Exodus 12:13
The blood on the houses where you are staying will distinguish them; 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 blood
The Hebrew word for "blood" is "דָּם" (dam). In the context of the Passover, the blood of the lamb is a powerful symbol of atonement and protection. It prefigures the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood redeems believers from sin. The application of the blood on the doorposts signifies faith and obedience, marking the Israelites as God's chosen people. This act of faith is a profound reminder of the necessity of the blood of Christ for salvation.

on the houses
The term "houses" refers to the physical dwellings of the Israelites in Egypt. In a broader sense, it symbolizes the household or family unit. The application of the blood on the houses signifies the covering and protection of the entire family. It underscores the importance of faith being a communal and familial act, not just an individual one. The household is a central unit in God's covenantal promises, and this act of marking the houses with blood is a testament to God's faithfulness to His people.

where you are staying
This phrase indicates the temporary nature of the Israelites' dwelling in Egypt. It reflects the transient state of God's people, who are sojourners in a foreign land. This temporary stay is a reminder of the Christian's pilgrimage on earth, looking forward to the eternal home in heaven. The Israelites' stay in Egypt was not permanent, just as believers are called to live in the world but not be of it, always looking forward to the promised inheritance.

will distinguish them
The Hebrew root for "distinguish" is "פָּסַח" (pasach), which means to pass over or spare. The blood serves as a distinguishing mark, setting the Israelites apart from the Egyptians. This distinction is a powerful testament to God's covenantal relationship with His people. It highlights the theme of divine election and separation, where God sets apart His people for His purposes. In the New Testament, believers are also called to be distinct, living lives that reflect their identity in Christ.

when I see the blood
This phrase emphasizes God's active role in the Passover event. It is God Himself who sees the blood and chooses to pass over the marked houses. This divine observation underscores the personal relationship between God and His people. It is a reminder that God is intimately aware of those who belong to Him. The act of seeing the blood is a precursor to the New Testament understanding of God seeing the righteousness of Christ in believers.

I will pass over you
The phrase "pass over" is central to the Passover narrative. It signifies God's mercy and protection, sparing the Israelites from the judgment that befalls the Egyptians. This act of passing over is a profound demonstration of God's grace, where judgment is averted because of the blood. It foreshadows the ultimate Passover sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood causes God's judgment to pass over believers, granting them eternal life.

No plague will fall on you to destroy you
This promise of protection from the plague is a direct result of the blood's application. It highlights God's sovereignty and power over life and death. The plague represents God's judgment on sin, and the Israelites' exemption is a testament to God's mercy. In a broader theological context, it points to the protection believers have in Christ, who shields them from the ultimate plague of eternal separation from God.

when I strike the land of Egypt
The striking of Egypt is a demonstration of God's judgment against a nation that has oppressed His people. It serves as a warning of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. The land of Egypt, a symbol of worldly power and idolatry, is subject to God's sovereign will. This act of judgment is a reminder of God's justice and the eventual triumph of His purposes. For believers, it is a call to trust in God's deliverance and to remain faithful amidst a world that often stands in opposition to God's ways.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He communicated God's instructions regarding the Passover to the Israelites.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who refused to let the Israelites go, leading to the plagues, including the final plague of the death of the firstborn.

3. The Israelites
God's chosen people, who were enslaved in Egypt and instructed to observe the Passover as a sign of their faith and obedience.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were enslaved and where God demonstrated His power through the plagues.

5. The Passover
The event where God passed over the houses of the Israelites marked with the blood of the lamb, sparing them from the plague of the firstborn.
Teaching Points
The Significance of the Blood
The blood on the doorposts was a sign of obedience and faith. It is a reminder that salvation comes through the blood of Christ, our Passover lamb.

God's Protection
Just as God protected the Israelites from the plague, He offers protection and deliverance to those who trust in Him.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The Israelites' obedience in applying the blood was crucial for their deliverance. Similarly, our obedience to God's Word is essential for spiritual protection and blessing.

Faith in Action
The act of applying the blood was a demonstration of faith. Our faith should be evident in our actions and choices.

The Cost of Disobedience
The Egyptians faced severe consequences for Pharaoh's disobedience. This serves as a warning of the cost of rejecting God's commands.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the application of the blood during the Passover relate to the concept of salvation in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate obedience to God in our daily lives, similar to the Israelites' obedience in applying the blood?

3. How does the protection offered to the Israelites during the Passover encourage us to trust in God's protection today?

4. What are some modern-day "plagues" or challenges we face, and how can faith in God's promises help us overcome them?

5. How can the account of the Passover deepen our understanding of Jesus' role as the Lamb of God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 17:11
This verse emphasizes the significance of blood in atonement, connecting to the Passover as a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice.

John 1:29
John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the "Lamb of God," drawing a parallel to the Passover lamb whose blood spared the Israelites.

1 Corinthians 5:7
Paul refers to Christ as our Passover lamb, highlighting the fulfillment of the Passover in Jesus' sacrifice.

Hebrews 11:28
This verse speaks of Moses' faith in keeping the Passover, emphasizing the importance of faith in God's promises.
Blessed ProtectionR. Newton.Exodus 12:13
Christ Our PassoverC. S. Robinson, D. D.Exodus 12:13
Christ, Our PassoverJ. A. Spurgeon.Exodus 12:13
Christ's ExpiationExodus 12:13
Man's DeliveranceHomilistExodus 12:13
The BloodSpurgeon, Charles HaddonExodus 12:13
The BloodCharles Haddon Spurgeon Exodus 12:13
The Blood as a RemedyJ. Cox.Exodus 12:13
The Blood of the LambD. Macmillan.Exodus 12:13
The Blood-Marked HouseC. S. Robinson, D. D.Exodus 12:13
The Egyptian and the IsraeliteH. T. Edwards, M. A.Exodus 12:13
The Institution of the PassoverJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 12:13
The Paschal LambG. Wagner.Exodus 12:13
The PassoverW. M. Punshon, D. D.Exodus 12:13
The PassoverE. B. Mason, D. D.Exodus 12:13
The PassoverBp. Cheney.Exodus 12:13
The Passover Illustrative of Atoning Work of ChristJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 12:13
The Passover in Egypt and its Typical SignificanceJ. R. Macduff, D. D.Exodus 12:13
The Protecting BloodT. L. Cuyler.Exodus 12:13
The Sacred Love-TokenSpurgeon, Charles HaddonExodus 12:13
The Institution of the PassoverD. Young Exodus 12:1-28
The PassoverJ. Orr Exodus 12:1-29
The PassoverH.T. Robjohns Exodus 12:1-28, 43-51
Christ His People's Salvation and StrengthJ. Urquhart Exodus 12:7-13
People
Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh
Places
Egypt, Rameses, Succoth
Topics
Befall, Blood, Destroy, Destruction, Destructive, Egypt, Evil, Fall, Houses, Pass, Passed, Plague, Sign, Smite, Smiting, Strike, Token, Touch
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 12:13

     1450   signs, kinds of
     4843   plague
     5295   destruction

Exodus 12:1-14

     7316   blood, OT sacrifices

Exodus 12:1-16

     1680   types

Exodus 12:1-20

     4530   unleavened bread
     8629   worship, times

Exodus 12:3-19

     7206   community

Library
The Passover: an Expiation and a Feast, a Memorial and a Prophecy
'And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2. This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. 3. Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: 4. And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Exodus
The land of Egypt is a picture of the house of bondage into which all God's covenant people will, sooner or later, be brought on account of their sin. All those whom God means to give an inheritance in Canaan, he will first take down into Egypt. Even Jesus Christ himself went into Egypt before he appeared publicly as a teacher before the world, that in his instance, as well as in that of every Christian, the prophecy might be fulfilled--"Out of Egypt have I called my Son." Every one who enjoys the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

A Question for Communicants
"What mean ye by this service?"--Exodus 12:26. IN A SPIRITUAL religion, everything must be understood. That which is not spiritual, but ritualistic, contents itself with the outward form. Under the Jewish dispensation, there was a very strong tendency in that direction; but it was kept to some extent in check. Under the Christian faith, this tendency must not be tolerated at all. We must know the meaning of what we do; otherwise we are not profited. We do not believe in the faith of the man who was
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

The Blood
Now, at the time of which this Book of Exodus speaks, Egypt was exposed to a terrible peril. Jehovah himself was about to march through the streets of all the cities of Egypt. It was not merely a destroying angel, but Jehovah himself; for thus it is written, "I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast." No one less than I AM, the great God, had vowed to "cut Rahab" with the sword of vengeance. Tremble, ye inhabitants
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

The Birthnight of Freedom
(Easter Day.) Exodus xii. 42. This is a night to be much observed unto the Lord, for bringing the children of Israel out of Egypt. To be much observed unto the Lord by the children of Israel. And by us, too, my friends; and by all nations who call themselves FREE. There are many and good ways of looking at Easter Day. Let us look at it in this way for once. It is the day on which God himself set men FREE. Consider the story. These Israelites, the children of Abraham, the brave, wild patriarch
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch

Of the Practice of Piety in Holy Feasting.
Holy feasting is a solemn thanksgiving, appointed by authority, to be rendered to God on some special day, for some extraordinary blessings or deliverances received. Such among the Jews was the feast of the Passover (Exod. xii. 15), to remember to praise God for their deliverance out of Egypt's bondage; or the feast of Purim (Esth. ix. 19, 21), to give thanks for their deliverance from Haman's conspiracy. Such amongst us is the fifth of November, to praise God for the deliverance of the king and
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Of Preparation.
That a Christian ought necessarily to prepare himself before he presume to be a partaker of the holy communion, may evidently appear by five reasons:-- First, Because it is God's commandment; for if he commanded, under the pain of death, that none uncircumcised should eat the paschal lamb (Exod. xii. 48), nor any circumcised under four days preparation, how much greater preparation does he require of him that comes to receive the sacrament of his body and blood? which, as it succeeds, so doth it
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Reaction against Egypt
THE XIth DYNASTY: HARMHABI--THE HITTITE EMPIRE IN SYRIA AND IN ASIA MINOR--SETI I. AND RAMSES II.--THE PEOPLE OF THE SEA: MINEPHTAH AND THE ISRAELITE EXODUS. The birth and antecedents of Harmhabi, his youth, his enthronement--The final triumph of Amon and his priests--Harmhabi infuses order into the government: his wars against the Ethiopians and Asiatics--The Khati, their civilization, religion; their political and military constitution; the extension of their empire towards the north--The countries
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 5

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine Authorship
"In the volume of the Book it is written of Me" (Heb. 10:7). Christ is the Key to the Scriptures. Said He, "Search the Scriptures..they are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39), and the "Scriptures" to which He had reference, were not the four Gospels for they were not then written, but the writings of Moses and the prophets. The Old Testament Scriptures then are something more than a compilation of historical records, something more than a system of social and religious legislation, something
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible

Preparation for Passover. Disciples Contend for Precedence.
(Bethany to Jerusalem. Thursday Afternoon and, After Sunset, Beginning of Friday.) ^A Matt. XXVI. 17-20; ^B Mark XIV. 12-17; ^C Luke XXII. 7-18, 24-30. ^c 7 And the day of unleavened bread came, on which the passover must be sacrificed. [See p. 57. Leaven was to the Jew a symbol of corruption and impurity, because it causes bread to become stale. The feast of unleavened bread began properly on the fifteenth of Nisan, and lasted seven days, but this was the fourteenth Nisan, the day on which the paschal
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Bread and Wine
"And as they were eating, He took bread, and when He had blessed, He brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take ye: this is My body. And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave to them: and they all drank of it. And He said unto them, This is My blood of the covenant, which is shed for many. Verily I say unto you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." MARK 14:22-25 (R.V.) HOW much does the Gospel of St. Mark tell us
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant).
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Johannine Writings
BY the Johannine writings are meant the Apocalypse and the fourth gospel, as well as the three catholic epistles to which the name of John is traditionally attached. It is not possible to enter here into a review of the critical questions connected with them, and especially into the question of their authorship. The most recent criticism, while it seems to bring the traditional authorship into greater uncertainty, approaches more nearly than was once common to the position of tradition in another
James Denney—The Death of Christ

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
(the Temple at Jerusalem, b.c. 4) ^C Luke II. 21-39. ^c 21 And when eight days [Gen. xvii. 12] were fulfilled for circumcising him [The rite was doubtless performed by Joseph. By this rite Jesus was "made like unto his brethren" (Heb. ii. 16, 17); that is, he became a member of the covenant nation, and became a debtor to the law--Gal. v. 3] , his name was called JESUS [see Luke i. 59], which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. [Luke i. 31.] 22 And when the days of their
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Opposition to Messiah in Vain
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision. T he extent and efficacy [effects] of the depravity of mankind cannot be fully estimated by the conduct of heathens destitute of divine revelation. We may say of the Gospel, in one sense, what the Apostle says of the Law, It entered that sin might abound (Romans 5:20) . It afforded occasion for displaying the alienation of the heart of man from the blessed God, in the strongest light. The sensuality, oppression and
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Sundry Exhortations.
HEBREWS xiii. Let love of the brethren continue. Forget not to shew love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are evil entreated, as being yourselves also in the body. Let marriage be had in honour among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for Himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee,
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
or, Gospel Light Fetched out of the Temple at Jerusalem, to Let us More Easily into the Glory of New Testament Truths. 'Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Isreal;--shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out hereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof.'--Ezekiel 43:10, 11 London: Printed for, and sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgate,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Jesus Living at Nazareth and visiting Jerusalem in his Twelfth Year.
(Nazareth and Jerusalem, a.d. 7 or 8.) ^C Luke II. 40-52. ^c 40 And the child grew [This verse contains the history of thirty years. It describes the growth of our Lord as a natural, human growth (compare Luke i. 80); for, though Jesus was truly divine, he was also perfectly man. To try to distinguish between the divine and human in Jesus, is to waste time upon an impracticable mystery which is too subtle for our dull and finite minds], and waxed strong [His life expanded like other human lives.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Scriptures
Q-II: WHAT RULE HAS GOD GIVEN TO DIRECT US HOW WE MAY GLORIFY AND ENJOY HIM? A: The Word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. 2 Tim 3:16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,' By Scripture is understood the sacred Book of God. It is given by divine inspiration; that is, the Scripture is not the contrivance of man's brain, but is divine in its origin. The image of Diana was had in veneration
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Jesus, My Rock.
When the storm and the tempest are raging around me, Oh! where shall I flee to be safe from their shock? There are walls which no mortal hands built to surround me, A Refuge Eternal,--'Tis JESUS MY ROCK! When my heart is all sorrow, and trials aggrieve me, To whom can I safely my secrets unlock? No bosom (save one) has the power to relieve me, The bosom which bled for me, JESUS MY ROCK! When Life's gloomy curtain, at last, shall close o'er me, And the chill hand of death unexpectedly knock, I will
John Ross Macduff—The Cities of Refuge: or, The Name of Jesus

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