Exodus 12:34 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading bowls being bound up in their cloaks on their shoulders.

NIV: So the people took their dough before the yeast was added, and carried it on their shoulders in kneading troughs wrapped in clothing.

NASB: So the people took their dough before it was leavened, with their kneading bowls bound up in the clothes on their shoulders.

CSB: So the people took their dough before it was leavened, with their kneading bowls wrapped up in their clothes on their shoulders.

NLT: The Israelites took their bread dough before yeast was added. They wrapped their kneading boards in their cloaks and carried them on their shoulders.

KJV: And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.

NKJV: So the people took their dough before it was leavened, having their kneading bowls bound up in their clothes on their shoulders.

The Lord gave instructions for Israel to prepare unleavened bread on the night of the first Passover (Exodus 12:8). This not only made preparation quicker (Genesis 19:3; 1 Samuel 28:24), but it also meant the people had unleavened dough to take with them when they left Egypt (Exodus 12:33, 39). Unleavened bread is also drier than risen bread, so it lasts longer. The people leave in such a hurry that they simply wrap their bowls of dough into their cloaks and depart.

God also provided for this rapid exodus by instructing the people to ask Egyptians for jewelry (Exodus 11:2–3). Probably due to fear over the supernatural plagues, the Egyptians generously gave (Exodus 12:35–36). At the moment of their freedom, the people had just eaten a good meal (Exodus 12:4, 10), were dressed for travel (Exodus 12:11), had transportable bread, and also easily carried wealth.

Exodus 12:33–42 depicts the moment for which this book is named. This is the literal "exodus," or "exit" of Israel from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 1:8–14). After more than four centuries, Jacob's descendants are finally free (Genesis 47:5–6). After the horrific tenth plague (Exodus 12:29–32), the Egyptians want the Israelites gone as soon as possible. The former slaves quickly gather everything they own and leave in a single group. This event is remembered each year during the Jewish holiday of Passover.

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 4/24/2025 10:16:45 PM