“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.”
This verse is part of the narrative of the Passover, a pivotal event in the history of the Israelites. It occurred during the time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt and serves as a demonstration of God’s power and deliverance.
Historical Context:The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for several generations, and God raised up Moses as their deliverer. Through Moses, God demanded Pharaoh to release His people, but Pharaoh repeatedly refused to let them go. As a result, God unleashed a series of ten plagues upon Egypt, which culminated in the final and most devastating plague-the death of the firstborn.
God’s Judgment and the Passover: In Exodus 12, God instructs Moses and Aaron about the institution of the Passover, a commemorative feast that would be observed by the Israelites for generations to come. The purpose of the Passover was twofold: to commemorate God’s deliverance and to protect the Israelites from the impending judgment.
In verse 12, God declares His intention to pass through the land of Egypt that night and strike down the firstborn of both humans and animals. This act would demonstrate His power over all the gods of Egypt, as each plague targeted a specific Egyptian deity, exposing their impotence and revealing the true God as the Almighty.
The Significance of the Plague: The judgment upon the firstborn served as a climax to the plagues and a final blow to Pharaoh’s resistance. It exposed the inadequacy of the gods of Egypt and displayed God’s sovereignty over life and death. By sparing the Israelites through the institution of the Passover, God established them as a distinct and chosen people, setting them apart for His purposes.
Redemption and Deliverance: It is essential to note that the Passover was not only about judgment but also about redemption and deliverance. The Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb, take its blood, and apply it to the doorposts of their houses. When the Lord saw the blood, He would “pass over” that household, sparing them from the plague. This act of faith and obedience protected the Israelites and ensured their safe departure from Egypt.
The Passover lamb, along with its blood, foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who would later give His life on the cross as a means of salvation and deliverance for all who believe in Him.
In summary, Exodus 12:12 showcases God’s judgment upon the gods of Egypt and the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery. It highlights the significance of the Passover and its foreshadowing of Jesus’ sacrificial death. The verse underscores God’s sovereignty, His power over all things, and His faithfulness to His people.
