Exodus 12:5 meaning
God's instructions regarding the Passover lamb are crucial for understanding the broader narrative of deliverance in the Exodus story. In Exodus 12:5, specific requirements for the lamb are outlined: it must be unblemished, a male of the first year, and could be chosen from either sheep or goats. This selection highlighted the necessity for the sacrifice to be perfect, symbolizing the sinless nature of Christ, our ultimate Passover Lamb. As articulated in broader theological contexts, Jesus is described as "Christ our Passover" (1 Corinthians 5:7), a direct connection that resonates throughout biblical discourse.
The feast of Passover was not merely a ceremonial meal; it was a vivid reminder of God's deliverance from bondage and his covenant faithfulness. This event foreshadowed the New Testament understanding of salvation through Christ's sacrifice, emphasizing themes of redemption and protection. The application of the lamb's blood on doorposts served as a visible sign of faith and obedience, demonstrating trust in God's promise of protection from judgment. This act of faith was essential, illustrating that salvation, whether in Egypt or through Christ, has always required faith in God's provision for deliverance.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
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 18:5-12 meaning. Verses 5 – 12 describe the time when Jethro came to visit Moses in the wilderness near Mount Sinai. He was accompanied by Moses’ wife Zipporah and Moses’ two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. After joyfully greeting Jethro, Moses described all of the events from the deliverance to the Red Sea onward. Jethro responded by praising the LORD and offering sacrifices to the God of Israel.
- 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.
- Exodus 12:21-28 meaning. Verses 21 – 28 record what Moses did after receiving the description of what the LORD was about to do.
Ask The Bible Says