Exodus 12:22 - You shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two door posts with the blood that is in the basin; and none of you shall go out of the door of his house until the morning.

Generated Verse: Exodus 12:22

What does "Exodus 12:22" mean?


This verse is part of the instructions given to the Israelites by God in Exodus 12 regarding the Passover. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:

"You shall take a bunch of hyssop...": Hyssop is a small, bushy plant, likely chosen for its absorbent properties. It would have been used as a brush or applicator.

"...and dip it in the blood that is in the basin...": This refers to the blood of the Passover lamb, which was to be sacrificed. The blood was collected in a basin.

"...and strike the lintel and the two door posts with the blood that is in the basin...": The lintel is the horizontal beam across the top of the doorway, and the doorposts are the vertical sides. Applying the blood to these specific parts of the doorway was a symbolic act.

"...and none of you shall go out of the door of his house until the morning.": The Israelites were instructed to stay inside their homes until morning.

Overall Meaning and Significance:

Protection and Atonement: The blood on the doorposts and lintel served as a sign to God, indicating that these houses were inhabited by those who had followed His instructions. It was a sign of their faith and obedience. The blood acted as a symbolic atonement, turning away God's wrath.

Divine Judgment: That night, God would "pass over" Egypt, striking down the firstborn of every household that did not have the blood on their doorposts. This was the final and most devastating of the ten plagues sent to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery.

Staying Inside: Remaining inside until morning was crucial. The people needed to remain in their house where the blood protection was.

A Picture of Salvation: The Passover is often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. Just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from physical death, the blood of Christ is believed to offer believers spiritual salvation and protection from God's judgment.

In essence, this verse describes a ritual of faith and obedience that was meant to protect the Israelites from the final plague and ultimately lead to their liberation from slavery in Egypt.

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