Exodus 12:27 - that you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of Yahweh’s Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians, and spared our houses.’” The people bowed their heads and worshiped.
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What does "Exodus 12:27" mean?
This verse is a key part of the institution of Passover, a central and foundational event in Jewish history. Let's break it down:
"that you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of Yahweh’s Passover..." This phrase emphasizes that the sacrifice of the Passover lamb isn't just a random ritual, but a specific and meaningful act connected to Yahweh (God's name). It is meant to be recounted and explained. This verse sets the stage for the yearly telling of the Exodus story.
"...who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians, and spared our houses.’" This is the core explanation of the Passover. It refers to the tenth and final plague, the death of the firstborn. Yahweh (God) "passed over" (hence the name "Passover") the houses of the Israelites that were marked with the blood of the sacrificed lamb on the doorposts and lintel. While He inflicted the plague upon the Egyptians, the Israelites were protected. This underscores the idea of divine deliverance and protection specifically for the Israelites because of their faith and obedience (following God's instructions to sacrifice the lamb and put the blood on their doors).
"The people bowed their heads and worshiped." This is the response to hearing and understanding the significance of the Passover sacrifice and what it represents. The people express their gratitude, reverence, and submission to Yahweh for his mercy and power in delivering them from slavery in Egypt. The act of bowing the head is a common gesture of humility and worship in the Ancient Near East.
In summary, the verse means:
It is an instruction to future generations to understand and remember the historical and theological significance of the Passover sacrifice.
It highlights the divine intervention of Yahweh in protecting the Israelites while punishing the Egyptians.
It underscores the contrast between the fate of the Egyptians and the salvation of the Israelites.
It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and worshipping Yahweh for his deliverance.
Significance for the Israelites:
Remembrance: The Passover served as a yearly reminder of their liberation from slavery, preventing them from forgetting their history and the actions of God on their behalf.
Identity: It reinforced their identity as a chosen people, set apart by God and protected by Him.
Faith: It encouraged faith in Yahweh and obedience to his commands, as their salvation was contingent on their faith and actions.
Worship: It prompted worship and gratitude towards Yahweh for his mercy and power.
Connection to later theology:
Redemption: The concept of Passover is often seen as a prototype for later theological ideas of redemption and salvation.
The Lamb of God: In Christian theology, Jesus is often referred to as the "Lamb of God" who takes away the sins of the world, drawing a parallel to the Passover lamb whose blood spared the Israelites.
Understanding this verse provides valuable insights into the origins of Passover, its meaning for the Israelites, and its broader theological significance.
Exodus 12:27 - that you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of Yahweh’s Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians, and spared our houses.’” The people bowed their heads and worshiped.
What does "Exodus 12:27" mean?
This verse is a key part of the institution of Passover, a central and foundational event in Jewish history. Let's break it down:
"that you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of Yahweh’s Passover..." This phrase emphasizes that the sacrifice of the Passover lamb isn't just a random ritual, but a specific and meaningful act connected to Yahweh (God's name). It is meant to be recounted and explained. This verse sets the stage for the yearly telling of the Exodus story.
"...who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians, and spared our houses.’" This is the core explanation of the Passover. It refers to the tenth and final plague, the death of the firstborn. Yahweh (God) "passed over" (hence the name "Passover") the houses of the Israelites that were marked with the blood of the sacrificed lamb on the doorposts and lintel. While He inflicted the plague upon the Egyptians, the Israelites were protected. This underscores the idea of divine deliverance and protection specifically for the Israelites because of their faith and obedience (following God's instructions to sacrifice the lamb and put the blood on their doors).
"The people bowed their heads and worshiped." This is the response to hearing and understanding the significance of the Passover sacrifice and what it represents. The people express their gratitude, reverence, and submission to Yahweh for his mercy and power in delivering them from slavery in Egypt. The act of bowing the head is a common gesture of humility and worship in the Ancient Near East.
In summary, the verse means:
It is an instruction to future generations to understand and remember the historical and theological significance of the Passover sacrifice.
It highlights the divine intervention of Yahweh in protecting the Israelites while punishing the Egyptians.
It underscores the contrast between the fate of the Egyptians and the salvation of the Israelites.
It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and worshipping Yahweh for his deliverance.
Significance for the Israelites:
Remembrance: The Passover served as a yearly reminder of their liberation from slavery, preventing them from forgetting their history and the actions of God on their behalf.
Identity: It reinforced their identity as a chosen people, set apart by God and protected by Him.
Faith: It encouraged faith in Yahweh and obedience to his commands, as their salvation was contingent on their faith and actions.
Worship: It prompted worship and gratitude towards Yahweh for his mercy and power.
Connection to later theology:
Redemption: The concept of Passover is often seen as a prototype for later theological ideas of redemption and salvation.
The Lamb of God: In Christian theology, Jesus is often referred to as the "Lamb of God" who takes away the sins of the world, drawing a parallel to the Passover lamb whose blood spared the Israelites.
Understanding this verse provides valuable insights into the origins of Passover, its meaning for the Israelites, and its broader theological significance.