“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.”
This verse is part of the instructions given to the Israelites regarding the observance of the Passover feast, which commemorated their liberation from slavery in Egypt. Let’s break down the verse and explore its significance:
“And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning”: The “it” referred to in this verse is the Passover lamb. The Israelites were instructed not to leave any part of the lamb uneaten until the next morning. This command emphasized the urgency and immediacy with which they were to consume the lamb.
“And that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire”: If any portion of the Passover lamb remained uneaten until morning, the Israelites were instructed to burn it with fire. This command reinforced the idea that the Passover lamb was a holy offering to God and was not to be treated casually or left to waste.
Symbolically, this verse holds several important meanings within the context of the Passover:
- Prompt obedience: The Israelites were to eat the Passover lamb in haste, ready to depart from Egypt. This command served as a reminder of the urgency with which they were to respond to God’s instructions and follow His lead.
- No leftovers: The requirement to consume the entire lamb underscored the Israelites’ complete reliance on God’s provision and their willingness to trust Him for their sustenance. It also conveyed the idea that God’s provision was abundant and sufficient for their needs.
- Holiness and reverence: Burning the remaining portions of the lamb emphasized the sacred nature of the Passover sacrifice. It demonstrated the Israelites’ commitment to treating the offering with respect and not allowing any part of it to be defiled or desecrated.
- Separation from Egypt: By eating the lamb and burning what was left, the Israelites were symbolically detaching themselves from the Egyptian culture and religious practices. They were making a clear distinction between their newfound identity as God’s chosen people and the pagan practices of their former oppressors.
Overall, Exodus 12:10 serves as a reminder of the Israelites’ obedience, trust, and separation from Egypt during the Passover event. It also highlights the importance of honoring and respecting the sacred things of God.
