“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.”
This verse is part of the account of the first Passover, which occurred just before the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. God had sent several plagues upon the Egyptians to demonstrate His power and demand Pharaoh’s release of the Israelites. The final and most devastating plague was the death of the firstborn throughout the land.
In this verse, God is instructing the Israelites on how to protect themselves from the plague. They were to take a lamb without blemish, sacrifice it, and apply its blood to the doorposts and lintel of their houses. When the Lord passed through the land to strike down the Egyptians, He would see the blood and “pass over” the houses of the Israelites, sparing them from the judgment.
Let’s explore some key points and lessons we can draw from Exodus 12:23:
- The blood as a symbol of protection: The application of the lamb’s blood on the doorposts and lintel served as a sign of faith and obedience for the Israelites. It symbolized the atoning power of the blood, providing protection and deliverance from the judgment of God. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins and serves as a means of salvation for all who believe in Him.
- God’s judgment and deliverance: The passing over of the Israelites’ homes demonstrates God’s ability to distinguish between His people and those who were not. He exercised His authority in executing judgment upon the Egyptians while delivering His chosen people. This event emphasizes God’s sovereignty and His faithfulness to protect and deliver those who are faithful to Him.
- Obedience and faith: The Israelites’ obedience to God’s instructions was crucial for their safety. They had to take action by sacrificing the lamb, applying the blood, and remaining inside their homes. Their faith and obedience were essential components of their protection. This highlights the importance of faith and obedience in our relationship with God. It is not enough to know God’s instructions; we must also act upon them in faith.
- Redemption and salvation: The events surrounding the first Passover are a powerful foreshadowing of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelites were saved from the judgment through the blood of the lamb, believers today are saved from the penalty of sin through the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ultimate Passover Lamb who offers eternal salvation to all who trust in Him.
Overall, Exodus 12:23 reveals God’s power, judgment, and deliverance, while pointing forward to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ. It teaches us the significance of faith, obedience, and the atoning power of the blood of the Lamb.
