What does Exodus 12:1 mean?
This begins a series of instructions which prepare Israel for the moment when God strikes all the firstborn in Egypt (Exodus 4:21–23; 11:4–6; 12:29–32). Israelite homes who follow instructions about sacrificing a lamb will be spared (Exodus 11:7). The wrath of the Lord will "pass over" them peacefully (Exodus 12:13). This will be the last and most catastrophic plague (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23) on Egypt. After this, Egypt's king will finally agree to release the Hebrew people (Exodus 1:8–14).Moses and Aaron have been God's line of communication to the Egyptian regime (Exodus 4:14–16; 5:1). They are also how the Lord explains His will to the people of Israel. The nation will cooperate with these new instructions (Exodus 12:50) and leave Egyptian captivity in a single massive group (Exodus 12:51).
Exodus 12:1–28 records the Lord's instructions for the first observation of Passover. The Israelites are to sacrifice lambs and prepare a specific set of foods. These must be eaten while dressed for travel. The lamb's blood is to be collected at the threshold of the door and then applied to the top and side posts. On that first Passover, God will kill the firstborn of Egypt (Exodus 11:4–6). Houses marked with the lamb's blood will be spared: God's judgment will "pass over" them without harm (Exodus 11:7). This event will establish a new start for Israel's yearly calendar. It is to be commemorated every year by using various symbolic elements. Future generations are to be carefully taught the meaning of these things.
Israel is to realign their calendar to begin with the current month. They receive instructions to prepare a special meal. This includes sacrificing lambs and applying their blood to the doorway of each home. Following these instructions will cause God's wrath to "pass over" that house. Egypt's firstborn are killed and they demand Israel leave immediately. The people quickly gather their belongings and march out in a single massive group. These events are to be remembered with festivals to be celebrated for all time.
