Exodus 12:45 - Printer Friendly

ESV: No foreigner or hired worker may eat of it.

NIV: but a temporary resident or a hired worker may not eat it.

NASB: A stranger or a hired worker shall not eat it.

CSB: A temporary resident or hired worker may not eat the Passover.

NLT: Temporary residents and hired servants may not eat it.

KJV: A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof.

NKJV: A sojourner and a hired servant shall not eat it.

Passover (Exodus 12:12–13) commemorates when God freed Israel from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12:29–33). Prior to this, the main expression of Israel's connection to the Lord was in the ritual of circumcision (Genesis 17:10–14). Those participating in the Passover meal had to be committed to following that covenant. In this context, those simply living or travelling through Israel were not formally part of that family. Yet anyone, from any ethnicity or background, could assimilate into the nation by submitting to the Lord (Joshua 6:25; Ruth 1:4; 4:10–12; Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31).

English translations such as the ESV repeat the word "foreigner" here (Exodus 12:43). However, the prior phrase was ben nēkār, while here the word is tosāb. The earlier words imply the "son of a stranger," while this verse implies a visitor or someone travelling through. These conditions are probably mentioned now because of Egyptians who left along with Israel (Exodus 12:38). These people were not fully part of the covenant, yet the Lord would give His people strict instructions about treating such persons fairly (Exodus 22:21; Deuteronomy 24:17; Malachi 3:5).

Exodus 12:43–51 expands on future remembrances of Israel's exodus from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12:33–42). God connects Passover rituals to the identifying rite of circumcision (Genesis 17:9–11). Only those who identify with the Lord through circumcision can participate. Israel has obeyed these commands and is now leaving Egypt in a single massive group. Instructions about festivals will be provided in the next chapter.

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.