What is the meaning of Exodus 12:3?

Tell the whole congregation of Israel

- God addresses every Israelite, not merely the elders. His redemption plan is communal (cf. “Moses and Aaron … spoke to all the congregation of Israel,” Exodus 12:21).

- The whole nation hearing together reminds us that salvation in Christ is proclaimed openly to all people (cf. Acts 2:14 ff.; Romans 10:17).

- A unified response is required; ignoring the instruction would bring judgment, just as refusing Christ brings condemnation (John 3:18).

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on the tenth day of this month

- The month is Abib/Nisan, the first month of Israel’s new calendar (Exodus 12:2). God re-sets time around redemption.

- The specific date shows divine precision. Joshua 4:19 notes Israel crossing the Jordan on the tenth of the first month—another salvation milestone.

- Jesus entered Jerusalem on what corresponds to the tenth of Nisan (John 12:1, 12-13), publicly presented before His crucifixion. God’s timing is exact.

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each man must select a lamb

- Salvation is personal; “each man” acts in obedience. Faith cannot be delegated (Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 14:12).

- The lamb points directly to Christ: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

- The lamb had to be “without blemish” (Exodus 12:5), foreshadowing Christ’s sinlessness (1 Peter 1:19).

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for his family, one per household

- God’s plan embraces family units. The Passover meal gathered generations around a single sacrifice (Exodus 12:26-27).

- Household faith echoes through Scripture: Noah’s ark (Genesis 7:1), Rahab’s house (Joshua 2:13), the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:31).

- Where a household was too small for a whole lamb, neighbors shared (Exodus 12:4), prefiguring the church’s fellowship around Christ (1 Corinthians 10:17).

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summary

Exodus 12:3 shows God calling every Israelite, on a precise date, to select a flawless lamb that would shelter each family from judgment. The verse anticipates Jesus Christ, God’s perfect Lamb, chosen before the foundation of the world and presented publicly at the exact hour God ordained. Salvation is offered openly, received personally, and meant to bless entire households, drawing a redeemed people together under one Sacrifice.