Exodus 12:2, "“This month shall be to you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year to you," marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites and a fundamental shift in their calendar. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

New Beginning: This verse establishes a new religious calendar for the Israelites, starting with the month in which they are to be freed from slavery in Egypt. This month is later named Nissan (in later Jewish tradition).

Religious Significance: Prior to this, the Israelites likely followed a calendar based on agricultural cycles, common in ancient societies. This verse elevates a specific month, the month of the Exodus, to the most important position on the calendar.

Reordering of Priorities: By declaring this month as the "first month," God is effectively telling the Israelites to prioritize their relationship with Him and the memory of their redemption above all else. Their calendar, and therefore their lives, are now centered around this divine act of liberation.

Remembrance and Identity: The commandment to remember the Exodus during the Passover celebration, which takes place in this first month, is a direct consequence of this verse. It's a perpetual reminder of their identity as a people freed by God and bound to Him by covenant.

In essence, Exodus 12:2 is a declaration of independence and a reorientation of the Israelite worldview. It's a powerful statement that their history, their future, and their very identity are now inextricably linked to their relationship with God and the miraculous event of the Exodus.