Êxodo 12
J. Vernon McGee · Citado em PreceptAustin
Êxodo 12
Vernon McGee comments " When Israel entered Egypt, it was as a family. When they made their exit from Egypt, it was as a nation. The interesting point is that God puts the emphasis on the family here because the family comprises the building blocks out of which the nation was made. You remember how Pharaoh forced the Israelites to make bricks without straw. All the time that Israel was in bondage, God made them the bricks of the family for the building of a nation out of the straws of individuals. An old cliché says, “No nation is stronger than the families of that nation.” The zero hour has come for Israel. The countdown begins in this chapter for the exodus of the children of Israel out of Egypt. (Thru The Bible) It is worth noting that the 14th of Nisan or Abib, around 3,230 years ago there was a full moon shining down upon Egypt when God went through Egypt at midnight and every firstborn male died. And this is the same night and the same moon which shone down on Jesus and His disciples about 1970 years ago as they observed the last supper—the Passover meal. The Hebrew word beginning is rosh which also means head (literally in Ex 12:9 = "its head") and was used metaphorically earlier in Ex 6:14 (Ex 6:25) to describe "the heads of their fathers' households." So more literally this passage might be read "the head of months for you," conveying the sense of being not only the first but also the most prominent. The Septuagint (Lxx) uses the Greek word arche signifying the beginning of anything (Jn 1:1) or the first (Jn 2:11) and speaks of the commencement of something as an action, process, or state of being. In a sense beginning in the context of Exodus 12 marks the "Birth of a Nation," the nation of Israel. Hobbs - These verses, especially verse 2, emphasize the passover as providing a new beginning for Israel. This new beginning led to other new beginnings recorded in the Book of Exodus: the covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai, the giving of the law, the renewal of the covenant after the Israelites made the golden calf, the building of the tabernacle, and more. From the New Testament perspective, the new beginning for the enslaved Israelites foreshadowed the new beginning and new life offered to sinners through Christ. The word “new” is used for the new life found only in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). Like the deliverance from Egypt, only God can make possible a new life for sinners. What Christ offers is not just another opportunity to try and do better in our own strength. What He offers is deliverance from the penalty and power of sin and entry into a new life, which is found only in Him. Have you experienced this new beginning? This passage could be easily misunderstood, for when He says the first month of the year but today in Judaism there are actually four days that are treated as "first days of the year" each with a different significance... Abib = Nisan: This occurs in the Spring, usually around April, and marks the beginning of a new Biblical year. Elul: This was the new year for animal tithes and takes place in the sixth month of the calendar, around August. Tishri 1: Also known as Rosh Hashanah, this new year occurs on the first day of the seventh month, usually in September. Its date is known as when the world was created. Rosh Hashanah begins a ten-day period leading up to the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Shevat 15: Falling between January and February, Shevat or Tu B’Shvat, marks the date calculating the titles for harvest. (Source) Currid - This announcement does not mean a change in the Hebrew calendar. The text literally reads, ‘This month is for you the first month.’ Thus it is at the time of the Hebrew new year that the Passover occurs. And now the Israelites truly have something to celebrate—a new beginning that is born of redemption from Egypt! NET Note - Jacob (Exodus, 294–95) shows that the intent of the passage was not to make this month in the spring the New Year – that was in the autumn. Rather, when counting months this was supposed to be remembered first, for it was the great festival of freedom from Egypt. He observes how some scholars have unnecessarily tried to date one New Year earlier than the other. Cassuto writes that "On the first day of the first month of the new year—that is, at the beginning of a new period of time in human life—God communicates to them joyful tidings; the new calendar period marks a new historic epoch in the life of Israel." THOUGHT - BEGINNING OF MONTHS – It is called the beginning because it was just that (1) the beginning of a new nation and (2) the beginning of freedom for the people who were redeemed by the blood of the lamb. What a wonderful picture of every believer’s new life in Christ. My physical birthday was in 1946 but the real beginning of my eternal life in Christ was 1984, the year I was transferred from the Kingdom of darkness (our of this “Egypt”) to the kingdom of light, of God’s dearly beloved Son Christ Jesus in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Col 1:12-14+). Thank You LORD! THOUGHT - “God is ever the God of new beginnings in the history of failure. The ultimate statement is found in the Apocalypse in the words: ‘Behold, I am making all things new (kainos = brand new, never seen before!).’ (Rev 21:5+) ” (G Campbell Morgan) Tony
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Vernon McGee - This verse does not say anything about the lamb being too little for the household. This would not happen; the lamb is sufficient. It is possible, however, that the household might be too little for the lamb. God is interested in each individual member of the family. Each family was to have a lamb, but what if a man and his wife were childless or had married children who lived apart from them? This couple is then supposed to join with a neighbor who is in the same position and divide the lamb. Each individual in each family is to receive a part of the lamb. The celebration of the Feast of the Passover is to be a personal, private matter. It is redemption for the nation, yes, but it centers in the family. It must be received and accepted by each individual member in the family. The Passover is a family affair. God is presenting the modus operandi by which He is going to save individuals. No one is saved because he is the member of a nation or a family. Take, for example, the account of the Philippian jailor and the salvation of his household as told in the Book of Acts, chapter 16. His family was not saved because the jailor believed, but because each member of his family made a transaction with the Lamb, each had to partake of the Lamb. That was true here. Every member had to exhibit his faith in this way. “…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31) does not mean that if you believe, your family will be saved. No! Your family will have to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and then they will be saved. Each one will have to participate and partake of it in order to come in under the protection and the redemption of the blood that is out on the doorpost of the house. Exodus 12:5 'Your lamb shall be an unblemished male a year old; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. be an unblemished - Lev 1:3,10 22:19-24 De 17:1 Mal 1:7,8,14 Heb 7:26 9:13,14 1Pe 1:18,19 male a year old - Lev 23:12 1Sa 13:1 REQUIRED CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LAMB Your lamb shall be an unblemished male a year old - NET = "Your lamb must be perfect, a male." Unblemished is the Hebrew word tamim translated with teleios, meaning perfect the main idea referring to totality of something rather than partial (for a lamb this would mean not lame but with all limbs intact, etc) A year old later is defined at Sinai as a clean animal. The idea of without blemish is whole or sound, no physical defects. The rules for sacrificial animals applied here (see Lev 22:19–21; Dt 17:1). Unblemished (without defect or blemish, perfect) (08549)(tamim from the verb tamam = to be complete, entire or whole) has both physical (without defect) and spiritual (blameless, devout, upright) significance. Tamim has the fundamental idea of completeness or wholeness. Tamim deals primarily with a state of moral or ceremonial purity (e.g., animal sacrifices - 51x tamim refers to unblemished animals - Passover lamb in Ex 12:5 picturing of course Christ sinless perfection - 1 Cor 5:7, "knew no sin" = 2Cor 5:21+). Tamim can mean blameless, complete, whole, full, perfect. Tamim can refer to the "entirety" of a period of time (7 complete Sabbaths = Lev 23:15; full year = Lev 25:30). Joshua 10:13 records the miracle of the sun standing still for a "whole (tamim) day," allowing Joshua to extract vengeance on the Amorite coalition that had attacked him. Clearly the idea of a perfect lamb pointed toward the Messiah, even as in Isaiah's prophecy... He (MESSIAH) was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. (Isaiah 53:7+) You may take it from the sheep or from the goats - The Hebrew word for lamb can refer to either a young sheep or a young goat. Exodus 12:6 'You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month, then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to kill it at twilight. fourteenth - Lev 23:5 Nu 9:3 28:16,18 De 16:1-6 2Ch 30:15 Eze 45:21 the whole - 2Ch 30:15-18 Isa 53:6 Mt 27:20,25 Mk 15:1,8,11,25,33,34 Lu 23:1,18 Ac 2:23 3:14 4:27 at twilight - The Jews divided the day into morning and evening: till the sun passed the meridian, all was morning or forenoon; after that, all was evening or afternoon. Their first evening began just after twelve o'clock, and continued till sunset; their second evening began at sunset, and continued till night, i.e., during the whole time of twilight; between twelve o'clock, therefore, and the termination of twilight, the passover was to be offered. See Parallel Passages. Ex 16:12 Mt 27:46-50 LAMB KILLED IN THE EVENING You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month - The verb shall keep means each family is to "guard" the lamb or goat. It is to be kept from anything that might blemish it (think of a lamb being bitten by a dog). The lamb (or goat) was to be kept for 4 days from the tenth of Abib (Nisan) to the fourteenth NET on shall keep - This stresses the activity of watching over or caring for something, probably to keep it in its proper condition for its designated use (see Ex 16:23, 32–34). THOUGHT - There is a powerful principle portrayed in this passage -- The lamb/goat was to be in every sense a substitutionary sacrifice, the animal's death in place of the death of the firstborn. Paul described this substitutionary sacrifice in 2 Cor 5:21+ "He (GOD THE FATHER) made Him (GOD THE SON) Who knew no sin (Heb 4:15b+) to be sin on our behalf (= "IN OUR PLACE" = SUBSTITUTION - see the doctrine of substitution), so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to kill it at twilight - "between the two evenings." The idea is that the families even though dwelling in different homes, were to carry out this action as "a single assembly by their united and simultaneous act of worship." (Cassuto) Curried adds "The time of the community sacrifice is unclear. A direct translation of the Hebrew says, ‘between the two sunsets/evenings’. Some scholars have suggested this means ‘twilight’, that is, between sunset and dark." THOUGHT - S Lewis
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Vernon McGee - The children of Israel were to put the blood of the lamb outside on the door. Upon seeing the blood, the death angel would pass over the house. I believe there is a picture given here that will answer a question that is asked many times: What will happen to the little children of believers at the time of the Rapture? If small children are in the house when the Lord comes for His own, will He take the Mom and Dad and leave the little ones behind? This chapter shows us that God will not leave the young ones behind. Inside the home the family is eating the lamb (HE IS REFERRING TO BELIEVERS TODAY, NOT THE HEBREWS IS ISRAEL), and by faith they are partaking of Christ. The young children do not know what is taking place. Will they be left behind in Egypt when Israel goes out from the land? If a little one has not yet reached the age of accountability, will he be slain? Oh no, friend, the blood covers everyone in the family. God will not leave small children behind at the time of the Rapture any more than He left them behind when the Israelites were redeemed and left the land of Egypt. Herschel Hobbs speaking of the liberation of souls from slavery to sin and Satan - This liberation requires a response on our part. The Israelites had to follow God’s directions and place the blood of the lamb on their doors; otherwise death would visit that household. Only through faith in the crucified, risen Lord are we set free from sin and death. The blood of Jesus Christ redeems us from sin and death (Eph. 1:7+: 1 Pet. 1:18-19+). He breaks the pow’r of canceled sin, He sets the pris’ner free; His blood can make the foulest clean, His blood availed for me. (Play also This Is Amazing Grace) Steven
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Vernon McGee - We are also told in this verse that they were to eat the flesh of the lamb roast with fire. Fire speaks of judgment. There must be judgment of sin. They were to eat the lamb with unleavened bread. Leaven speaks of sin, and unleavened bread speaks of Christ as the One we are to feed upon. They were also to partake of this meal with bitter herbs. Although there are different meanings attached to these herbs, in this context I believe it means that our experience will not always be sweet after we have received Jesus Christ as Savior. The bitter herbs go with redemption. Exodus 12:9 'Do not eat any of it raw or boiled at all with water, but rather roasted with fire, both its head and its legs along with its entrails. roasted with fire - Ex 12:8 De 16:7 La 1:13 Do not eat any of it raw or boiled at all with water, but rather roasted with fire, both its head and its legs along with its entrails - Cooked whole, note even eviscerated as a symbol of the haste with which they were to leave Egypt. NET "This ruling was to prevent their eating it just softened by the fire or partially roasted as differing customs might prescribe or allow."
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Vernon McGee - Friend, when you come to Christ, you should have your loins girded and be ready to get out of the world and no longer be involved in it. I do not believe that you can be converted and continue living a sinful life (cf 1 John 3:4-10+). This does not mean that you will not sin occasionally, but it does mean that you will not make a habit of living in a pattern of sin....You will get out of “Egypt” if the blood has been put on the doorposts. You are to eat the sacrificial lamb with your loins girt about, ready to go.
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Vernon McGee - God said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” They were not to run out of the house during the night and look at the blood; they were to have confidence and faith in it. They were not saved because they went through the ceremony of circumcision, or because they belonged to some church. God said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” The death angel was not making a survey of the neighborhood. They were not to open a window and tell the death angel how good they were and how much charity work they had done. Any man who put his neck out of a window that night would have died. God said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” Nothing needed to be added. Who was saved that night? Those who believed God. Those who had sprinkled the blood upon their doorposts and trusted in it. Although I do not understand it completely, I believe what God says. He tells me that the shed blood of Christ will save me and nothing else will. God said that when he saw the blood, he would pass over that home. The blood was not some mystic or superstitious sign. A great principle runs all the way through the Word of God that without shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins. In other words, God cannot arbitrarily or big-heartedly shut His eyes to sin and do nothing about it, any more than can a judge today when the guilty are brought before him. The judge should apply the law to the guilty, and the penalty should be paid....But God’s law is inexorable in the universe—“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” The death sentence is upon all of us. But God is gracious, and an innocent life may be substituted for the guilty. Up until Christ came, it was a lamb. Then Jesus was “…the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). If we receive Christ, we are saved from the judgment that we deserve as sinners. S Lewis
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Vernon McGee on leaven - Leaven is mentioned eight times between Ex 12:14-20. Leaven is a principle of evil. It represents that which is evil and offensive. In the thirteenth chapter of Matthew there is a parable about a woman hiding leaven in three measures of meal. That leaven is not the gospel because leaven is a principle of evil. The three measures of meal represent the Word of God, and leaven (evil) has been put into it. It is amazing to see the amount of error being taught today, and how many gullible folk believe it. “Leaven” is being mixed into the teaching of the Word. All of the cults and “isms” use the Bible, but mix false doctrine with it. This is what the children of Israel were told to avoid. Our Lord made this matter of “leaven” clear in the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 16:6 says, “Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” Then Matthew 16:11 continues, “How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?” The Lord’s disciples, at this time, thought He was speaking about physical bread. Later they understood that the Lord was speaking about the doctrine of the Pharisees, which was evil. Unleavened bread is not palatable. There are a great many people who do not like the study of the Bible, the pure, unleavened Word of God. Many people love to come to church for the social time, or the music, or the beauty of the place, but not for the Word of God. They do not want the Word of God because it is not palatable to them. I have been in Israel during the Feast of Unleavened Bread and never got so tired of unleavened bread in my life because I was brought up in the South where we had hot biscuits that puff right up. What a wonderful night it was when this feast came to an end and they brought out the real bread. It tasted good to the natural man. Unleavened bread is not as tasty as the leavened bread is, but the Word of God is the food that is good for the child of God. (Thru the Bible) Exodus 12:20 'You shall not eat anything leavened; in all your dwellings you shall eat unleavened bread.'" DOUBLE INSTRUCTION You shall not eat anything leavened; in all your dwellings you shall eat unleavened bread. - NET "You will not eat anything made with yeast; in all the places where you live you must eat bread made without yeast.'" The prohibition against leavened food (of any kind) and the charge to eat massa/matsah, unleavened bread is emphasized. This is clearly an important point with God! Alan
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McGee - Pharaoh finally has had to give up. Until now he has been reluctant to give in to Moses’ demands but this plague reached in and touched his own son. God did not begin by touching the lives of the firstborn; He began the contest with Pharaoh by changing Aaron’s rod into a crocodile. If Pharaoh had believed God, the children of Israel could have left the land and he would have spared his people the judgments. The blame, therefore, should not belong to God. Exodus 12:33 The Egyptians urged the people, to send them out of the land in haste, for they said, "We will all be dead." Egyptians urged the people- Ex 11:1 Ps 105:38 We be all - Ge 20:3 Nu 17:12,13 The Egyptians urged the people to send them out of the land in haste - NLT "All the Egyptians urged the people of Israel to get out of the land as quickly as possible" Urged is actually (and somewhat ironically) the same verb chazaq used to describe Pharaoh’s heart as being hardened! (Ex 7:13, 7:22, 8:19, 9:12, 9:35, 10:20, 10:27, 11:10). The paradox is that previously the Egyptian hearts were hardened not to let the Hebrews go (Ex 9:34), but now they are equally strong in their desire to force them to go! "It conveys the idea of their being resolved or insistent in this—they were not going to change." Currid observes that "The opening salvo between the Hebrew prophets and Pharaoh focused on that verb: ‘Thus says Yahweh, God of Israel, “Send out my people …” ’ (Ex 5:1). Now the Egyptians are causing the Hebrews to be sent out!" For they said, "We will all be dead - More literally ‘because all of us are dying’. The fear was if the Hebrews remained many more Egyptians would die. As McGee explains "The Egyptians did not know where the judgment of God would end. God had taken their firstborn; what would He do next? Perhaps He would bring death to all the Egyptians, and so Pharaoh and the people told the Israelites to get out of the land because they feared for their own lives." Exodus 12:34 So the people took their dough before it was leavened, with their kneading bowls bound up in the clothes on their shoulders. kneading bowls, Ex 8:3 So the people took their dough before it was leavened With their kneading bowls bound up in the clothes on their shoulders - NET = "Took their dough before the yeast was added." Currid - Prior to departing from Egypt the Hebrews perform two further acts. The first is stated in this verse. They place dough in ‘kneading bowls’ (this term is used earlier in Ex 8:3), and carry them upon their shoulders wrapped in garments. They had no time to leaven the dough or to cook it in Egypt. Great haste was the order of the day. It is in commemoration of this event that unleavened bread has been part of the Passover celebrations throughout history. Exodus 12:35 Now the sons of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, for they had requested from the Egyptians articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing; Ex 3:21,22 Ex 11:2,3 Ge 15:14 Ps 105:37 A 430 YEAR OLD PROPHECY IS NOW FULFILLED The prophecy to Abraham in Ge 15:14 - But I will also judge the nation whom they will serve, and afterward they will come out with many possessions. The prophecy repeated to Moses in Ex 3:22-23 I will grant this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be that when you go, you will not go empty-handed. But every woman shall ask of her neighbor and the woman who lives in her house, articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing; and you will put them on your sons and daughters. Thus you will plunder the Egyptians.” The prophecy to be announced by Moses to the sons of Israel in Ex 11:2-3 “Speak now in the hearing of the people that each man ask from his neighbor and each woman from her neighbor for articles of silver and articles of gold.” The LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Furthermore, the man Moses himself was greatly esteemed in the land of Egypt, both in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people. Now the sons of Israel had done according to the word of Moses - Jehovah had given the promise. Moses had spoken the promise. Israel had believed and acted on the promise. For they had requested from the Egyptians articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing - These are the very items God had described to Moses in Ex 3:22. Exodus 12:36 and the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have their request. Thus they plundered the Egyptians. the Lord - Ex 3:21 11:3 Ge 39:21 Pr 16:7 Da 1:9 Ac 2:47 7:10 they plundered - Ex 3:22 Ge 15:14 Ps 105:37 GOD'S GRACE FOR GOING OUT And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians - NLT = "The LORD caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites." "God was destroying the tyrant and his nobles and the land’s economy because of their stubborn refusal. But God established friendly, peaceful relations between his people and the Egyptians. The phrase is used outside Exod only in Gen 39:21, referring to Joseph." (NET) Favor (grace) (02580)(chen/hen from verb chanan = to favor) means favor (acts which display one’s fondness or compassion for another), grace (acts of kindness displaying one’s pleasure with an object, which benefit the object of pleasure), acceptance. The idea is that a person finds favor in the sight of another person or acceptance by the person. So that - Term of purpose. In this case the purpose of Jehovah's favor or grace would result in the Egyptians acquiescing to the requests of the Israelites. they let them have their request. Thus they plundered the Egyptians - NLT = "and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for. So they stripped the Egyptians of their wealth!" NET on let them have their request - The verb here is frequently translated “and they lent them,” but lending does not fit the point. What they gave the Israelites were farewell gifts sought by demanding or asking for them. THOUGHT - When all is going against us and prayers do not bring relief, we may not think God cares, but He is always "in the shadows, keeping watch above His own." And we may not get our reward down here but we will get it in heaven where Paul says our sufferings here aren't even worth comparing to our "glory" there (Rom. 8:18). More wonderful than possessions was their protection. Better than silver, we have salvation. Better than gold, we shall live where the streets are made of gold. Better than fine clothes, we shall wear the perfect righteousness of Christ. God says, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you." We say, "When he shall come with trumpet sound/O may I then in Him be found/Dressed in His righteousness alone/Faultless to stand before the throne." (Bob Marcaurelle) Exodus 12:37 Now the sons of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, aside from children. sons of Israel - Nu 33:3,5 Rameses - Ex 1:11 Ge 47:11 six hundred - Ex 38:26 Ge 12:2 15:5 46:3 Nu 1:46 11:21 Click to enlarge - from the Holman Bible Atlas (digital book; Hardcover) © 1998 B&H Publishing Group, used by permission, all rights reserved. This is one of the best resources for Bible maps. Please do not reproduce this map on any other webpage. ISRAEL DEPARTS Now the sons of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth - ‘Rameses’, which was one of the cities the Hebrews had helped to build (Ex 1:11) See map above for locations (another map). Note that the location of Succoth is not absolutely certain. About six hundred thousand men on foot, aside from children -There is no mention of the word women. It would appear that the term for ‘men’ distinguishes this group from women, children and non-combatants. NET Note adds that "The word for “men” (הַגְּבָרִים, haggévarim) stresses their hardiness and capability—strong men, potential soldiers—in contrast with the word that follows and designates noncombatants." Most commentators agree this would have totalled about 2 million individuals. We tend to lose sight of the magnitude of this undertaking. For perspective, it would be like the entire city of Houston, Texas (2010 = 2.1 million) leaving the coast. Then Israel would have traveled about 200+/- to Mt Sinai (about the distance from Houston to Dallas, Texas). Currid - In favour of taking these numbers at face value is that they coincide with the data given about the population size in the wilderness from the book of Numbers (see Num. 1:46–47; 2:32; 26:51). In addition, according to Exodus 1, the Israelites were experiencing a great period of growth and increase (Ex 1:6–7+). Exodus 12:38 A mixed multitude also went up with them, along with flocks and herds, a very large number of livestock. A mixed multitude - Heb. a great mixture, Nu 11:4 Zec 8:23 MIXED MULTITUDE OF GENTILES A mixed multitude also went up with them, along with flocks and herds - NLT renders the "mixed multitude" as "rabble" the same word (in English, but not Hebrew) used in Nu 11:4 describing "the rabble who were among them." These were Gentiles (presumably Egyptians) who had departed Egypt when Israel was delivered by Jehovah. The presence of this mixed multitude was like "leaven" and as Paul warned in the NT "Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?" (1 Cor 5:6). These Gentiles were like leaven among the Israelites and spread like leaven becoming the source of unrest which led to the Israelites themselves beginning to grumble about manna among the Israelites as described in Numbers. Currid - ‘Mixture’ is a Hebrew word which is used of miscellaneous peoples who attach themselves to a group to which they do not naturally belong (see Jer. 25:20; 50:37; Neh. 13:3). Many English translations render the word as ‘foreigners’. The point is that various kinds of people who were not part of Israel joined themselves with the people of God. Perhaps some of them were Egyptians who came to believe and fear the word of God (see Exod. 9:20–21). Now the people became like those who complain (Hebrew = anan = ; Septuagint or Lxx = gogguzo in the present tense = they were continually grumbling, murmuring, complaining!) of adversity in the hearing of the LORD; and when the LORD heard it, His anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 2 The people therefore cried out (Heb = tsaaq; Lxx = krazo) to Moses, and Moses prayed to the LORD and the fire died out. 3 So the name of that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD burned among them. 4 The rabble (Heb = asaphsuph - only here; Lxx = epimiktos = "mixed" which is also used in Ex 12:38) who were among them had greedy desires; (Hebrew = "they craved a craving" in this context for food; Greedy is same word used in Ge 3:6+ of Eve's desire for the forbidden fruit - "delight to the eyes") and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, “Who will give us meat to eat? 5 “We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, 6 but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna.” (Nu 11:1-6) Now these things (What things? See context = 1 Cor 10:5) happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. (1 Cor 10:11) Now these things (What things? See context = 1 Cor 10:7-9) happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. (12) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.(1 Cor 10:6, 11, 12) THOUGHT - Be careful. Grumbling can be contagious and spread like leaven in dough to those with whom we have close contact! The way to fight our fleshly tendency to grumble (yes, this tendency is still present in believers!) is to depend on the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. Paul says it this way "Work out your salvation in fear and trembling, for it is God Who is in you (the Spirit of Christ) both to will (give you the desire) and to work (give you the power) for His good pleasure (Php 2:12+, Php 2:13+ - I love the paraphrase in Php 2:13NLT). And then to "test" whether we are being filled with, empowered by and relying on the Holy Spirit in our daily conduct, the very first command Paul gives relates to grumbling! "Do all things without grumbling or disputing." (Php 2:14) There it is! Now just try to go through even one day without grumbling or murmuring by depending on your own natural strength. It is IM-possible, but in reliance on the Spirit, it is HIM-possible! And don't be discouraged if you fail and fall. We all do. What we all need to do is to continue to practice living in dependence on the Spirit and not on our flesh. If we do, the amount and intensity of our grumbling should dissipate over time. But don't give up when you fall! Confess. Repent. And run with endurance fixing your eyes on Jesus! (Heb 12:2+) NET - The “mixed multitude” (עֵרֶב רַב, ’erev rav) refers to a great “swarm” (see a possible cognate in Ex 8:21 "swarms of flies") of folk who joined the Israelites, people who were impressed by the defeat of Egypt, who came to faith, or who just wanted to escape Egypt (maybe slaves or descendants of the Hyksos). The expression prepares for later references to riffraff who came along. McGee - In addition to the Israelites that left Egypt, a mixed multitude left with them. They will be the cause of much trouble in the camp of Israel. We learn more about them in the Book of Numbers; the mixed multitude are troublemakers. Factually, they are half-breeds. An Egyptian married a Jewish maiden or a Hebrew married an Egyptian maiden. The offspring of a union like this had to make a decision—shall he go out of the land of Egypt with the Israelites or stay with the Egyptians? Many of the mixed multitude left the land and many stayed. Those who left, often wondered if they had made a mistake, and when trouble and hardship came they were the first to complain. They were not Israelites in the true sense of the word. A very large number of livestock - the word for large (kabed) defined what God had done to Pharaoh’s heart (Ex 7:14 - "stubborn") and as God made Pharaoh’s heart heavy, or hard, thus He makes Israel "heavy" in material possessions. Exodus 12:39 They baked the dough which they had brought out of Egypt into cakes of unleavened bread. For it had not become leavened, since they were driven out of Egypt and could not delay, nor had they prepared any provisions for themselves. were driven out - Ex 12:33 Ex 6:1 Ex 11:1 They baked the dough which they had brought out of Egypt into cakes of unleavened bread - God made sure they had sustenance. It was not filet mignons but it was nutrition for their bodies, which were very weary and hungry. For - Explains why they baked unleavened dough. They were not able to tarry long enough for bread to rise. it had not become leavened, since they were driven out of Egypt and could not delay - Their expulsion (Ex 12:33) had been previously predicted Exodus 6:1 = "Then the LORD said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for under compulsion he will let them go, and under compulsion he will drive them out of his land.” Exodus 11:1 Now the LORD said to Moses, “One more plague I will bring on Pharaoh and on Egypt; after that he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will surely drive you out from here completely. And could not delay - This explains the instructions about sandals on feet and staff in hand. They had to move out in haste! Nor had they prepared any provisions for themselves - They were not completely prepared for the abrupt nature of their departure. Exodus 12:40 Now the time that the sons of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. lived in Egypt - Ac 13:17 Heb 11:9 four hundred and thirty years - Ge 12:1-3 Ge 15:13 Ac 7:6 Ga 3:16,17 Now the time that the sons of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. - The time is repeated in 3 other books, sometimes as 400 years and other times as 430 years. Currid on the 400 versus 430 - The discrepancy between the two figures may easily be explained by the Genesis figure simply being a round number, or one that is the minimum figure, that is, at least 400 years. The number in the present verses would then be the specific figure for the length of the sojourn. The fact that 430 years is the specific figure is confirmed in Ex 12:41 where it says the Hebrews left Egypt, literally, ‘on this selfsame day’ (to the very day). Genesis 15:13 God said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years. Acts 7:6 “But God spoke to this effect, that his DESCENDANTS WOULD BE ALIENS IN A FOREIGN LAND, AND THAT THEY WOULD BE ENSLAVED AND MISTREATED FOR FOUR HUNDRED YEARS. Gal 3:16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ. 3:17 What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. Exodus 12:41 And at the end of four hundred and thirty years, to the very day, all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt. to the very day - Ps 102:13 Da 9:24 Hab 2:3 Joh 7:8 Ac 1:7 hosts - Ex 12:51 7:4 Jos 5:14 PROMISE FULFILLED TO THE VERY DAY And at the end of four hundred and thirty years, to the very day - The repetition of the time and the precision of the prophecy is emphasized. All the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt - For 430 years, twice as long as America has been a nation, Israel in Egypt, felt their God did not care. But all the while He was slowly and carefully working out His purposes in them and through them, and ON THE VERY DAY God's time was up, He delivered them in one night. NET on hosts - This military term is used elsewhere in Exodus (e.g.,Ex 6:26; Ex 7:4; Ex12:17, 50), but here the Israelites are called “the regiments of the Lord.” Hosts (army/armies, war, service) (06635)(tsaba from the verb tsaba = to go forth to war, to wage war, to serve) is a masculine noun meaning troops or army (2 Ki 5:1) and generally has to do with war or warfare in many of the OT passages. The TWOT says the root verb tsaba "has to do with fighting, e.g. Israel warring against Midian (Nu 31:7). It has also a wider use in the sense of rendering service." And so in a group of uses in Numbers (Nu 4:3, 23, 30, 35, 39, 43, 8:24-25) tsaba has to do with service related to the Tent of Meeting (or Tabernacle). So one might say tsaba is used in contexts of warfare or worship! THOUGHT - Whatever is going on in your life and mine, however dreadful, however disappointing, however much it tempts us to believe God does not care, He does. He may develop us under it and let us die in it like Moses' parents and countless thousands of other faithful Hebrews. They didn't make it out of Egypt into Canaan but they made it out of Egypt into heaven and into God's "Hall of Fame" in Hebrews Eleven (Heb. 11:23) and that's better. Sometimes, like Aaron and Joshua and all these Hebrews, God will deliver us. But either way, in the furnace or out of it, let us be faithful and joyful and helpful, knowing that Canaan is our next stop. (Bob Marcaurelle) Exodus 12:42 It is a night to be observed for the LORD for having brought them out from the land of Egypt; this night is for the LORD, to be observed by all the sons of Israel throughout their generations. It is a night to be observed . Ex 12:14 De 16:1-6 NOCTURNAL DIVINE DELIVERANCE It is a night to be observed for the LORD - ESV = "It was a night of watching by the LORD." NET = "It was a night of vigil for the LORD." A vigil is when one was keeping watch or carrying out surveillance, watching purposefully, with the sense of guarding. The picture is of Jehovah watching His people Israel. Since it is night one is reminded of the Psalmist's beautiful words "Behold, He who keeps (Hebrew = shamar; Lxx = phulasso - protect like a sentinel guards a post) Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep." NET Note on night to be observed for the LORD - It is likely that this first clause means that Yahweh was on watch for Israel to bring them out, as the next clause says. He was protecting his people (S. R. Driver, Exodus, 102). Then, the night of vigil will be transferred to Israel, who now must keep it “to” him. For having brought them out from the land of Egypt - Jehovah is the ultimate Promise Keeping God. The NLT paraphrases it "On this night the LORD kept his promise to bring his people out of the land of Egypt." The phrase out of Egypt is found 41x in 39v most after they are delivered. God got them out of Egypt but would spend the rest of the OT getting Egypt out of them Gen. 47:30; Exod. 3:10; Exod. 3:11; Exod. 3:12; Exod. 12:39; Exod. 13:8; Exod. 13:9; Exod. 13:14; Exod. 13:16; Exod. 14:11; Exod. 18:1; Exod. 23:15; Exod. 34:18; Num. 21:5; Num. 22:5; Num. 22:11; Num. 23:22; Num. 24:8; Deut. 9:12; Deut. 9:26; Deut. 16:1; Deut. 16:6; Deut. 23:4; Deut. 24:9; Deut. 26:8; Jos. 2:10; Jos. 5:4; Jos. 5:5; Jos. 5:6; Jos. 24:6; Jdg. 2:1; 1 Sam. 12:8; 1 Chr. 17:21; 2 Chr. 5:10; Ps. 68:31; Hos. 11:1; Hag. 2:5; Matt. 2:15; Heb. 3:16 Deuteronomy 16:1-6 “Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover to the LORD your God, for in the month of Abib the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night. 2 “You shall sacrifice the Passover to the LORD your God from the flock and the herd, in the place where the LORD chooses to establish His name. 3 “You shall not eat leavened bread with it; seven days you shall eat with it unleavened bread, the bread of affliction (for you came out of the land of Egypt in haste), so that you may remember all the days of your life the day when you came out of the land of Egypt. (ED: HOW OFTEN DO WE AS BELIEVERS TAKE TIME TO REMEMBER OUR INITIAL SALVATION EXPERIENCES? THE PRINCIPLE HERE IS THAT WE SHOULD DO THIS FREQUENTLY, EVEN DAILY! I HAVE NOT DONE THIS AS MUCH AS I SHOULD HAVE! PERHAPS A GOOD WAY TO BEGIN THE DAY IS SAY "FATHER, THANK YOU FOR DELIVERING ME FROM BONDAGE TO SIN AND SATAN THAT I MIGHT LIVE AS A FREE MAN IN CHRIST JESUS AND FOR YOUR GLORY. AMEN") 4 “For seven days no leaven shall be seen with you in all your territory, and none of the flesh which you sacrifice on the evening of the first day shall remain overnight until morning. 5 “You are not allowed to sacrifice the Passover in any of your towns which the LORD your God is giving you; 6 but at the place where the LORD your God chooses to establish His name, you shall sacrifice the Passover in the evening at sunset, at the time that you came out of Egypt. This night is for the LORD, to be observed by all the sons of Israel throughout their generations - NLT says "So this night belongs to Him." For the LORD means it belongs to Him and He alone gets the credit and the glory. Israel was to observe this night observed for generations to come. NLT then adds it is only fitting that "it must be commemorated every year by all the Israelites, from generation to generation." THOUGHT - And as we remember "this night" in our own lives, we should be stimulated and motivated to exalt His saving Name "Jesus" (Jehovah Saves) in grateful worship of our Deliverer. Play My Deliverer. THOUGHT - I once heard a missionary Baptist pastor from the Delta region of Mississippi preach on this text. The title of his sermon was ‘God Works the Night-Shift’! The point of his sermon needs to be driven home to the church today—and that lesson is the constant, ever-working providence of God. He continually maintains and sustains the universe, and he has ceaseless and endless care and compassion for his people. The Westminster Confession of Faith speaks directly to this latter observation: ‘As the providence of God doth, in general, reach to all creatures, so, after a most special manner, it taketh care of his Church, and disposeth all things to the good thereof’ (Chapter 5). As the people of God, we can take great comfort from this doctrine: God’s care of his church is uninterrupted and incessant. It has no end. (John Currid) Exodus 12:43 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "This is the ordinance of the Passover: no foreigner is to eat of it; no foreigner is to eat of it - Ex 12:48 Lev 22:10 Nu 9:14 Eph 2:12 REGARDING SLAVES AND STRANGERS NET Note - The section that concludes the chapter contains regulations pertaining to the Passover. The section begins at v. 43, but vv. 40–42 form a good setting for it. In this unit vv. 43–45 belong together because they stress that a stranger and foreigner cannot eat. Verse 46 stands by itself, ruling that the meal must be eaten at home. Verse 47 instructs that the whole nation was to eat it. Verses 48–49 make provision for foreigners who may wish to participate. And vv. 50–51 record the obedience of Israel. The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "This is the ordinance of the Passover: no foreigner is to eat of it - no foreigner is permitted to share in it apart from being a member of the household as a circumcised slave (Ex 12:44) or obeying (Ex 12:48) if not a slave but a free man.
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McGee - As we follow the children of Israel out of Egypt, to the Red Sea and into the wilderness, we will learn lessons that correspond to experiences in the Christian life today.