Exodus 12:23

KJV

For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite [you].

KJV (with Strong's)

For the LORD {H3068} will pass through {H5674} to smite {H5062} the Egyptians {H4714}; and when he seeth {H7200} the blood {H1818} upon the lintel {H4947}, and on the two {H8147} side posts {H4201}, the LORD {H3068} will pass over {H6452} the door {H6607}, and will not suffer {H5414} the destroyer {H7843} to come {H935} in unto your houses {H1004} to smite {H5062} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

For ADONAI will pass through to kill the Egyptians; but when he sees the blood on the top and on the two sides, ADONAI will pass over the door and will not allow the Slaughterer to enter your houses and kill you.

Berean Standard Bible

When the LORD passes through to strike down the Egyptians, He will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway; so He will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.

American Standard Version

For Jehovah will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side-posts, Jehovah will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 12:23 presents the divine guarantee of protection for the Israelite households during the climactic tenth plague upon Egypt—the death of the firstborn. It reveals that Yahweh Himself would "pass over" any home visibly marked with the blood of the Passover lamb on its lintel and doorposts, thereby preventing His agent of judgment, "the destroyer," from entering to inflict harm. This verse profoundly underscores God's sovereign power to distinguish between His people and their oppressors, offering salvation through a divinely ordained sign of blood and faithful obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the culmination of God's detailed instructions for the inaugural Passover observance. Immediately prior, the Israelites received precise commands regarding the selection and sacrifice of a lamb, the application of its blood to their doorframes, and the necessity of remaining indoors until morning [Exodus 12:21-22](/exodus/12-21-22 "Instructions for the Passover Ritual and Protection"). Following this verse, the narrative recounts the terrifying execution of the tenth plague, where the LORD indeed passed through Egypt, striking down every firstborn, which finally compelled Pharaoh to release the Israelites [Exodus 12:29-32](/exodus/12-29-32 "The Tenth Plague and Israel's Exodus"). Therefore, [Exodus 12:23](/exodus/12-23 "The LORD's Promise to Pass Over") functions as the divine assurance that undergirds the Israelites' obedient actions, transforming a ritual into a covenantal act of salvation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Exodus 12 unfold in the highly polytheistic society of ancient Egypt, where Pharaoh was revered as a divine king and a vast pantheon of gods, including deities associated with fertility, protection, and the afterlife, were worshipped. The series of plagues, culminating in the death of the firstborn, were not merely natural calamities but direct, targeted assaults on Egypt's gods and Pharaoh's perceived divine authority, unequivocally demonstrating Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all other deities [Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "God's Judgment on the Gods of Egypt"). While the concept of sacrifice and the use of blood for appeasement or covenant ratification was common in the ancient Near East, here the blood serves a unique purpose: it is a sign *for God*—a divinely appointed mark of identification for His people, distinguishing them from the Egyptians and securing their supernatural protection. The "destroyer" is understood not as an independent malevolent force, but as a divine agent, often an angel, directly executing God's judgment, emphasizing God's meticulous control over life and death.

* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 12:23](/exodus/12-23 "The LORD's Promise to Pass Over") significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates God's **sovereignty and justice**, showcasing His absolute authority over creation, life, and death, and His righteous judgment against human rebellion and oppression. It highlights the theme of **salvation by grace through a divinely appointed means**, as Israel's deliverance is not earned but freely given by God, contingent upon their obedient application of the blood, emphasizing that salvation is always God's initiative and provision. Furthermore, the verse introduces the profound principle of **substitutionary atonement**, where the life of an innocent lamb is given in place of the firstborn, a concept foundational to biblical theology. Finally, it underscores the theme of **distinction and covenant**, as the Passover ritual visibly sets Israel apart as God's chosen people, marking their unique relationship with Yahweh, a theme that permeates the entire narrative of [Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 12:23 stands as a pivotal declaration of divine judgment and salvation, meticulously detailing the mechanism of Israel's preservation amidst widespread destruction.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This refers to the covenant name of God, Yahweh (H3068), signifying "the Self-Existent One" or "the Eternal." The use of this specific name underscores that it is the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel who is actively involved in both executing judgment upon Egypt and providing salvation for His people. It emphasizes His unique identity and His unwavering commitment to His promises.
* **pass over (Hebrew, _pâçach'_):** This verb (H6452) is the root of the festival's name, Passover. It denotes a protective action, implying not merely "skipping over" but a deliberate act of sparing or hovering protectively. In this context, it signifies God's intentional movement *over* the marked houses, actively safeguarding those within, while simultaneously moving *through* the land to execute judgment elsewhere. It conveys a sense of divine intervention and active, merciful protection.
* **destroyer (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** This word (H7843) is a primitive root meaning "to decay" or "to ruin," and often refers to an agent of destruction. Here, it is used as a participle, "the one who destroys" or "the destroyer." It is crucial to understand that this is not an independent malevolent force, but a divine emissary or angel, directly under God's command, sent to execute His judgment. The verse emphasizes God's absolute control: He "will not suffer the destroyer to come in," indicating His sovereign authority even over the instruments of His wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians;"**: This opening clause establishes God's active, personal role as the executor of judgment. It is not an impersonal force or a random event, but Yahweh Himself, demonstrating His unparalleled power and righteous justice against Pharaoh's prolonged defiance and the oppression of His people.
* **"and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts,"**: This is the critical condition for protection. The blood, precisely applied as instructed on the horizontal lintel and the two vertical doorposts [Exodus 12:7](/exodus/12-7 "Applying the Blood to the Doorposts"), serves as the visible, divinely appointed sign for God. It highlights that salvation is entirely contingent upon a specific, obedient act of faith, not on human merit or effort.
* **"the LORD will pass over the door,"**: This phrase reiterates and confirms the act of divine protection. God's "passing over" is a deliberate, merciful act, a sovereign choice to distinguish between the obedient and disobedient, the marked and the unmarked, ensuring the safety of those within the blood-covered homes.
* **"and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite [you]."**: This final clause underscores God's absolute and sovereign control over the agent of judgment. The "destroyer" (the divine instrument of wrath) is explicitly restrained by God's command where the blood is present, guaranteeing the complete and total safety of those under its covering. This emphasizes God's power to both judge and to save.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 12:23 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is evident in the contrasting actions of God: He "will pass through to smite the Egyptians" while simultaneously stating, "the LORD will pass over the door" for Israel. This antithetical parallelism highlights God's dual nature of righteous justice and compassionate mercy. The verse also makes rich use of **symbolism**, most notably the blood itself. The blood of the innocent lamb serves as a powerful symbol of life given in substitution, atonement, and a covenant sign, pointing forward to deeper theological truths of redemption and purification. The "door" and its "posts" also function symbolically as a threshold of protection and a boundary between judgment and salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 12:23 is replete with profound theological significance, revealing core truths about God's character, the nature of salvation, and the essence of faith. It unequivocally demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, and His righteous judgment against sin and rebellion. It shows that God is not passive but actively intervenes in human history to execute His will and uphold His justice. Israel's deliverance was not earned by their merit but was a gracious act of God, conditioned upon their obedient application of the blood. The blood served as the means of distinction and protection, highlighting that salvation comes through God's provision. The death of the innocent lamb, whose blood protected the firstborn, powerfully illustrates the principle of substitution—a life given in place of another. This concept is foundational to biblical theology, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice for sin. The Passover marked Israel as God's distinct people, set apart from Egypt. The blood on the doorposts was a visible sign of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, a theme that runs throughout the biblical narrative.

This theme of salvation through a divinely appointed sacrifice is echoed throughout Scripture:
* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "The Life of the Flesh is in the Blood for Atonement")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Without Shedding of Blood There is No Forgiveness")
* [Hebrews 11:28](/hebrews/11-28 "Faith in the Passover")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 12:23 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today, inviting us to reflect on God's character and our response to His gracious provision. Just as God provided a clear, specific, and non-negotiable means of escape and protection for Israel, He continues to offer salvation and security to those who trust in His divinely appointed provision. We are called to rely not on our own strength, wisdom, or perceived merit, but solely on God's sovereign plan of salvation. The Passover narrative powerfully foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God, whose shed blood provides ultimate redemption from sin and eternal death. Our security from spiritual judgment rests entirely on the atoning work of Christ, applied to our lives by faith. Furthermore, the Israelites' deliverance was contingent upon their careful and obedient adherence to God's precise instructions. Similarly, while salvation is by grace through faith, true, saving faith is inherently active and often expressed through obedient responses to God's Word. Our actions serve as a demonstration of the reality of our trust in Him, confirming our reliance on His saving power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specificity of God's instructions in [Exodus 12:23](/exodus/12-23 "The LORD's Promise to Pass Over") challenge our understanding of what it means to trust and obey God fully in our own lives?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "the destroyer" being restrained by God's command deepen our understanding of God's absolute sovereignty over all forces, whether good or seemingly evil?**
* **Considering the blood as a "sign for God," what "signs" or expressions of faith do we display in our lives today that signify our allegiance to Christ and our reliance on His atoning work?**

### FAQ
**Was God being unfair to the Egyptians by killing their firstborn?**

Answer: From a biblical perspective, the tenth plague was the culmination of God's righteous judgment against Pharaoh's hardened heart and Egypt's systemic oppression. Pharaoh had repeatedly refused to release God's people, despite numerous warnings and escalating plagues that demonstrated Yahweh's power. Furthermore, the Egyptians had enslaved the Israelites for centuries and had previously ordered the killing of Israelite male infants [Exodus 1:22](/exodus/1-22 "Pharaoh's Decree to Kill Israelite Male Infants"). God's actions were a demonstration of His justice, defending His covenant people, and revealing His absolute supremacy over all other gods and earthly powers.

**Was the blood on the doorposts a magical charm?**

Answer: No, the blood was not a magical charm or a superstitious ward. It was a divinely commanded sign, a visible mark of obedience and faith, specifically intended for God to see. It symbolized that a life had been given in place of the firstborn within that house, signifying a substitutionary atonement. The power was not inherent in the blood itself, but in God's faithfulness to His promise to "pass over" those houses marked precisely according to His instructions. It was a demonstration of faith in God's word and provision.

**Who was "the destroyer" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "destroyer" (Hebrew: *shâchath*, H7843, used as a participle meaning "the one who destroys") is understood to be a divine agent, most likely an angel, appointed by God to execute the judgment of the tenth plague. The text emphasizes that God "will not suffer the destroyer to come in," highlighting that this agent operates entirely under God's sovereign control and command. It is not an independent evil entity but an instrument of God's righteous wrath, demonstrating His absolute authority over all forces.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 12:23, with its vivid portrayal of salvation secured through the blood of an innocent lamb, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The spotless Passover lamb, sacrificed without blemish, is a powerful and intentional type of Jesus, who John the Baptist prophetically identified as "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God"). Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected Israel from physical death and the judgment of the destroyer, the precious blood of Jesus, shed on the cross, provides ultimate redemption from spiritual death and eternal judgment. He is truly "Christ our passover sacrificed for us" [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "Christ Our Passover"). Through His perfect and singular sacrifice, Jesus established a New Covenant, where His blood cleanses us from all sin and grants us full access to God's grace, effectively causing God's righteous judgment to "pass over" all who are covered by His atoning work. The protection offered by the lamb's blood on the doorposts was temporal and physical, securing deliverance from a single plague; the protection offered by Christ's blood is eternal and spiritual, securing not just deliverance from a plague, but complete salvation from sin, reconciliation with God, and the promise of everlasting life. His glorious resurrection confirms the efficacy of His sacrifice, guaranteeing new life and victory over death for all who believe in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 7:3

Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Revelation 9:4

And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

Hebrews 11:28

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

Exodus 12:12

For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I [am] the LORD.

Exodus 12:13

And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye [are]: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy [you], when I smite the land of Egypt.

Ezekiel 9:6

Slay utterly old [and] young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom [is] the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which [were] before the house.

1 Corinthians 10:10

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.