Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Context:The practice of applying blood to the doorposts is a significant event in the biblical narrative, specifically in the account of the first Passover as described in the Book of Exodus. This event marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites, as it signifies their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Scriptural Reference: The primary scriptural reference for this event is found in Exodus 12. God instructs Moses and Aaron regarding the final plague that He will bring upon Egypt, the death of the firstborn. To protect the Israelites from this plague, God commands them to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to the doorposts and lintel of their houses. Exodus 12:7 states, "They are to take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat the lambs." Theological Significance: The application of blood on the doorposts is rich in theological symbolism. It represents obedience to God's command and faith in His promise of protection. The blood serves as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" the houses of the Israelites, sparing them from the plague. Exodus 12:13 explains, "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." Typology and Christological Interpretation: From a typological perspective, the blood on the doorposts prefigures the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb provided physical deliverance for the Israelites, the blood of Christ provides spiritual deliverance from sin and eternal death for believers. The Apostle Paul alludes to this typology in 1 Corinthians 5:7 , stating, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." Covenantal Implications: The event of the Passover and the blood on the doorposts also marks the establishment of a covenantal relationship between God and the Israelites. It signifies God's faithfulness to His promises and His power to save. The Passover becomes a perpetual ordinance for the Israelites, a reminder of God's deliverance and a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption through Christ. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, blood was often associated with life and covenant. The use of blood in rituals signified a serious commitment and the sealing of agreements. The Israelites' act of marking their doorposts with blood set them apart from the Egyptians and identified them as God's chosen people. Practical Application: For believers today, the account of the blood on the doorposts serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and obedience to God's commands. It underscores the necessity of being covered by the blood of Christ for salvation and protection from spiritual death. The Passover narrative encourages Christians to live in gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus and to remember the deliverance He provides. Subtopics Blood of Animals Slain for Good to be Poured on the Earth Blood of Legal Sacrifices for Atonement Blood of Legal Sacrifices for Purification Blood of Legal Sacrifices: How Disposed of Blood of Legal Sacrifices: Ineffectual to Remove Sin Blood of Legal Sacrifices: Not offered With Leaven Blood of Oppression and Cruelty Blood of Sacrifices, Typical of the Atoning Blood of Christ Blood: (Building With) of Oppression and Cruelty Blood: (Given to Drink) of Severe Judgments Blood: (On One's own Head) Guilt Blood: (Preparing To) Ripening for Destruction Blood: (Washing the Feet In) Victories Blood: Beasts of Prey Delight In Blood: Birds of Prey Delight In Blood: Blood of the Ram of Consecration Put on the Tip of Right Ear, Thumb Blood: Eating of, Forbidden to Man After the Flood Blood: Eating of, Forbidden to The Early Christians Blood: Eating of, Forbidden to The Israelites Under the Law Blood: Forbidden to be Used As Food Blood: Idolaters Made Drink-Offerings of Blood: Sacrificial of the Bullock of Sin offering, Put on the Horns of the Altar Blood: Sacrificial used for Cleansing of Leprosy Blood: Sacrificial without Shedding of, No Remission Blood: Sacrificial: On the Horns of the Altar of Sweet Incense Blood: Sacrificial: Poured at the Bottom of the Altar Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled About the Altar Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled all Around, and Upon the Altar Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled on Altar and People Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled on Door Posts Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled on the Altar Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled on the Mercy Seat Blood: Sacrificial: Sprinkled Seven Times Before the Curtain Blood: Shedding of Human: Always Punished Blood: Shedding of Human: Defiling to the Land Blood: Shedding of Human: Defiling to the Person Blood: Shedding of Human: Forbidden Blood: Shedding of Human: Hateful to God Blood: Shedding of Human: Jews often Guilty of Blood: Shedding of Human: Mode of Clearing Those Accused of Blood: The Jews often Guilty of Eating Blood: The Price of, not to be Consecrated Blood: Water Turned Into, As a Sign Blood: Waters of Egypt Turned Into, As a Judgment Related Terms |