Exodus 12:3 - Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, ‘On the tenth day of this month, they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household;
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What does "Exodus 12:3" mean?
Exodus 12:3 is a crucial part of the instructions given to the Israelites as they prepared to leave Egypt. Let's break down its meaning:
"Speak to all the congregation of Israel": This command is directed to Moses and Aaron, instructing them to communicate these specific instructions to all the Israelites, not just the leaders. This emphasizes the importance and universality of the event.
"On the tenth day of this month": "This month" refers to the month of Nisan, which would become the first month of the Jewish religious calendar (Exodus 12:2). This establishes a specific date for the beginning of the Passover preparation.
"they shall take to them every man a lamb": Each man (representing the household) is to select a lamb or young goat. It's important to note that the Hebrew word for "lamb" can also mean "young goat."
"according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household": This reinforces that the lamb is selected and designated on a household basis. "Fathers' houses" refers to the patriarchal family unit, meaning each family (or group of close families) would acquire one lamb.
In essence, the verse means:
On the tenth day of the month of Nisan, each Israelite family (or household) is to select a lamb or young goat. This lamb is chosen for the entire household.
Significance:
Preparation: This verse marks the beginning of the preparations for the Passover sacrifice and the Exodus.
Family Unit: It emphasizes the family's role in the Passover ritual.
Individual Responsibility: While a representative "man" takes the lamb, the whole family is involved.
Symbolic Act: Choosing the lamb four days before the sacrifice allowed the family to observe and connect with the animal, heightening the significance of its eventual sacrifice. It was like taking something precious and innocent into their homes, and knowing it was destined for sacrifice as part of their redemption.
Exodus 12:3 - Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, ‘On the tenth day of this month, they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household;
What does "Exodus 12:3" mean?
Exodus 12:3 is a crucial part of the instructions given to the Israelites as they prepared to leave Egypt. Let's break down its meaning:
"Speak to all the congregation of Israel": This command is directed to Moses and Aaron, instructing them to communicate these specific instructions to all the Israelites, not just the leaders. This emphasizes the importance and universality of the event.
"On the tenth day of this month": "This month" refers to the month of Nisan, which would become the first month of the Jewish religious calendar (Exodus 12:2). This establishes a specific date for the beginning of the Passover preparation.
"they shall take to them every man a lamb": Each man (representing the household) is to select a lamb or young goat. It's important to note that the Hebrew word for "lamb" can also mean "young goat."
"according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household": This reinforces that the lamb is selected and designated on a household basis. "Fathers' houses" refers to the patriarchal family unit, meaning each family (or group of close families) would acquire one lamb.
In essence, the verse means:
On the tenth day of the month of Nisan, each Israelite family (or household) is to select a lamb or young goat. This lamb is chosen for the entire household.
Significance:
Preparation: This verse marks the beginning of the preparations for the Passover sacrifice and the Exodus.
Family Unit: It emphasizes the family's role in the Passover ritual.
Individual Responsibility: While a representative "man" takes the lamb, the whole family is involved.
Symbolic Act: Choosing the lamb four days before the sacrifice allowed the family to observe and connect with the animal, heightening the significance of its eventual sacrifice. It was like taking something precious and innocent into their homes, and knowing it was destined for sacrifice as part of their redemption.