Exodus 12:28 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then the people of Israel went and did so; as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.

NIV: The Israelites did just what the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron.

NASB: Then the sons of Israel went and did so; just as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.

CSB: Then the Israelites went and did this; they did just as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron.

NLT: So the people of Israel did just as the Lord had commanded through Moses and Aaron.

KJV: And the children of Israel went away, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.

NKJV: Then the children of Israel went away and did so; just as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.

Through Moses and Aaron (Genesis 12:1), the Lord has given instructions for Israel to prepare for the first Passover. Those who follow these instructions will be spared from the terrible wrath coming on Egypt (Exodus 12:13). Here, Scripture notes that the Hebrew people cooperated. They began preparing lambs (Exodus 12:21–22), unleavened bread (Exodus 12:8, 20), and other details (Exodus 12:8–11). In an appropriate attitude of worship, they obey (Exodus 12:27).

That night, the Lord will follow through on His threats against Egypt and its king, the pharaoh (Exodus 4:21–23). Death will come to the primary heirs of every family in Egypt (Exodus 11:4–6). This will even strike the firstborn of livestock. The suffering of Israel's captors (Exodus 1:8–14) will finally break centuries of oppression (Exodus 12:41).

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.

Moses was sent to lead Israel into freedom (Exodus 3:10). This meant announcing the Lord's supernatural judgments on Egypt (Exodus 3:19–21). After nine such disasters (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23), a tenth was promised (Exodus 4:21–23; 11:4–6). In this chapter, God provides instructions for Israel to both survive and commemorate this first Passover night. Egypt reels from the death of its firstborn and demands Israel leave that very night. More directions about the future are to come (Exodus 13). Then Pharaoh will once again change his mind and confront the Hebrews on the shores of the Red Sea (Exodus 14).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 7/11/2025 9:13:16 AM