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Commentary on Exodus 12 verses 37–42
Here is the departure of the children of Israel out of Egypt; having obtained their dismission, they set forward without delay, and did not defer to a more convenient season. Pharaoh was now in a good mind; but they had reason to think he would not long continue so, and therefore it was no time to linger. We have here an account, 1. Of their number, about 600,000 men (Exo 12:37), besides women and children, which I think, we cannot suppose to make less than 1,200,000 more. What a vast increase was this, to arise from seventy souls in little more than 200 years' time! See the power and efficacy of that blessing, when God commands it, Be fruitful and multiply. This was typical of the multitudes that were brought into the gospel church when it was first founded; so mightily grew the word of God, and prevailed. 2. Of their retinue (Exo 12:38): A mixed multitude went up with them, hangers on to that great family, some perhaps willing to leave their country, because it was laid waste by the plagues, and to seek their fortune, as we say, with the Israelites; others went out of curiosity, to see the solemnities of Israel's sacrifice to their God, which had been so much talked of, and expecting to see some glorious appearances of their God to them in the wilderness, having seen such glorious appearances of their God for them in the field of Zoan, Psa 78:12. Probably the greatest part of this mixed multitude were but a rude unthinking mob, that followed the crowd they knew not why; we afterwards find that they proved a snare to them (Num 11:4), and it is probable that when, soon afterwards, they understood that the children of Israel were to continue forty years in the wilderness, they quitted them, and returned to Egypt. Note, There were always those among the Israelites that were not Israelites, and there are still hypocrites in the church, who make a deal of mischief, but will be shaken off at last. 3. Of their effects. They had with them flocks and herds, even very much cattle. This is taken notice of because it was long before Pharaoh would give them leave to remove their effects, which were chiefly cattle, Gen 46:32. 4. Of the provision made for the camp, which was very poor and slender. They brought some dough with them out of Egypt in their knapsacks, Exo 12:34. They had prepared to bake, the next day, in order to their removal, understanding it was very near; but, being hastened away sooner than they thought of, by some hours, they took the dough as it was, unleavened; when they came to Succoth, their first stage, they baked unleavened cakes, and, though these were of course insipid, yet the liberty they were brought into made this the most joyful meal they had ever eaten in their lives. Note, The servants of God must not be slaves to their appetites, nor solicitous to wind up all the delights of sense to their highest pitch. We should be willing to take up with dry bread, nay, with unleavened bread, rather than neglect or delay any service we have to do for God, as those whose meat and drink it is to do his will. 5. Of the date of this great event: it was just 430 years from the promise made to Abraham (as the apostle explains it, Gal 3:17) at his first coming into Canaan, during all which time the children of Israel, that is, the Hebrews, the distinguished chosen seed, were sojourners in a land that was not theirs, either Canaan or Egypt. So long the promise God made to Abraham of a settlement lay dormant and unfulfilled, but now, at length, it revived, and things began to work towards the accomplishment of it. The first day of the march of Abraham's seed towards Canaan was just 430 years (it should seem to a day) from the promise made to Abraham, Gen 12:2, I will make of thee a great nation. See how punctual God is to his time; though his promises be not performed quickly, they will be accomplished in their season. 6. Of the memorableness of it: It is a night to be much observed, Exo 12:42. (1.) The providences of that first night were very observable; memorable was the destruction of the Egyptians, and the deliverance of the Israelites by it; God herein made himself taken notice of. (2.) The ordinances of that night, in the annual return of it, were to be carefully observed: This is that night of the Lord, that remarkable night, to be celebrated in all generations. Note, The great things God does for his people are not to be a nine days' wonder, as we say, but the remembrance of them is to be perpetuated throughout all ages, especially the work of our redemption by Christ. This first passover-night was a night of the Lord much to be observed; but the last passover-night, in which Christ was betrayed (and in which the passover, with the rest of the ceremonial institutions, was superseded and abolished), was a night of the Lord much more to be observed, when a yoke heavier than that of Egypt was broken from off our necks, and a land better than that of Canaan set before us. That was a temporal deliverance to be celebrated in their generation; this is an eternal redemption to be celebrated in the praises of glorious saints, world without end.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 12:42 profoundly establishes the night of Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage as a perpetual "night of watching" or "observance" dedicated to the LORD. This pivotal moment underscores God's vigilant protection and decisive action in bringing His people out of slavery, thereby ordaining it as a foundational event to be faithfully remembered and celebrated by all generations of Israel. The verse encapsulates the enduring significance of the Exodus as a divine act of redemption, serving as a cornerstone of Israel's identity and faith, demanding ongoing recognition and grateful commemoration.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs significant repetition and emphasis. The phrase "night to be much observed" (or "night of the LORD to be observed") appears twice, serving to underscore its profound importance and dual nature: God's watchful care and Israel's required remembrance. This repetition creates a powerful chiasm (A-B-B'-A' structure) in the broader context of the Passover narrative, where God's action (A) leads to Israel's response (B), which is then reiterated as a perpetual command (B') based on God's continuing faithfulness (A'). The use of "all the children of Israel in their generations" provides hyperbole and inclusivity, emphasizing the universal and perpetual nature of this command across time and throughout the entire community, ensuring the enduring significance of the Passover as a foundational event for the entire nation.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 12:42 teaches profound theological truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. It reveals God as a vigilant, active, and faithful deliverer who intervenes decisively in history to fulfill His covenant promises. The verse underscores the theme of divine redemption as the absolute basis for Israel's existence and identity. God's "watching" over Israel signifies His protective care and His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:13). This act of salvation establishes a paradigm for understanding God's nature as both just (in judgment) and merciful (in deliverance).
The command for perpetual observance highlights the importance of corporate memory and worship. Remembering God's past acts of salvation is not merely historical recollection but a vital act of worship that shapes a people's understanding of who God is and who they are in relation to Him. This theme resonates throughout the Old Testament, where Israel is constantly reminded to "remember the day you came out of Egypt" (Deuteronomy 16:1). The Passover became the quintessential annual celebration of God's redemptive power, a recurring narrative that taught each new generation about God's faithfulness and their unique status as His chosen people. The vigilance required of Israel in observing this night mirrors God's own vigilance, establishing a reciprocal relationship of faithfulness and remembrance that sustains the covenant.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Exodus 12:42 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder of the importance of remembering God's faithfulness and mighty acts of salvation, both in biblical history and in our personal lives. Just as the Passover shaped Israel's identity, so too should the story of God's redemption shape ours. We are called to cultivate a spirit of grateful remembrance, recognizing that our freedom from sin and death is entirely due to God's vigilant and decisive intervention. This verse encourages us to intentionally observe and celebrate the foundational truths of our faith, ensuring they are passed down to future generations. It challenges us to look for and acknowledge God's "watching" over us in our daily lives, fostering trust and dependence on His sovereign care, even in times of adversity. Our spiritual vigilance, like Israel's, becomes a response to God's prior and ongoing watchfulness over His people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is this night called "the night of the LORD"?
Answer: It is called "the night of the LORD" because it was the night when the LORD Himself acted decisively and powerfully. It was God's initiative, His judgment, and His deliverance that defined this night. The phrase emphasizes His direct involvement and ownership of the event, rather than it being a human-orchestrated escape. It highlights God's unique sovereignty and His active role as the deliverer of His people from bondage in Egypt.
Does "to be much observed" mean Israel had to stay awake all night?
Answer: While the Hebrew phrase leil shimmurim can imply a literal "watching" or "vigil," its primary meaning here is one of careful, perpetual observance and remembrance. It signifies that the night is to be set apart and remembered with great significance throughout all generations, rather than necessarily requiring a literal all-night vigil, though some Jewish traditions later developed practices of staying awake during parts of the Passover Seder. The emphasis is on the profound importance of the event and the command to never forget it, ensuring its theological meaning is transmitted and celebrated continuously.
Is this command for observation only for the ancient Israelites?
Answer: The immediate command was for "all the children of Israel in their generations," establishing the Passover as a perpetual ordinance for the Jewish people. However, for Christians, the theological significance of the Passover is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. While Christians do not observe the literal Passover Seder as a commandment, the principles of remembering God's redemptive acts, celebrating deliverance, and passing on faith are universally applicable. The Christian observance of the Lord's Supper (Communion) is understood as the New Covenant fulfillment of this theme of remembrance, as Jesus Himself instituted it on the night He was betrayed, connecting it to the Passover meal (Luke 22:7-20).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 12:42, like the entire Passover narrative, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Passover night, when the blood of a lamb protected Israel from death, powerfully foreshadows the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. He is identified by the New Testament as "Christ, our Passover lamb" (1 Corinthians 5:7). Just as the original Passover marked Israel's liberation from Egyptian bondage and the judgment of God passing over those covered by the lamb's blood, so Jesus's death on the cross delivers humanity from the bondage of sin and the righteous judgment of God. His shed blood, like the Passover blood, provides atonement and protection for all who believe. The "night of the LORD" for Israel was a night of deliverance into physical freedom; for believers in Christ, His death and resurrection constitute the ultimate "night of the LORD," ushering in spiritual freedom and entrance into a new covenant relationship with God (Luke 22:19-20). The perpetual observance commanded in Exodus 12:42 is echoed in Jesus's command to "do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19) when instituting the Lord's Supper, inviting all generations of His followers to remember and celebrate His redemptive sacrifice, which is the greater Exodus from sin, death, and the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13-14).