Exodus 12:4 meaning
In the narrative leading up to the Exodus, God commands the Israelites to prepare a sacrificial lamb as a pivotal moment of deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This command comes in the context of the impending final plague, which would result in the death of all firstborns in Egypt. The selection of a lamb was not just a ritual; it signified obedience and trust in God's promise of protection. Households were instructed to slay the lamb and apply its blood to the doorposts, marking them as God's people. This act of faith would thwart the destructive judgment bestowed upon Egypt.
The directive emphasizes that if any household was too small to consume an entire lamb, they could share with a neighbor, showcasing a sense of community and cooperation during this momentous occasion. This preparation marks the beginning of the Passover—a festival of remembrance and celebration for generations to come. The significance of this event resonates strongly, as it not only symbolizes physical salvation but also foreshadows spiritual redemption fulfilled in Christ. This is encapsulated beautifully in the words of the scripture: *"Your lamb shall be an unblemished male a year old; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats."* Exodus 12:5.
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Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Exodus 12:1-20 meaning. In preparation for the coming of the last plague, the LORD gave explicit instructions to Moses and Aaron about how to commemorate their deliverance by their LORD. It consisted of celebrating the Passover of the LORD when He would "pass over" the houses having the blood of a sacrificed animal on the door frame and not inflict the death of the firstborn on the household. They were to eat the Passover meal as a family. Along with this, they were instructed to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread after removing all leaven from their homes. They were to eat the unleavened bread for seven days, beginning and ending with a communal feast. The Passover and Unleavened feasts were to be celebrated every year from then on. It was to be a way for the people to be reminded of the LORD's deliverance. The Feast of Unleavened Bread continues in the Church in the form of the LORD's Supper, in which New Testament Christians are to remember that He delivered us from the power of sin and death.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Exodus 4:10-12 meaning. Moses’ fourth objection centers around his feeling of inadequacy for the job God wants him to do. The job involved quite a bit of speaking, often in the presence of people in authority, like Pharaoh and the elders of Israel. Moses cites what might have been a speech impediment. It was his faulty view of God's ability to overcome his speech problem that caused him to offer this objection.
- Exodus 12:29-36 meaning. Verses 29-36 relate the coming of the tenth plague and its immediate aftermath. The time for judgment (on Egypt) and deliverance (for Israel) had come. The LORD Himself went through the land of Egypt at midnight and killed all of the firstborn, even Pharaoh's. Pharaoh woke up, saw what had happened, and called Moses and Aaron and told them to leave Egypt with all their families and flocks. He also asked Moses for a final blessing.
- Exodus 24:4-11 meaning. Moses and the elders are called to come before the LORD for worship. The covenant of the LORD is ratified.
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