What is the meaning of Exodus 12:1? Now • “Now” signals a decisive moment. After nine crushing plagues (Exodus 7–11), the narrative pivots to the climactic Passover instructions. • Scripture often marks turning points with similar words—“Now the word of the LORD came” (1 Kings 17:1), “Now after John was arrested” (Mark 1:14). God’s timing is exact; He moves at the perfect instant (cf. Galatians 4:4). • The adverb confirms historical sequence, grounding the event in real time. We can trust the Bible’s chronology because “the word of the LORD is flawless” (Psalm 18:30). the LORD • The Berean Standard Bible renders the covenant name YHWH as “the LORD.” This is the same “I AM WHO I AM” who spoke from the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). • His unchanging character undergirds the entire Passover story (Malachi 3:6). What He promises, He performs (Numbers 23:19). • By using His covenant name, the text reminds Israel—and us—of His faithfulness already displayed in Genesis 15:13–14 and being fulfilled here. said • God speaks verbally; this is not myth or inner impression. “God said, ‘Let there be light’” (Genesis 1:3), and His voice still carries creative, authoritative power. • Scripture’s reliability rests on this divine speech: “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). • When the LORD speaks, obedience is the only logical response (Deuteronomy 5:24–27; John 2:5). The coming instructions on the Passover lamb will demand prompt, literal obedience for salvation (Exodus 12:7, 13). to Moses and Aaron • God addresses both brothers, underscoring shared leadership. Moses is the prophet (Exodus 7:1), Aaron the spokesman (Exodus 4:14–16). • By pairing them, God models cooperative ministry: Moses’ rod and Aaron’s words worked together through the plagues (Psalm 77:20). • Their joint commission shows that spiritual and priestly functions converge in the coming deliverance, foreshadowing Christ as both Prophet and High Priest (Hebrews 3:1–2). in the land of Egypt • The message comes while Israel is still in bondage. God meets His people where they are, not where they wish they were (Exodus 3:7–8). • Egypt, emblem of sin’s oppression (Deuteronomy 4:34; Jude 5), becomes the stage for God’s glory (Romans 9:17). • Deliverance is announced before deliverance is experienced, encouraging faith amid darkness (2 Corinthians 5:7). • God’s sovereignty extends even over enemy territory; He is “Lord of all the earth” (Psalm 24:1). summary Exodus 12:1 is more than a heading; every word is loaded with meaning. Precisely “now,” the covenant LORD verbally initiates the final act of redemption, addressing His chosen leaders while they are still in enemy land. The verse showcases God’s impeccable timing, His unchanging name, His authoritative speech, His ordained leadership, and His sovereign presence. Each element prepares us for the Passover—history’s vivid preview of the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). |
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