Exodus 12:24

KJV

And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall observe {H8104} this thing {H1697} for an ordinance {H2706} to thee and to thy sons {H1121} for {H5704} ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to observe this as a law, you and your descendants forever.

Berean Standard Bible

And you are to keep this command as a permanent statute for you and your descendants.

American Standard Version

And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 12:24 serves as a foundational decree, establishing the Passover celebration not as a temporary ritual, but as an enduring, perpetual ordinance for the Israelites and their descendants across all generations. This divine mandate underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, ensuring that the miraculous act of deliverance from Egyptian bondage would be continually remembered, celebrated, and transmitted, thereby reinforcing Israel's identity as a nation redeemed by Yahweh's mighty hand and fostering an ongoing relationship built on His faithfulness and their obedient gratitude.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within God's meticulously detailed instructions for the first Passover, given to Moses and Aaron just hours before the climactic tenth plague. Immediately preceding [Exodus 12:24](/exodus/12-24 "The Perpetual Ordinance of Passover"), God outlines the precise ritual actions: the selection and sacrifice of the lamb, the application of its blood to the doorposts, the consumption of the roasted lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, and the command for the Israelites to remain indoors until morning ([Exodus 12:21-23](/exodus/12-21-23 "Instructions for the Passover Lamb and Blood")). The preceding verse, [Exodus 12:23](/exodus/12-23 "God's Promise to Pass Over"), provides the divine rationale: "For the Lord will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you." Thus, [Exodus 12:24](/exodus/12-24 "The Ordinance of Passover") transforms a one-time act of deliverance into a perpetual memorial, cementing its status as a cornerstone of Israelite identity and worship. Following this verse, Moses faithfully relays these instructions to the elders of Israel, who respond with immediate worship and obedience ([Exodus 12:28](/exodus/12-28 "Israelites Obey God's Command")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the establishment of perpetual rituals and festivals was a common and crucial method for societies to preserve their history, transmit cultural values, and reinforce communal identity. For a people on the cusp of liberation from centuries of brutal slavery, the institution of a fixed, intergenerational memorial was not merely a religious suggestion but a vital socio-religious imperative. The phrase "ordinance for ever" (*choq l'olam*) carried immense legal and religious weight, signifying a binding decree from the highest authority—God Himself. This ensured that future generations, who would not personally experience the horrors of Egyptian bondage or the miraculous exodus, would nonetheless deeply understand their origins, their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, and the defining acts of deliverance that forged them into a nation. This emphasis on intergenerational transmission, while culturally familiar, was uniquely tied in Israel to their covenant with God, guaranteeing that the narrative of His faithfulness would endure through all time.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. It powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, highlighting God's active intervention to rescue His people from oppression. It also establishes the theme of **Covenant Remembrance**, mandating a perpetual act of worship that continually recalls God's mighty acts and His faithfulness to His promises. Furthermore, it underscores the critical theme of **Intergenerational Faith Transmission**, emphasizing the divine imperative for parents and leaders to pass on the knowledge of God's saving deeds to their children, ensuring the continuity of faith and identity across successive generations. This theme is echoed throughout the Torah, particularly in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:4-9](/deuteronomy/6-4-9 "The Shema and Teaching Your Children"), which commands the diligent teaching of God's laws to one's children.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Observe (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** This verb, meaning "to hedge about, guard, protect, attend to, preserve, watch," conveys a strong sense of diligent adherence and careful preservation. It implies not just a casual glance or a one-time performance, but an active, continuous, and conscientious keeping of the command. The Israelites were to "guard" or "watch over" this ordinance, ensuring its integrity and continuity.
* **Thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** While broadly meaning "word," "matter," or "affair," in this context, _dâbâr_ refers to the entire complex of instructions and the ritual of the Passover itself. It encompasses the specific actions, the theological significance, and the divine command associated with the Passover. It is not merely an abstract concept but a concrete set of practices to be diligently performed.
* **Ordinance (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to engrave" or "to enact," _chôq_ denotes a fixed statute, an established decree, or an unchangeable law. It carries the weight of divine authority, signifying something prescribed and binding. Unlike a temporary suggestion or a human custom, a _choq_ is a permanent, foundational law given by God Himself, indicating its non-negotiable and authoritative nature.
* **For ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This phrase, often translated as "perpetuity," "eternity," or "for all time," signifies an enduring and unchangeable nature. When applied to a divine command, it underscores its lasting significance, indicating that the Passover was not a temporary measure for the exodus generation but a fundamental and perpetual requirement for the Israelite community throughout all their generations. It speaks to an indefinite future, as long as Israel exists as a people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall observe this thing":** This opening clause is a direct, imperative command delivered to the Israelites through Moses. "This thing" refers collectively to the entire Passover ritual, including the specific details of the lamb's sacrifice, the application of its blood, the eating of the meal, and the unleavened bread. The verb "observe" (Hebrew: _shâmar_) implies diligent attention, careful adherence, and active preservation of the command, emphasizing ongoing obedience.
* **"for an ordinance":** The Passover ritual is explicitly designated as a _choq_, a divinely instituted and binding statute. This elevates its status from a mere suggestion or a one-time historical event to a fundamental, non-negotiable law within Israel's covenant relationship with God. It signifies that the command is fixed, established, and carries the full weight of divine authority.
* **"to thee and to thy sons for ever.":** This concluding phrase highlights the intergenerational and perpetual nature of the command. "To thee" addresses the generation receiving the command directly—Moses, Aaron, and the Israelites present in Egypt. "And to thy sons" explicitly extends the command to all future descendants, ensuring that the historical memory and profound theological significance of the Passover are faithfully transmitted through successive generations. The phrase "for ever" (Hebrew: _l'olam_) reinforces the eternal duration of this ordinance, meaning it is to be observed throughout all time, for as long as Israel exists as a people, signifying a permanent fixture in their religious and national life.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 12:24 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Direct Command**, evident in the imperative "ye shall observe," which immediately establishes the divine authority and the non-negotiable nature of the instruction. This is reinforced by **Repetition and Emphasis** through the combination of "ordinance" (*choq*) and "for ever" (*l'olam*), which together create an undeniable declaration of perpetuity and immutability. The phrase "to thee and to thy sons" utilizes **Intergenerational Mandate**, explicitly extending the command's reach beyond the immediate recipients to all future generations, thereby emphasizing the vital importance of faith transmission. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Decree**, a solemn and binding pronouncement from God that establishes a foundational and enduring practice for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 12:24 encapsulates profound theological truths about God's character and His enduring relationship with humanity. It portrays God as a faithful Deliverer who acts decisively in history to rescue His people from bondage, demonstrating His sovereignty and power. The establishment of the Passover as a perpetual ordinance reveals God's desire for His saving acts to be continually remembered, fostering an ongoing covenant relationship built on gratitude, worship, and obedience. This verse also powerfully underscores the vital importance of intergenerational faith transmission, where the stories of God's mighty deeds and His covenant faithfulness are intentionally passed down to ensure future generations understand their heritage, their identity as God's redeemed people, and their ongoing responsibility to Him. This continuous remembrance is crucial for preventing spiritual amnesia and maintaining a vibrant, living faith.

The theme of remembering God's deliverance and passing it on is central to the biblical narrative, echoed throughout the Old Testament:
* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Teach Your Children Diligently"): "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."
* [Joshua 4:6-7](/joshua/4-6 "Memorial Stones at Gilgal"): "that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?' Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord... And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever."
* [Psalm 78:4](/psalms/78-4 "Passing on God's Deeds to Future Generations"): "We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 12:24, though deeply rooted in ancient Israel's historical experience, holds profound and enduring relevance for believers today. It calls us to cultivate a posture of intentional remembrance and profound gratitude for God's saving acts, both in our personal lives and throughout redemptive history. Just as the Passover served as a constant reminder to Israel of their liberation from physical bondage, we are called to regularly recall and celebrate God's ultimate deliverance from the spiritual bondage of sin and death through Jesus Christ. This verse also serves as a powerful reminder of our sacred responsibility to pass on our faith. Whether in our roles as parents, grandparents, mentors, or active members of a faith community, we are entrusted with the vital task of sharing the story of God's faithfulness, His redemptive plan, and the truths of His Word with the next generation. This ensures that the legacy of faith continues, preventing spiritual amnesia and fostering a vibrant, living relationship with God for those who follow us. Finally, the emphasis on the Passover as an "ordinance for ever" challenges us to prayerfully consider which divine commands and spiritual disciplines we treat as non-negotiable and perpetually binding in our own lives, striving to live in joyful and consistent obedience to God's established will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "deliverance stories" from your own life or from the broader biblical narrative do you need to intentionally remember, meditate on, and celebrate more often?**
* **In what practical ways are you actively participating in passing on your faith and the story of God's redemptive work to the next generation, whether within your family, church, or broader community?**
* **Reflecting on the concept of an "ordinance for ever," what commands or principles from God's Word do you consider perpetually binding in your life, and how does that conviction shape your daily choices and priorities?**

### FAQ
**Why is an ancient ritual like Passover still relevant today?**

Answer: While the specific ritual of the Passover was uniquely given to ancient Israel as a sign of their covenant with God, its underlying principles—remembrance of God's deliverance, the importance of obedience, and intergenerational faith transmission—remain profoundly relevant. For Christians, the Passover finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, making its themes foundational to understanding the gospel message and God's overarching plan of redemption.

**Does "for ever" truly mean eternally, or just for a long time?**

Answer: In biblical Hebrew, the term *l'olam* ("for ever") often denotes a perpetual duration within a specific context or covenantal framework. For the Passover, it signifies that this ordinance was to be observed throughout all generations of Israel's existence as a nation under the Old Covenant. While the ritual itself was ultimately fulfilled and transformed in Christ, its core purpose of remembering divine deliverance remains eternally significant and is reinterpreted in the New Covenant.

**If the Passover was for Israel, how does it apply to non-Israelites or Christians?**

Answer: The Passover was indeed given to Israel as a unique covenant sign and a memorial of their national liberation. However, its theological significance transcends ethnic boundaries. Christians understand Jesus Christ as the ultimate Passover Lamb ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "Christ Our Passover Lamb")), whose once-for-all sacrifice delivers all who believe from the bondage of sin and death. The Lord's Supper (also known as Communion or Eucharist) is seen as the New Covenant's perpetual ordinance, instituted by Christ Himself, which fulfills and reinterprets the Passover's themes of sacrifice, remembrance, and deliverance for the global church. It is a new memorial, pointing to a greater redemption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 12:24, with its emphasis on a perpetual ordinance of remembrance for a foundational act of deliverance, finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Passover lamb, whose innocent blood protected Israel from divine judgment and brought about their liberation from Egypt, serves as a powerful and divinely orchestrated prefigurement of Jesus, who is definitively identified by John the Baptist as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist Identifies Jesus")). Jesus's sacrificial death on the cross occurred precisely during the Passover festival, intentionally aligning Him with the Passover Lamb and demonstrating that His shed blood inaugurates a New Covenant, delivering humanity from the ultimate bondage of sin and death ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Christ's Blood and the New Covenant")). Just as the Passover was commanded as a perpetual ordinance for Israel to remember God's deliverance from Egypt, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper (Communion) as the new perpetual ordinance for His followers, commanding them to "do this in remembrance of me" ([Luke 22:19](/luke/22-19 "Institution of the Lord's Supper")). This New Covenant meal commemorates His once-for-all sacrifice, His victorious resurrection, and His promised return, ensuring that the ultimate act of God's deliverance through Christ is continually remembered, celebrated, and proclaimed by His people across all generations, "for ever" ([1 Corinthians 11:26](/1_corinthians/11-26 "Proclaiming the Lord's Death Until He Comes")). Thus, the shadow of the Old Testament Passover points directly to the glorious substance found in Christ, making His redemptive work the eternal and ultimate deliverance to be observed and proclaimed.

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

Genesis 17:8

And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

Genesis 17:10

This [is] my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.

Exodus 12:14

And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.