Exodus 12:42

KJV

It [is] a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this [is] that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.

KJV (with Strong's)

It is a night {H3915} to be much observed {H8107} unto the LORD {H3068} for bringing {H3318} them out from the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}: this is that night {H3915} of the LORD {H3068} to be observed {H8107} of all the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} in their generations {H1755}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This was a night when ADONAI kept vigil to bring them out of the land of Egypt, and this same night continues to be a night when ADONAI keeps vigil for all the people of Isra'el through all their generations.

Berean Standard Bible

Because the LORD kept a vigil that night to bring them out of the land of Egypt, this same night is to be a vigil to the LORD, to be observed by all the Israelites for the generations to come.

American Standard Version

It is a night to be much observed unto Jehovah for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of Jehovah, to be much observed of all the children of Israel throughout their generations.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 12:42 functions as a theological capstone to the elaborate instructions concerning the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, detailed from [Exodus 12:1](/exodus/12 "Instructions for the Passover and Unleavened Bread"). It immediately follows the specific commands for the Passover meal and the application of the blood on the doorposts, which served as a sign for divine protection against the tenth plague, the death of the firstborn ([Exodus 12:21-27](/exodus/12-21-27 "Moses' Instructions for the Passover and the Sign of Blood")). The verse anticipates the actual execution of the tenth plague and the subsequent urgent departure of the Israelites from Egypt ([Exodus 12:29-39](/exodus/12-29-39 "The Tenth Plague and the Exodus")). By emphasizing the night's unique status as "a night to be much observed unto the LORD," it elevates the historical event into a perpetual, divinely mandated ordinance, solidifying its enduring theological and communal significance for Israel's future.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the liberation of a people from a dominant power was often attributed to the superior strength of their deity. The Exodus, particularly the Passover night, dramatically demonstrated Yahweh's unparalleled power and faithfulness, directly intervening in history to liberate His people from the most formidable empire of the day. This act of "bringing them out" was not merely a military or political victory but a profound act of divine judgment against Egypt's gods and a singular display of sovereign care for Israel. The command for perpetual observance was crucial for maintaining collective memory and identity in a primarily oral culture. Such rituals ensured that future generations understood their origins as a people redeemed by God, not by their own might or by the benevolence of other nations or deities. This annual observance would serve as a constant reminder of their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, distinguishing them from surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Redemption**, where God actively intervenes to save His people from bondage, establishing Himself as their liberator. It also highlights **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God remembers and acts upon His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham and Prophecy of Affliction")). The concept of **Remembrance and Observance** is central, mandating that Israel never forget this foundational act of salvation, thereby shaping their collective identity and worship. This theme is echoed throughout the Law, particularly in the repeated commands to "remember the day you came out of Egypt" ([Deuteronomy 16:1](/deuteronomy/16-1 "Observance of Passover")). Finally, it underscores **God's Sovereignty and Judgment** over all earthly powers and false gods, as demonstrated by the plagues and the ultimate defeat of Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "The Crossing of the Red Sea")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Night (Hebrew, _layil'_):** H3915. This word signifies the period of darkness, from sunset to sunrise. In this context, it refers to the specific, historical night when the tenth plague struck Egypt and Israel was delivered. Figuratively, as the Strong's data notes, it can also represent "adversity." Here, it is a night of adversity for Egypt, but a night of salvation and vigilance for Israel, highlighting the contrasting experiences under God's judgment and protection.
* **Observed (Hebrew, _shimmur'_):** H8107. Derived from the root _shamar_ (שָׁמַר), meaning "to keep," "to guard," "to watch," or "to observe." The term "much observed" (or _leil shimmurim_) carries a profound dual meaning. Firstly, it denotes God's active "watching" or "guarding" over Israel, protecting them from the plague while executing judgment on Egypt. Secondly, it mandates Israel's reciprocal "observance" or "keeping watch" in perpetual remembrance and celebration of God's redemptive act, thereby ensuring the memory of this divine intervention is preserved across generations.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** H3068. This is the sacred, covenant name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the LORD." It signifies the "self-Existent" or "Eternal" One. Its presence here emphasizes that the night's significance derives entirely from God's personal, sovereign action. It was not a random event or a human achievement, but a night defined by the direct intervention of the covenant-keeping God of Israel, highlighting His unique identity and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It [is] a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt:"** This initial clause establishes the divine origin and purpose of the night. The phrase "unto the LORD" (לַיהוָה, _la-YHWH_) signifies that this night is consecrated to Him, an act initiated and accomplished by His power and for His glory. The explicit reason for its special status is God's mighty act of "bringing them out from the land of Egypt." This underscores that the Exodus was not a human escape but a divine rescue, a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty over Pharaoh and all the gods of Egypt. The "night to be much observed" here refers primarily to God's active vigilance and protective watch over Israel.
* **"this [is] that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations."** The second clause reiterates and expands upon the command for human observance. The demonstrative "this" points back to the specific, historical night of the Exodus, anchoring the command in a concrete event. It is explicitly called "that night of the LORD," reinforcing its unique status as a night defined by God's action and ownership. The command to "be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations" transforms a singular historical event into a perpetual, communal ordinance. It mandates that every future generation of Israelites must participate in this remembrance, ensuring that the foundational act of redemption remains central to their collective identity and faith, fostering ongoing gratitude and covenant loyalty.

#### 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](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham")). 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](/deuteronomy/16-1-8 "Observance of Passover and Unleavened Bread")). 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
* **How does intentionally remembering God's past acts of deliverance (both biblical and personal) strengthen your faith and identity today?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a community, "observe" or "keep watch" in grateful remembrance of God's redemptive work in our lives and in the world?**
* **What spiritual disciplines or practices help you pass on the story of God's faithfulness to the next generation, ensuring they understand their identity as people redeemed by God?**

### 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](/exodus/12-29-32 "The Tenth Plague and the Exodus").

**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](/luke/22-7-20 "The Last Supper")).

### 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](/1_corinthians/5-7 "Christ Our Passover")). 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](/luke/22-19-20 "The Last Supper and the New Covenant")). The perpetual observance commanded in Exodus 12:42 is echoed in Jesus's command to "do this in remembrance of me" ([Luke 22:19](/luke/22-19 "Do this in remembrance of me")) 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](/colossians/1-13-14 "Redemption and Forgiveness")).

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

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.

Deuteronomy 16:1

¶ Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night.

Deuteronomy 16:6

But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt.

Exodus 13:10

Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year.