Connect Psalm 81:5 with Exodus 12:12-13 regarding God's deliverance and protection. Remembering the Decree in Egypt “He established it as a statute in Joseph when He went out over the land of Egypt, where we heard a language we did not understand.” • “Statute” points to an appointed ordinance—specifically, the Passover (Exodus 12). • “Joseph” represents the whole nation of Israel, descended from Joseph’s sons (Genesis 48:5). • The verse looks back to the night God personally “went out” over Egypt, marking Israel’s history forever. Passover Night Revisited “On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a distinguishing mark for you; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will be among you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.” Key observations: • God Himself acted—no delegated agent; it was His direct intervention. • Judgment fell on Egypt’s firstborn and its false gods (Numbers 33:4). • Protection for Israel hinged entirely on the shed blood applied to the doorframes. Connecting the Two Passages • Psalm 81:5 refers to the very statute God instituted in Exodus 12. • The “decree” celebrates both deliverance (freedom from slavery) and protection (shelter under the blood). • By singing Psalm 81, later generations relived that night, keeping fresh the memory of God’s saving power. Themes of Deliverance and Protection 1. Divine Initiative – God “went out over the land of Egypt” (Psalm 81:5) and “passed through” (Exodus 12:12). – Salvation begins with His sovereign action (Isaiah 63:5). 2. Substitutionary Blood – The lamb’s blood shielded households (Exodus 12:13). – Foreshadows Christ, “our Passover Lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:18-19). 3. Ongoing Memorial – The statute was to be observed “for the generations to come” (Exodus 12:14). – Psalm 81 shows that centuries later the people were still called to rejoice in that protection. Living the Truth Today • Celebrate: Worship with gratitude, recalling that God rescues and still keeps His people (Hebrews 13:8). • Trust: Just as the blood shielded Israel, Christ’s blood secures eternal safety (Hebrews 9:12). • Obey: The original statute required action—apply the blood, stay inside. Faith today likewise responds in obedient trust (James 2:17). |
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