“Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.”
This verse is part of the instructions given to the Israelites regarding the Passover meal, which was instituted by God as a commemoration of their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Here, God provides specific guidelines on how the Passover lamb should be prepared and eaten.
Cooking Instructions: The verse emphasizes that the lamb should not be eaten raw or boiled in water but should be roasted with fire. Roasting the lamb with fire would have ensured thorough cooking, eliminating any risk of eating undercooked meat and potential health hazards. This instruction also adds an element of symbolism, as fire is often associated with purification and judgment in the Bible.
Whole Lamb: The verse further states that the lamb should be roasted whole, including its head, legs, and inner organs (purtenance). This emphasizes the completeness and unity of the sacrificial lamb. The Passover lamb was to be chosen and set apart from the flock, representing its sacrificial nature.
Symbolism: The Passover lamb is significant in the context of the Exodus story. Its blood was to be applied to the doorposts of the Israelite homes, serving as a sign for the angel of death to “pass over” those households and spare the firstborns. The roasted lamb was to be eaten as a commemorative meal, signifying the redemption and deliverance from slavery in Egypt.
Spiritual Lessons: Looking beyond the literal instructions, we can draw spiritual lessons from Exodus 12:9. The Passover lamb points to Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the “Lamb of God” in the New Testament. Just as the Israelites were delivered from bondage through the blood of the Passover lamb, believers are redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross.
The emphasis on roasting the lamb with fire reflects the refining process believers undergo in their spiritual journey. Trials and challenges serve to purify and strengthen their faith. The completeness of the lamb reminds believers of the sacrifice of Christ, who offered Himself fully on behalf of humanity.
In summary, Exodus 12:9 provides specific instructions on how the Passover lamb was to be prepared and eaten. It serves as a reminder of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and holds spiritual significance, pointing to Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb and our redemption through His blood.