What is the meaning of Exodus 12:44? but any slave The verse opens, “But any slave…,” clarifying that the Passover instructions in Exodus 12 extend beyond ethnic Israel. • The Lord had already excluded “any foreigner” and “a hired worker” (Exodus 12:43, 45), so this clause deliberately re-opens a door. • Genesis 17:12–13 shows the precedent: “every male… including a slave who is born in your household or acquired with money… shall be circumcised.” Even before the exodus, Abraham’s household slaves were enfolded into covenant life. • By mentioning a “slave,” God reminds Israel that redemption and belonging come by His covenant, not by social status. Galatians 3:28 carries the principle forward: “there is neither slave nor free… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” who has been purchased “…who has been purchased…” underscores ownership that transfers the slave into the master’s covenant household. • Leviticus 22:11 parallels the point: “If a priest buys a slave with his own money… that slave may eat his food.” • A purchased slave differs from a hired laborer. A hireling is temporary; a purchased slave is a permanent member of the household and therefore may share its worship. • Spiritually, the image hints at redemption. 1 Corinthians 6:20 reminds believers, “you were bought at a price,” echoing the Passover motif of being claimed by God. may eat of it “…may eat of it…” grants full participation in the Passover meal. • Exodus 12:3–11 outlines the meal itself; it was more than food—it proclaimed salvation. • By eating, the slave shares the same protection described in Exodus 12:13: “when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” • New-covenant fulfillment shines in 1 Corinthians 5:7: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” Everyone purchased by Christ’s blood shares the deliverance prefigured in Egypt. after you have circumcised him “…after you have circumcised him” preserves the covenant sign given to Abraham. • Circumcision marked entry into God’s promises (Genesis 17:14); without it, participation in Passover was impossible (Exodus 12:48). • Joshua 5:9 records a later national circumcision before celebrating Passover in Canaan, tying the two rites together. • Colossians 2:11 speaks of a “circumcision made without hands,” showing the outward sign’s deeper spiritual reality in Christ. summary Exodus 12:44 teaches that the blessings of God’s redemptive meal reach anyone incorporated into His covenant—yes, even a slave—once the covenant sign is received. Social standing does not hinder fellowship; purchased and marked as belonging, the slave eats the same lamb and enjoys the same deliverance. The verse foreshadows the wider redemption accomplished in Christ, where all who are “bought at a price” are welcomed to the table of salvation. |
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