“And the children of Israel went away, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.”
This verse is situated within the context of the Passover narrative, a significant event in the book of Exodus. Prior to the events of this verse, the Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for several generations. God raised up Moses as their leader and sent him to Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Israelites. Pharaoh resisted, and as a result, God sent a series of ten plagues upon Egypt to demonstrate His power and to compel Pharaoh to let His people go.
In Exodus 12, God instructs Moses and Aaron on the institution of the Passover. The Lord outlines the specific instructions for the Israelites to follow in order to protect themselves from the final plague-the death of the firstborn. The Israelites were commanded to take a lamb, without blemish, on the tenth day of the month, keep it until the fourteenth day, and then sacrifice it at twilight. They were to take the blood of the lamb and apply it to the two side posts and the lintel of their houses. They were also to roast the lamb and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
In Exodus 12:28, we see the immediate response of the children of Israel to the instructions given by the Lord through Moses and Aaron. They obeyed and carried out the commands exactly as they were instructed. This verse emphasizes their obedience and faith in God’s word. It reveals the Israelites’ trust in God’s promise to protect them from the plague and bring them out of Egypt.
The obedience of the Israelites in this instance serves as an important lesson for believers today. It illustrates the significance of heeding God’s instructions, even when they might seem unusual or difficult to comprehend. The Israelites’ obedience demonstrated their faith in God’s power and their willingness to follow His guidance. In turn, God honored their obedience and protected them from the judgment that befell the Egyptians.
As Christians, we can apply this lesson by recognizing the importance of obeying God’s commands and instructions found in His Word, the Bible. Just as the Israelites trusted and obeyed God, we are called to trust and follow Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of the Passover lamb and the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Through our obedience to God’s commands and our faith in Jesus, we can experience His protection, guidance, and deliverance in our lives.
In summary, Exodus 12:28 highlights the obedience of the children of Israel as they carried out the commands given by God through Moses and Aaron. It serves as a reminder for believers to trust in and obey God’s instructions, recognizing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises and guide us on our journey of faith.
