◄ Exodus 12 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary The First Passover The Passover symbolizes a time of deliverance and a turning point in the history of the Israelites. It serves as a reminder that obedience to divine instructions paves the way for miraculous interventions, underscoring the power of faith, obedience, and the providential care of God. The Passover Instructions (Verses 1-10) The LORD instructed Moses and Aaron in Egypt about the observance of the Passover. He directed each household to select an unblemished year-old male lamb or goat, to be kept until the fourteenth day of the month when it would be slaughtered at twilight. The Passover Meal (Verses 11-16) They were instructed to roast the lamb over fire, eating it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. No portion of it should be left until morning, with leftovers burnt. The Israelites were commanded to eat in haste, ready for travel. The Final Plague and Promise of Protection (Verses 17-20) The LORD declared His intention to execute judgment on all Egyptian gods, killing every firstborn male. However, the blood of the slaughtered lamb, when smeared on the doorframes, would serve as a sign for the LORD to pass over the household, sparing it from the plague. The Midnight Execution (Verses 21-30) As directed, the Israelites slaughtered the Passover lamb and painted their doorframes with its blood. At midnight, the LORD executed His judgment, leading to widespread mourning in Egypt. Pharaoh, in response, urged the Israelites to leave Egypt. The Exodus (Verses 31-40) The Egyptians, fearful of further plagues, urged the Israelites to depart swiftly. They gave the Israelites articles of silver, gold, and clothing, effectively plundering Egypt. Thus, the Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, along with a mixed multitude and livestock. They ate unleavened bread as they could not wait for leavened bread to rise. Final Provisions and Observance (Verses 41-51) After 430 years in Egypt, all of the LORD's divisions left Egypt. Instructions were given on who could eat the Passover meal and the manner of its consumption. The chapter concludes with the Israelites doing as the LORD commanded. 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. 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). 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. 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. Bible Study 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? 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. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions