Exodus 12:22

And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip [it] in the blood that [is] in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that [is] in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.

And ye shall take {H3947} a bunch {H92} of hyssop {H231}, and dip {H2881} it in the blood {H1818} that is in the bason {H5592}, and strike {H5060} the lintel {H4947} and the two {H8147} side posts {H4201} with the blood {H1818} that is in the bason {H5592}; and none {H376} of you shall go out {H3318} at the door {H6607} of his house {H1004} until the morning {H1242}.

Take a bunch of hyssop leaves and dip it in the blood which is in the basin, and smear it on the two sides and top of the door-frame. Then, none of you is to go out the door of his house until morning.

Take a cluster of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin, and brush the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out the door of his house until morning.

And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two side-posts with the blood that is in the basin; and none of you shall go out of the door of his house until the morning.

Context of Exodus 12:22

Exodus 12:22 is a pivotal verse within the detailed instructions for the first Passover, given by God to Moses and Aaron while the Israelites were still enslaved in Egypt. This command comes just before the tenth and final plague, the death of the firstborn, which would finally compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The instructions in this chapter describe a specific ritual designed to protect the Israelite households from the angel of death. The actions commanded here—taking a bunch of hyssop, dipping it in blood, and applying it to the doorframe—were not merely symbolic; they were a literal act of faith and obedience that marked a household for divine protection. This event serves as the foundational narrative for the annual celebration of the Passover feast, commemorating God's mighty deliverance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Protection and Deliverance: The central theme is God's provision for His people's safety amidst judgment. The blood on the doorposts was the sign for the destroying angel to "pass over" those homes, illustrating God's power to save His chosen people from certain death.
  • Obedience to God's Specific Commands: The detailed nature of the instructions (hyssop, blood in a basin, striking specific parts of the doorframe, remaining indoors) highlights the importance of precise obedience to God's word. Salvation was contingent on following God's prescribed method.
  • The Significance of Blood: The blood of the lamb, applied to the doorframe, is a powerful symbol of atonement and protection. In the Old Testament, blood often signifies life and is used in rituals to make atonement for sin. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood provides complete redemption and eternal protection for those who believe.
  • Separation and Consecration: By applying the blood and remaining inside, the Israelites were set apart from the Egyptians, highlighting their unique relationship with God and their consecration to Him.

Linguistic Insights and Symbolism

  • "Hyssop": (Hebrew: ezov) This plant was commonly used in ancient Israelite purification rituals due to its brush-like qualities, making it suitable for sprinkling liquids. It appears in other contexts of cleansing, such as in laws concerning leprosy and in Psalm 51:7 regarding spiritual cleansing. Its inclusion here emphasizes the ritualistic nature of the act and the need for purification.
  • "Lintel and the two side posts": This refers to the top beam and the two vertical posts of the doorframe, forming a complete enclosure. Applying the blood to these three points essentially "sealed" the entrance, signifying that the entire household within was under the blood's protection.
  • "Strike": The act of applying the blood was not passive but an active "striking" or sprinkling, signifying a deliberate and intentional act of faith in God's command.

Practical Application

Exodus 12:22 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today:

  1. The Sufficiency of Christ's Blood: Just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites, the blood of Jesus Christ, our ultimate Passover Lamb, offers complete deliverance from the penalty of sin and spiritual death. Our salvation is not earned by works but is a gift received through faith in His atoning sacrifice.
  2. The Importance of Faith and Obedience: The Israelites' protection depended on their active obedience to God's precise instructions. Similarly, our spiritual security rests on our faith in Christ and our willingness to obey His commands.
  3. Remaining "In Christ": The command "none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning" underscores the necessity of remaining under God's appointed covering. For believers, this means abiding "in Christ" – continually trusting in Him for protection, sustenance, and guidance. To step outside of His covering is to expose oneself to spiritual danger.
  4. God's Detailed Provision: This verse reminds us that God is meticulous in His plans for our salvation and protection. He provides specific, clear instructions, and our part is to trust and obey them fully.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 11:28

    Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

  • Psalms 51:7

    ¶ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

  • Numbers 19:18

    And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip [it] in the water, and sprinkle [it] upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave:

  • Hebrews 9:1

    ¶ Then verily the first [covenant] had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

  • Hebrews 9:19

    For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,

  • Exodus 12:7

    And they shall take of the blood, and strike [it] on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

  • Hebrews 9:14

    How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
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