Exodus 12:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 12:2
2 This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.
Chapter Context
Exodus 12 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, righteousness, fellowship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-51: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 12:2
2 This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.
Analysis
The Hebrew 'rosh chodashim' (רֹאשׁ חֳדָשִׁים) designates this as the 'head of months,' establishing Abib (later called Nisan) as the first month. This reordering of the calendar signifies that redemption creates a new beginning—salvation reorders all of life. The old Egyptian calendar is superseded by a calendar centered on God's saving act.
Historical Context
Abib/Nisan falls in March-April. Previously, Israel likely followed Egypt's calendar which began with the Nile flood season. This new calendar would permanently mark time by the exodus event.
Reflection
- How does your conversion to Christ serve as a 'new beginning' that reorders your priorities and perspective?
- In what ways do you mark time by God's redemptive work in your life rather than by worldly calendars?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 13:4, 23:15, 34:18, Leviticus 23:5, Numbers 28:16, Deuteronomy 16:1