Exodus 12:21
Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 14
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מִֽשְׁכ֗וּ
unto them Draw out
H4900
מִֽשְׁכ֗וּ
unto them Draw out
Strong's:
H4900
Word #:
8 of 14
to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)
צֹ֛אן
you a lamb
H6629
צֹ֛אן
you a lamb
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
11 of 14
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹֽתֵיכֶ֖ם
according to your families
H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹֽתֵיכֶ֖ם
according to your families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
12 of 14
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
Historical Context
The elders served as tribal and family heads who would instruct their households. This leadership structure ensured consistent instruction across all Israel's tribes.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you personally 'taken' Christ as your own Passover lamb, not merely acknowledging Him generally?
- What role do spiritual elders play in faithfully transmitting God's word to the next generation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses' calling 'all the elders of Israel' establishes a leadership chain for transmitting God's commands. The instruction to 'draw out' (mashach) and 'take' a lamb emphasizes both separation from the flock and personal appropriation. Each household taking a specific lamb for their specific household pictures individual appropriation of Christ—general belief must become personal faith.