The Passover Lamb: A Deep Dive into Exodus 12 and God’s Redemption

Executive Summary ✨

Exodus 12, a cornerstone of salvation history, details the institution of the Passover, a pivotal event marking the Israelites’ liberation from Egyptian bondage and foreshadowing the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. This chapter unveils God’s meticulous plan, from the selection of the Passover lamb to the application of its blood as a sign of protection against the final, devastating plague – the death of the firstborn. The Passover is not merely a historical event, but a living typology, profoundly relevant for Coptic Orthodox Christians today. Understanding its symbolism allows us to appreciate the depth of God’s love, justice, and the profound sacrifice made for our salvation. We will explore how the Passover meal prefigures the Holy Eucharist and examine its rich symbolism. The Passover Lamb, in its perfection, ultimately mirrors Christ’s immaculate offering, cleansing us from sin and offering us eternal life. We are redeemed not with corruptible things, such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:18-19).

This blog post will delve into each verse of Exodus 12, offering a detailed Coptic Orthodox commentary on its historical, theological, and spiritual significance, connecting it to patristic insights and modern life.

Commentary Sections 📖

Exodus 12:1-2 – The Beginning of Months

“And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.” (KJV)

“Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, “This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you.” (NKJV)

God commands that this month, later known as Nisan, be the new beginning, a shift from the previous calendar. This wasn’t just a calendrical change; it was a symbolic break with their past, a new creation for Israel. This marks the initiation of God’s redemptive work, mirroring the creation account in Genesis. God is establishing a new covenant, a new beginning rooted in His deliverance. St. Cyril of Alexandria beautifully captures this sentiment: Τὸ καινὸν τῆς χάριτος καλεῖται, ἀρχὴ καινῆς ζωῆς. (To kainon tēs charitos kaleitai, archē kainēs zōēs.) “It is called the newness of grace, the beginning of a new life.” (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Exodus*, PG 69:453). We too are called to embrace a new beginning daily through repentance and communion.

Spiritual Application: Are we allowing God to rewrite our story, to begin anew in our lives? Let us recognize each day as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, shedding the old and embracing the new life offered through Christ.

Exodus 12:3-4 – The Passover Lamb

“Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.” (KJV)

“Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying: ‘On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household. And if the household is too small for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the persons; according to what each one can eat you shall make your count for the lamb.” (NKJV)

The instructions are precise. Each family (or a group of families) is to select a lamb. This lamb must be “without blemish” (Exodus 12:5), signifying purity and perfection. The communal aspect highlights the solidarity and shared experience of the Israelites. It’s important to note the concept of shared sacrifice; the lamb wasn’t just for individuals but for the entire household, connecting them through a shared act of faith and obedience. The Fathers saw in this lamb a prefigurement of Christ, the perfect Lamb of God. St. Augustine wrote, “Agnus sine macula, Christus sine peccato.” (Lamb without spot, Christ without sin.) (Augustine, *City of God*, X, 6). The shared sacrifice echoes the communal nature of the Church and the Eucharist.

Spiritual Application: Consider how our participation in the Church, especially the Eucharist, connects us to a community of believers, sharing in the sacrifice of Christ. Are we mindful of the “blemishes” in our own lives that need to be cleansed through repentance?

Exodus 12:5-6 – Keeping the Lamb Until the Fourteenth Day

“Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.” (KJV)

“Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats. Now you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month. Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight.” (NKJV)

The four-day period between selection and sacrifice allowed the families to examine the lamb closely, ensuring it was truly without blemish. Spiritually, this represents the intense scrutiny Christ underwent throughout his ministry. This period of waiting can also be seen as a time for reflection, allowing the Israelites to prepare themselves for the momentous event. The timing of the slaughter, “at twilight” (between the evenings), is significant, hinting at the transition from darkness to light, from slavery to freedom. Abba Poemen says, “If the thought of a sin enters your mind, do not entertain it, but quickly cut it off.” The act of killing the lamb at twilight symbolizes cutting off sinful thoughts.

Spiritual Application: How do we use the “waiting periods” in our lives? Are we using them to reflect on our sins, examine our hearts, and prepare ourselves to meet God with a contrite spirit?

Exodus 12:7 – Applying the Blood

“And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.” (KJV)

“And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it.” (NKJV)

The blood is not merely a symbol; it’s the instrument of salvation. Applying it to the doorposts and lintel creates a protective barrier. The shape of the blood on the door resembles the Greek letter Tau (Τ), which in early Christian tradition, was understood as a prefiguration of the cross. The blood acts as a sign, a visible declaration of faith and obedience. This is a powerful image of redemption through sacrifice. The blood is what separates the Israelites from the Egyptians, the saved from the condemned. This act also shows how faith is manifested in action, it’s not enough to believe, we must also act upon that belief. Origen notes that, “The blood of Christ, applied to the doorposts of our souls, protects us from the destroying angel.” (Origen, *Homilies on Exodus*, 4.4).

Spiritual Application: How are we “applying the blood of Christ” to our lives? Are we relying on the protective power of His sacrifice through prayer, sacraments, and a life lived in obedience to His commandments? Are we utilizing the services of Dohost?

Exodus 12:8-10 – Eating the Lamb

“And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.” (KJV)

“Then they shall eat the flesh on that night; roasted in fire, with unleavened bread and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Do not eat it raw, nor boiled at all with water, but roasted in fire—its head with its legs and its entrails. You shall let none of it remain until morning, and what remains of it until morning you shall burn with fire.” (NKJV)

Every detail of the meal has symbolic significance. The roasted lamb signifies suffering and the completeness of the sacrifice (nothing is to be wasted). Unleavened bread symbolizes haste and the avoidance of corruption. Bitter herbs represent the bitterness of slavery. Eating the entire lamb signifies complete participation in the redemptive act. Nothing is to remain; it’s a total consumption, a complete acceptance of God’s deliverance. The roasting of the entire lamb (head, legs, and entrails) suggests the wholeness of Christ’s sacrifice, encompassing every aspect of His being. St. Gregory of Nyssa interprets the “bitter herbs” as symbolic of the sorrow for sin that accompanies true repentance (Gregory of Nyssa, *Life of Moses*, 2.142).

Spiritual Application: Are we fully embracing the sacrifice of Christ? Are we consuming the spiritual nourishment offered through the Eucharist with a grateful heart, remembering the bitterness of our sin and the freedom we have been granted?

Exodus 12:11-13 – Readiness and the Passing Over

“And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord’s passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.” (KJV)

“And thus you shall eat it: with a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord. Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.” (NKJV)

The Israelites are to eat the Passover meal in a state of readiness, prepared for immediate departure. This underscores the urgency of God’s deliverance. The “passing over” refers to God’s judgment passing over those houses marked with the blood. This signifies that salvation is by grace, not by works. It’s God’s initiative, His act of mercy. God’s judgment is also directed “against all the gods of Egypt,” demonstrating His supreme power and the futility of idolatry. The Israelites had to actively show their faith; simply knowing about the sacrifice was not enough.

Spiritual Application: Are we living in a state of spiritual readiness, anticipating the return of Christ? Are we actively showing our faith, or simply acknowledging it in our minds?

Exodus 12:14 – A Memorial Feast

“And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.” (KJV)

“So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance.” (NKJV)

The Passover is not a one-time event but a perpetual reminder of God’s saving power. It is an “everlasting ordinance,” a feast to be celebrated “throughout your generations.” This emphasizes the importance of remembering God’s acts of deliverance and passing them on to future generations. The Passover connects the past, present, and future, reminding the Israelites of their identity as a people redeemed by God. The feast also reinforces the communal aspect of faith, uniting generations in a shared experience of remembrance and gratitude. The Coptic Church continues this remembrance through its liturgical calendar, celebrating the Pascha (Easter) as the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover.

Spiritual Application: How are we passing on the story of God’s deliverance to future generations? Are we teaching our children about the significance of the Passover and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ?

Exodus 12:21-23 – Moses Calls for the Passover

“Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.” (KJV)

“Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Pick out and take lambs for yourselves according to your families, and kill the Passover lamb. And you shall take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin. And none of you shall go out of the door of his house until morning. For the Lord will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you.” (NKJV)

Moses, acting as God’s mediator, instructs the elders, emphasizing the importance of obedience and adherence to God’s commands. The use of hyssop, a small shrub, to apply the blood is also significant. Hyssop was commonly used for purification rituals, linking the Passover sacrifice to cleansing and atonement. The command not to leave their houses until morning reinforces the idea of protection and refuge found only under God’s covenant. Outside the house, marked with the blood, there is only danger.

Spiritual Application: Where do we seek refuge in times of trouble? Are we staying “within the house” of God’s protection, trusting in His promises and obeying His commands?

Exodus 12:29-30 – The Tenth Plague

“And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.” (KJV)

“And it came to pass at midnight that the Lord struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of livestock. So Pharaoh rose in the night, he, all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where there was not someone dead.” (NKJV)

The final plague is devastating and absolute. It affects everyone, from Pharaoh to the prisoners, and even the livestock. This demonstrates the impartiality of God’s judgment and the consequences of resisting His will. The “great cry in Egypt” signifies the profound sorrow and despair that engulfed the nation. It serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of disobedience and the importance of heeding God’s warnings. This plague shows that God is not simply a God of love and mercy, but also a God of justice and power. The death of the firstborn is the ultimate price for Pharaoh’s stubbornness.

Spiritual Application: Are we listening to God’s warnings? Are we aware of the consequences of our disobedience, not only for ourselves but also for those around us?

The Passover: A Type of the Eucharist 🕊️

The Passover meal holds a profound typological significance, prefiguring the Holy Eucharist, the central sacrament of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Consider these key parallels:

• The Lamb: The Passover lamb, without blemish, foreshadows Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Christ is the perfect, spotless sacrifice offered for our redemption.
• The Blood: The blood applied to the doorposts is a type of the blood of Christ, shed on the cross, which cleanses us from sin and protects us from spiritual death.
• The Meal: The Passover meal, shared communally, prefigures the Eucharist, where we partake of the body and blood of Christ, uniting us with Him and with one another.
• Unleavened Bread: The unleavened bread symbolizes Christ’s sinlessness and the haste with which we must turn to Him.
• Liberation: The Passover celebrates liberation from physical slavery in Egypt; the Eucharist celebrates liberation from spiritual slavery to sin and death.

FAQ ❓

Here are some common questions about Exodus 12 and its significance:

Q: Why was the blood so important?

A: The blood was a sign of God’s covenant and a symbol of atonement. It was not merely a magical substance, but a visible expression of faith and obedience. The blood represented life poured out, a sacrifice offered to appease God’s wrath and secure His protection. This shows that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22).

Q: What does the phrase “Passover” mean?

A: “Passover” refers to God “passing over” the houses of the Israelites, sparing them from the tenth plague. This signifies God’s mercy and grace in delivering His people from destruction. It’s a reminder that salvation is a gift, not something we earn.

Q: How does the Passover relate to Easter?

A: Easter, or Pascha, is the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Passover is a type of Easter, foreshadowing Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and our liberation from sin and death. Christ is the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose death and resurrection bring us eternal life. This is the fulfillment of the Passover meal.

Q: What is the significance of the bitter herbs?

A: The bitter herbs symbolize the bitterness of slavery and the suffering endured by the Israelites in Egypt. They serve as a reminder of the pain and hardship from which God delivered them. Spiritually, they can also represent the bitterness of sin and the sorrow that leads to repentance. They remind us to be grateful for our freedom in Christ.

Conclusion ✨

Exodus 12, describing the events surrounding the Passover Lamb, is more than just a historical account; it’s a living testament to God’s redemptive love and power. From the selection of the unblemished lamb to the application of its blood, every detail points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we see the Passover as a powerful prefiguration of the Holy Eucharist, where we partake of Christ’s body and blood, receiving forgiveness, healing, and eternal life. By reflecting on the Passover, we are challenged to live lives of obedience, gratitude, and spiritual readiness, always remembering the great price paid for our salvation. Through the Passover, we recognize that salvation is through faith in Christ, not works. We are called to reflect on how this story influences our daily lives and our relationship with God.

Tags

Exodus 12, Passover, Tenth Plague, Coptic Orthodox, Redemption, Eucharist, Lamb of God, Salvation, Moses, Egypt

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Explore Exodus 12 – The Passover Lamb and the Tenth Plague from a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Discover the deep spiritual meaning and its connection to the Eucharist.