. Passover and the Cross • John 1:29: “Behold, the Lamb of God.” • 1 Corinthians 5:7: “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” • Revelation 5:9 celebrates the Lamb who ransomed people “from every tribe and tongue.” Unleavened Bread in Daily Life Yeast from ancient Egypt was a sourdough starter. By discarding it yearly, families began anew—an annual restart on holiness. 430 Years (v. 40) Galatians 3:17 repeats the figure, tying Abraham’s promise to the exodus. God’s clock never slips. God’s Ownership Claimed By sparing Israel’s firstborn, God lays claim to them (Exodus 13:1–2). In response, parents redeem firstborn sons and dedicate firstborn animals. Key Themes • Redemption costs blood. • Salvation is by grace through faith—Israel trusts God’s word about the blood. • God keeps time and promises precisely. • Deliverance leads to worship and obedience, not license. Timeless Lessons • Keep short accounts with sin; sweep out the leaven. • Stay prepared to follow God quickly. • Teach the account to the next generation (v. 26–27). • Remember: the same God who judged Egypt still guards His people today. Connections to Additional Scriptures John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!' 1 Corinthians 5:7 Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Hebrews 11:28 By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel. Teaching Points The Institution of the Passover (Exodus 12:1-14) God establishes a new calendar for Israel, marking the Passover as the first month of the year (Exodus 12:2). Each household is instructed to select a lamb without blemish, symbolizing purity and perfection (Exodus 12:5). The blood of the lamb is to be applied to the doorposts, serving as a sign for God to pass over and spare the firstborn (Exodus 12:7, 13). The Passover meal is to be eaten in haste, signifying readiness for deliverance (Exodus 12:11). The Plague of the Firstborn (Exodus 12:29-30) At midnight, the LORD strikes down all the firstborn in Egypt, demonstrating His power and judgment (Exodus 12:29). The Egyptians experience great mourning, leading to Pharaoh's decision to release the Israelites (Exodus 12:30-31). The Exodus Begins (Exodus 12:31-42) The Israelites leave Egypt with haste, taking with them the wealth of the Egyptians as God had promised (Exodus 12:35-36). The chapter emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the deliverance of his descendants (Exodus 12:40-41). The Passover as a Lasting Ordinance (Exodus 12:43-51) God commands that the Passover be observed annually as a lasting ordinance, ensuring that future generations remember His deliverance (Exodus 12:24-27). Practical Applications Recognize the Importance of Obedience Just as the Israelites followed God's specific instructions for the Passover, we are called to obey God's Word in our lives. Understand the Power of Redemption The blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from judgment, pointing to the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice for us. Live with Readiness and Expectation The Israelites ate the Passover meal in haste, ready to move at God's command. We too should live with a sense of readiness for God's direction and the return of Christ. Celebrate God's Faithfulness Just as the Israelites commemorated the Passover annually, we should regularly remember and celebrate God's faithfulness and deliverance in our lives. People 1. The LORD (YHWH) The central figure who gives instructions to Moses and Aaron regarding the Passover. The Hebrew name used here is יְהוָה (YHWH), often rendered as "the LORD" in English translations. 2. Moses The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. Moses receives and communicates God's instructions for the Passover to the Israelites. 3. Aaron Moses' brother and spokesperson, who assists Moses in leading the Israelites and conveying God's commands. 4. The Israelites The descendants of Jacob (Israel), who are enslaved in Egypt and are the recipients of God's deliverance through the Passover and the Exodus. 5. The Elders of Israel Leaders among the Israelites who are instructed by Moses to communicate the Passover instructions to the people. 6. Pharaoh The ruler of Egypt, who initially refuses to let the Israelites go but eventually relents after the death of the firstborns in Egypt. 7. The Egyptians The people of Egypt who suffer the plagues, including the death of the firstborns, leading to the release of the Israelites. 8. The Firstborn Refers to the firstborn sons of both humans and animals in Egypt, who are struck down during the final plague. 9. The Mixed Multitude A group mentioned in Exodus 12:38, consisting of non-Israelites who leave Egypt with the Israelites. Places 1. Egypt Egypt is the land where the Israelites were enslaved and from which they were delivered. The entire chapter revolves around the events leading to their departure from Egypt. The Hebrew term for Egypt is "Mitzrayim" (מִצְרַיִם), which is consistently used throughout the Old Testament to refer to this nation. 2. Goshen While not explicitly mentioned in Exodus 12, Goshen is the region in Egypt where the Israelites lived. It is implied as the starting point of their journey. Goshen is referred to in earlier chapters of Exodus as the place where the Israelites settled during Joseph's time. 3. Rameses Exodus 12:37 states, "The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth." Rameses is the starting point of the Israelites' exodus. It is often associated with the city of Pi-Ramesses, a significant city in the Nile Delta during the time of the Pharaohs. 4. Succoth Succoth is the first stop on the Israelites' journey out of Egypt. The name "Succoth" (סֻכּוֹת) means "booths" or "temporary shelters," indicating a place of temporary dwelling. Events 1. The Lord's Instructions to Moses and Aaron The Lord speaks to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, instructing them on how to establish the month of Nisan as the first month of the year for the Israelites (Exodus 12:1-2). The Hebrew word for "month" is "חֹדֶשׁ" (chodesh), indicating a new moon or a new month. 2. The Passover Lamb Each household is to select a lamb on the tenth day of the month, without blemish, a male a year old, either from the sheep or the goats (Exodus 12:3-5). The Hebrew term for "without blemish" is "תָּמִים" (tamim), meaning complete or perfect. 3. The Lamb's Sacrifice The lamb is to be kept until the fourteenth day of the month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight (Exodus 12:6). The Hebrew word for "twilight" is "בֵּין הָעַרְבָּיִם" (bein ha'arbayim), meaning between the evenings. 4. Blood on the Doorposts The Israelites are instructed to take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat the lamb (Exodus 12:7). 5. Eating the Passover Meal The lamb is to be roasted with fire and eaten with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. None of it should be eaten raw or boiled, and any remains must be burned by morning (Exodus 12:8-10). 6. Instructions for Eating The Israelites are to eat the meal with their loins girded, sandals on their feet, and staff in hand, eating it in haste as it is the Lord's Passover (Exodus 12:11). 7. The Lord's Passover The Lord will pass through Egypt to strike down every firstborn, both man and beast, executing judgment on all the gods of Egypt. The blood on the houses will be a sign, and the Lord will pass over those houses, sparing them from the plague (Exodus 12:12-13). 8. Establishment of the Feast The day is to be a memorial and a feast to the Lord throughout generations, celebrated as a statute forever (Exodus 12:14). 9. The Feast of Unleavened Bread For seven days, the Israelites are to eat unleavened bread, removing leaven from their houses. Anyone who eats leavened bread during this time will be cut off from Israel (Exodus 12:15-20). 10. Moses Communicates the Instructions Moses calls the elders of Israel and instructs them to select and slaughter the Passover lamb, apply the blood, and follow the Lord's commands (Exodus 12:21-23). 11. The People Worship and Obey The Israelites bow down and worship, then go and do as the Lord commanded through Moses and Aaron (Exodus 12:24-28). 12. The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn At midnight, the Lord strikes down all the firstborn in Egypt, from Pharaoh's firstborn to the firstborn of the captive in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of livestock (Exodus 12:29-30). 13. Pharaoh's Response Pharaoh summons Moses and Aaron by night, telling them to leave Egypt with the Israelites and their possessions, urging them to go and serve the Lord (Exodus 12:31-32). 14. The Exodus Begins The Egyptians urge the Israelites to leave quickly, fearing further death. The Israelites take their dough before it is leavened, their kneading bowls bound in their clothes on their shoulders (Exodus 12:33-34). 15. Plundering the Egyptians The Israelites ask the Egyptians for articles of silver, gold, and clothing, and the Lord gives them favor, so they plunder the Egyptians (Exodus 12:35-36). 16. The Journey from Rameses to Succoth About six hundred thousand men, besides women and children, journey from Rameses to Succoth, along with a mixed multitude and large flocks and herds (Exodus 12:37-38). 17. Baking Unleavened Bread The Israelites bake unleavened cakes of the dough they brought from Egypt, as it was not leavened due to their hasty departure (Exodus 12:39). 18. Duration of the Israelites' Stay in Egypt The Israelites had lived in Egypt for 430 years, and at the end of this period, all the Lord's divisions leave Egypt (Exodus 12:40-41). 19. The Night of Watching The night is described as a night of watching to be kept by the Lord for bringing them out of Egypt, to be observed by all Israelites throughout generations (Exodus 12:42). 20. Passover Regulations The Lord gives additional regulations for the Passover, including who may eat it and how it should be eaten, emphasizing that no foreigner may eat it unless circumcised (Exodus 12:43-49). 21. The Israelites' Obedience All the Israelites do just as the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron, and on that very day, the Lord brings the Israelites out of Egypt by their divisions (Exodus 12:50-51). Lessons from Exodus 12 1. The Power of Obedience In Exodus 12, we see the Israelites following God's specific instructions for the Passover. Their obedience was crucial for their deliverance. As it says in Exodus 12:28, "The Israelites went and did just what the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron." This teaches us that obedience to God's Word is not just a suggestion but a pathway to His blessings and protection. 2. The Significance of the Lamb The lamb in Exodus 12 is a powerful symbol of sacrifice and redemption. Each household was to select a lamb without blemish, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. As believers, we are reminded of the importance of purity and the ultimate sacrifice made for our salvation. 3. The Importance of Community The Passover was not just an individual act but a communal one. Families gathered together, and if a household was too small, they joined with their neighbors (Exodus 12:4). This highlights the importance of community and fellowship in our spiritual journey, encouraging us to support and uplift one another. 4. The Role of Faith The Israelites had to trust in God's promise that the blood of the lamb would protect them from the plague. This act of faith is a reminder that our faith in God's promises is essential. As Hebrews 11:1 states, "Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." 5. The Urgency of Preparedness God instructed the Israelites to eat the Passover meal in haste, with their loins girded and sandals on their feet (Exodus 12:11). This urgency teaches us to be prepared for God's timing and to live with a sense of readiness for His call in our lives. 6. The Power of Remembrance God commanded the Israelites to commemorate the Passover as a lasting ordinance (Exodus 12:14). Remembering God's past deliverance strengthens our faith and reminds us of His faithfulness. It encourages us to keep His mighty works at the forefront of our minds. 7. The Consequences of Disobedience The Egyptians faced devastating consequences for their disobedience and hard hearts. This serves as a sobering reminder that turning away from God's commands leads to destruction. It encourages us to align our lives with His will to avoid unnecessary hardships. 8. The Universality of God's Plan Exodus 12:38 mentions a "mixed multitude" leaving Egypt with the Israelites. This shows that God's plan of salvation is not limited to one group but is available to all who believe. It encourages us to share the message of salvation with everyone, regardless of their background. 9. The Significance of New Beginnings The Passover marked the beginning of a new calendar for the Israelites (Exodus 12:2). It symbolizes new beginnings and the fresh start that God offers us through Christ. No matter our past, we can embrace the new life He provides. 10. The Assurance of Deliverance Finally, Exodus 12 assures us of God's power to deliver His people. Just as He delivered the Israelites from slavery, He delivers us from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ. This assurance gives us hope and confidence in His eternal plan for our lives. Topics 1. The Passover Instituted Exodus 12 begins with God instructing Moses and Aaron in Egypt about the establishment of the Passover. This event marks the beginning of the Jewish calendar, with the month of Nisan being designated as the first month of the year. The Hebrew term "Pesach" (פֶּסַח) is used, which means "to pass over" or "to spare," signifying God's deliverance of the Israelites from the final plague. 2. The Passover Lamb The Israelites are commanded to select a lamb without blemish, a male a year old, on the tenth day of the month. This lamb is to be kept until the fourteenth day, when it will be slaughtered at twilight. The Hebrew word "tamim" (תָּמִים) is used for "without blemish," indicating the requirement for purity and perfection. 3. The Blood as a Sign The blood of the lamb is to be applied to the doorposts and lintel of each house where the lamb is eaten. This blood serves as a sign for God to "pass over" the houses of the Israelites during the plague of the firstborn. The Hebrew word "oth" (אוֹת) means "sign" or "mark," emphasizing the protective covenant between God and His people. 4. The Passover Meal The meal is to be eaten in haste, with the lamb roasted over fire, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. The unleavened bread, "matzot" (מַצּוֹת), symbolizes the haste in which the Israelites left Egypt, while the bitter herbs, "maror" (מָרוֹר), represent the bitterness of slavery. 5. The Feast of Unleavened Bread Following the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread is to be observed for seven days. During this time, no leaven is to be found in the houses of the Israelites. The Hebrew word "chametz" (חָמֵץ) refers to leaven, symbolizing sin and corruption, which must be removed. 6. The Plague of the Firstborn God announces the final plague, the death of the firstborn in Egypt, which will lead to the liberation of the Israelites. This act of judgment demonstrates God's power and justice, as well as His mercy towards His chosen people. 7. The Exodus from Egypt After the plague, Pharaoh finally relents and allows the Israelites to leave Egypt. The Israelites depart in haste, taking with them the unleavened dough and the wealth of the Egyptians, as God had promised. The Hebrew term "yatsa" (יָצָא) means "to go out" or "to depart," signifying the beginning of the Israelites' journey to freedom. 8. The Ordinance of the Passover God establishes the Passover as a lasting ordinance for the Israelites and their descendants. This includes specific instructions on who may participate in the Passover meal, emphasizing the importance of covenantal identity and purity. 9. The Mixed Multitude A "mixed multitude" also leaves Egypt with the Israelites, indicating that others besides the descendants of Jacob joined in the exodus. This highlights the inclusivity of God's deliverance and the universal appeal of His salvation. 10. The Duration of the Israelites' Stay in Egypt The chapter concludes by noting that the Israelites lived in Egypt for 430 years before their exodus. This historical detail underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the duration of his descendants' sojourn in a foreign land. Themes 1. The Passover as a Commemoration Exodus 12 introduces the Passover as a perpetual commemoration for the Israelites. The chapter emphasizes the importance of remembering God's deliverance from Egypt. The Hebrew word "פֶּסַח" (pesach) signifies "to pass over" or "to spare," highlighting God's mercy in sparing the Israelites. 2. The Role of Sacrifice The chapter details the sacrificial lamb, which must be without blemish (Exodus 12:5). This theme underscores the necessity of a perfect sacrifice, prefiguring Christ as the Lamb of God. The Hebrew term "תָּמִים" (tamim) means "complete" or "whole," indicating the requirement for purity. 3. Obedience to God's Instructions The Israelites are instructed to follow specific guidelines for the Passover (Exodus 12:3-11). This theme highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands. The Hebrew root "שָׁמַע" (shama) implies listening with the intent to obey. 4. Judgment and Deliverance The chapter contrasts God's judgment on Egypt with the deliverance of Israel (Exodus 12:12-13). The theme of divine justice is evident as God executes judgment on the Egyptian gods. The Hebrew word "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat) refers to judgment or justice. 5. The Significance of Blood The blood of the lamb is a crucial element, serving as a sign for the Israelites' protection (Exodus 12:13). This theme points to the power of sacrificial blood in atonement and protection. The Hebrew "דָּם" (dam) means "blood," symbolizing life and covenant. 6. Community and Family The instructions for the Passover emphasize the role of family and community (Exodus 12:3-4). This theme highlights the collective identity and unity of the Israelites. The Hebrew "בַּיִת" (bayit) means "house" or "household," indicating the familial aspect. 7. The Feast of Unleavened Bread The chapter introduces the Feast of Unleavened Bread, symbolizing purity and separation from sin (Exodus 12:15-20). The Hebrew "מַצָּה" (matzah) refers to unleavened bread, representing haste and purity. 8. God's Faithfulness and Covenant The events of Exodus 12 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This theme underscores the reliability of God's promises. The Hebrew "בְּרִית" (berit) means "covenant," signifying a binding agreement. 9. The Importance of Remembrance The chapter repeatedly instructs the Israelites to remember and teach future generations about the Passover (Exodus 12:24-27). This theme emphasizes the role of memory in faith. The Hebrew "זָכַר" (zakar) means "to remember," highlighting the act of recalling God's deeds. 10. The Plague of the Firstborn The final plague, the death of the firstborn, serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative (Exodus 12:29-30). This theme illustrates the severity of God's judgment and the cost of disobedience. The Hebrew "מַכָּה" (makkah) means "plague" or "blow," indicating a divine strike. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for Deliverance Thank God for His deliverance and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, our Passover Lamb. Obedience to God's Word Pray for a heart that is willing to obey God's instructions, even when they require faith and trust. Readiness for God's Call Ask God to help you live with a sense of readiness and expectation for His guidance and the return of Christ. Remembrance of God's Faithfulness Pray for a spirit of gratitude and remembrance for God's faithfulness in your life and the lives of others. Answering Tough Questions 1. Exodus 12:29 – How can a just and loving God sanction the killing of innocent firstborn children? 2. Exodus 12:37 – Is there any historical or archaeological evidence that over 600,000 men (plus families) departed Egypt simultaneously? 3. Exodus 12:40 – How do we reconcile the stated 430-year sojourn in Egypt with genealogies or other biblical timelines that seem shorter? 4. Exodus 12:13 – Does the notion of blood on doorposts literally deterring divine judgment align with a rational or scientific perspective? 5. Exodus 12:35–36 – How plausible is it that the Egyptians would voluntarily give away their valuables to departing slaves without resistance? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does the Passover symbolize in the lives of the Israelites and what relevance does it have in the life of a modern Christian? 2. How does the notion of obedience, as exemplified in this chapter, apply to present-day living? 3. In what ways do the specifics of the Passover meal reflect the situation the Israelites were in? 4. How does the event of the first Passover teach us about God's justice and mercy? 5. How can the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt inspire us in times of personal adversity? 6. What might be the symbolism of the unblemished lamb in the context of Christian faith? 7. How do the acts of faith by the Israelites apply to us in modern times? 8. How can the Exodus event inspire a belief in divine providence during difficult times? 9. What do you think the reaction of the Israelites upon receiving the divine instructions teaches us about faith and obedience? 10. How does the LORD's protection of the Israelites' homes during the Passover relate to God's protection in your life? 11. How can you relate Pharaoh's decision to let the Israelites go to instances of liberation in your life? 12. How does the generosity of the Egyptians during the Israelites' departure illustrate the concept of restitution? 13. How does the experience of the Israelites in Egypt relate to the concept of perseverance? 14. How do the meticulous instructions about the Passover reflect on the importance of details in our obedience to God's word? 15. How does the story of the Exodus demonstrate the power of communal faith and obedience? 16. Why do you think the observance of Passover was made a permanent statute for the Israelites? 17. How does the account of the Passover instruct us on the importance of rituals and traditions in our spiritual journey? 18. What are some of the personal "Egypts" or places of bondage that you feel God is calling you out of today? 19. What does the concept of "divine distinction" (between Egypt and Israel) mean to you in a modern context? 20. How can you apply the principle of faith, as demonstrated by the Israelites during the Passover, to your personal life challenges today? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions