Exodus 12:27

That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.

Exodus 12:27 (KJV)

Context

Exodus 12 describes the first Passover, the night when the LORD struck the firstborn of Egypt but spared the homes of His people. Verse 27 gives the answer parents were to give their children when asked about the meaning of this ceremony. This instruction came while Israel was still in Egypt, before they left. The Passover was not a private ritual but a lasting ordinance, meant to be explained to every new generation.

Meaning

The verse calls the lamb “the sacrifice of the LORD’s passover.” This means the lamb belonged to God and was offered to Him. The lamb’s blood marked the houses of the Israelites, so the destroyer passed over them. God alone acted to save them; they did not earn their deliverance. It was an act of divine mercy and protection. The people’s response was immediate and humble: they bowed their heads and worshipped. Their worship showed reverence, submission, and gratitude for God’s power and faithfulness.

Biblical connections

The Passover lamb points to Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 5:7, Paul calls Christ “our passover” who was sacrificed for us. Just as the lamb’s blood protected the Israelites from judgment, faith in Jesus’ shed blood saves believers from the penalty of sin. The surrounding verses confirm the reality of the judgment from which they were spared. Exodus 12:29-30 describes the LORD striking the firstborn of Egypt at midnight. This contrast between judgment and mercy makes the deliverance even more striking.

Application

This verse teaches us to remember and declare what God has done. When our children ask about our faith, we can explain that our salvation comes from God alone. We should respond with gratitude and reverence, bowing our hearts before Him. The Passover reminds us that God sees, protects, and delivers His people. Like the Israelites, we are called to obey what the LORD commands. Exodus 12:28 shows that they did all that the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron. Our obedience flows from trust in His deliverance.

Reflection

God’s deliverance in Exodus was physical, but it foreshadows a greater spiritual deliverance through Christ. The same God who spared the Israelites still saves all who trust in Him. Our worship should flow from a heart that knows it has been rescued. Let us bow our heads and give thanks, for the LORD has passed over our sins because of the Lamb.