In the fifth part of our series on The Book of Exodus, we focused on the night of the Passover and why it was instituted by God to be a memorial for generations to come. This series covers chapters 11 through 13 of the book of Exodus:
- Exodus 11 – the 10th plague was announced
- Exodus 12.1-13 – the passover was introduced
- Exodus 12.14-20 – the feast of unleavened bread was introduced
- Exodus 12.21-33 – the night before the exodus
- Exodus 12.34-51 – the exodus
- Exodus 13.1-16 – the firstborn to be redeemed
- Exodus 13.17-22 – the long route to the promised land
The night of the Passover was most memorable in the history of the nation of Israel. God was going to deliver the death blow that will force Pharaoh to finally let Israel go out of Egypt, the tenth plague, which is the death of all the firstborn in the land. From the start God has warned the king of Egypt of the consequence of his stubbornness.
22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the Lord says: “Israel is My son, My firstborn.
23 So I said to you, ‘Let My son go so that he may serve Me’; but you have refused to let him go. Behold, I am going to kill your son, your firstborn.” ’ ”
Exodus 4.21-22 | NASB
Now there is stopping God. But in doing so, He must protect the firstborn among His people. This God performed by providing a substitutionary sacrifice. A Passover lamb will be killed on that night, roasted and eaten by the whole family. But its blood will be applied to the two posts of the door of their houses, as well as on the lintel. Then God says that He will “pass over” the houses of Israel when He sees the blood!
Thus the Passover becomes a most significant memorial for the people of Israel.
- the Passover marks the night Israel becomes a “nation” birthed by God from Egyptian bondage. God declares that month the beginning of months and the first month of the year for His people. (see Exodus 12.1-11)
- the Passover signifies both judgment and deliverance. It was God’s judgment to pharaoh, the Egyptians and all the gods of Egypt, who were all found guilty of oppressing and enslaving the people of God. But for Israel it signifies her deliverance from oppression. See Exodus 12.12-13)
- the Passover signifies separation. God was separating His chosen people from the nations all around, a people that has found favor in the sight of the living God. God called Israel His firstborn to emphasize election. She was chosen by God to carry on His work on earth, and to be a vessel of His Word and of the Seed that would ultimately bring salvation to the nations of the world.
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