Exodus 12: Passover and Unleavened Bread
Divine Command and Instruction: The entire chapter is driven by specific instructions given by the Lord to Moses and Aaron. The emphasis is on meticulous adherence to these divine commands: "The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt..." and "The Israelites did just what the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron." This underscores the importance of obedience in their relationship with God.
Quote: "The Israelites did just what the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron." (v. 28, 50)
The Establishment of Passover: The chapter details the specific rituals for the first Passover, including the selection and slaughter of a year-old lamb, the marking of doorframes with its blood, the manner of eating the roasted lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, and the haste in which the meal should be consumed. This event was to be a yearly commemorative festival.
Quote: "This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance." (v. 14)
Salvation through Blood: The blood of the lamb is the central element of the Passover narrative. It acts as a sign of protection for the Israelites, causing the Lord to "pass over" their homes and spare them from the plague that strikes the firstborn of Egypt. The blood is not merely symbolic, but rather the instrument of divine deliverance.
Quote: "When I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt." (v. 13)
The Plague on the Firstborn: The climax of the narrative is the tenth and final plague: the death of the firstborn. This devastating act is directed at both the Egyptians and their gods, demonstrating the Lord's ultimate power and judgment.
Quote: "At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well." (v. 29)
The Exodus as a Result of Divine Power: Following the final plague, the Pharaoh urgently commands the Israelites to leave Egypt. This event marks the beginning of the Exodus, a journey towards freedom led by God's hand. The urgency of their departure is reflected in the instructions about eating the Passover meal and taking their unleavened dough with them.
Quote: "During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, ‘Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the Lord as you have requested.’" (v. 31)
The Festival of Unleavened Bread: Connected to the Passover, the Festival of Unleavened Bread is also established, where for seven days the Israelites were to eat bread without yeast and remove all yeast from their homes. This further emphasizes the haste of their departure and serves as another commemorative practice.
Quote: "Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt." (v. 17)
The Importance of Commemoration: The chapter emphasizes that Passover is not just a one-time event, but an annual tradition to be observed "for the generations to come" (v. 14, 17). This ensures the story of God's salvation and their liberation from slavery is passed on to future generations. The question asked by children and their parents' answer further emphasizes this need for commemoration and learning.
Quote: "And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’ ” (v. 26-27)
Inclusivity and Exclusivity: While the Passover is primarily for the Israelites, the text also outlines conditions for foreigners or slaves to participate. Circumcision is a requirement for non-Israelites to partake in the meal. This highlights the concepts of inclusion within a covenant relationship while maintaining distinct identity.
Quote: "A foreigner residing among you who wants to celebrate the Lord’s Passover must have all the males in his household circumcised; then he may take part like one born in the land." (v. 48)
Key Facts & Ideas:
Date of the Passover: The Passover meal was to be eaten on the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month of the year (v. 6,18).
Symbolism of the Lamb: The unblemished, year-old lamb represents purity and sacrifice.
Symbolism of Unleavened Bread: The unleavened bread represents the haste of the Israelites' departure.
Duration of Egyptian Sojourn: The Israelites lived in Egypt for 430 years (v. 40).
The mixed multitude The Israelites did not leave Egypt alone, but were accompanied by a "mixed multitude" and livestock (v. 38).
"Plundering" the Egyptians: The Israelites requested and received gifts of silver, gold, and clothing from the Egyptians, who were keen for them to leave (v. 35-36).
The "destroyer": The text refers to a "destroyer" that is not permitted to strike the Israelite houses protected by the blood (v. 23).
