Exodus 12:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 12:21
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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 12 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, creation, wisdom. 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 12:21
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- References Israel: Exodus 12:3