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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 12:43–51. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Some further precepts are here given concerning the passover, as it should be observed in times to come.
I.All the congregation of Israel must keep it, Exo 12:47.
All that share in God's mercies should join in thankful praises for them. Though it was observed in families apart, yet it is looked upon as the act of the whole congregation; for the smaller communities constituted the greater. The New Testament passover, the Lord's supper, ought not to be neglected by any who are capable of celebrating it. He is unworthy the name of an Israelite that can contentedly neglect the commemoration of so great a deliverance.
1.No stranger that was uncircumcised might be admitted to eat of it, Exo 12:43, Exo 12:45, Exo 12:48. None might sit at the table but those that came in by the door; nor may any now approach to the improving ordinance of the Lord's supper who have not first submitted to the initiating ordinance of baptism. We must be born again by the word ere we can be nourished by it. Nor shall any partake of the benefit of Christ's sacrifice, or feast upon it, who are not first circumcised in heart, Col 2:11.
2.Any stranger that was circumcised might be welcome to eat of the passover, even servants, Exo 12:44. If, by circumcision, they would make themselves debtors to the law in its burdens, they were welcome to share in the joy of its solemn feasts, and not otherwise. Only it is intimated (Exo 12:48) that those who were masters of families must not only be circumcised themselves, but have all their males circumcised too. If in sincerity, and with that zeal which the thing required and deserves, we give up ourselves to God, we shall, with ourselves, give up all we have to him, and do our utmost that all ours may be his too. Here is an early indication of favour to the poor Gentiles, that the stranger, if circumcised, stands upon the same level with the home-born Israelite. One law for both, Exo 12:49. This was a mortification to the Jews, and taught them that it was their dedication to God, not their descent from Abraham, that entitled them to their privileges. A sincere proselyte was as welcome to the passover as a native Israelite, Isa 56:6, Isa 56:7.
II.In one house shall it be eaten (Exo 12:46), for good-fellowship sake, that they might rejoice together, and edify one another in the eating of it. None of it must be carried to another place, nor left to another time; for God would not have them so taken up with care about their departure as to be indisposed to take the comfort of it, but to leave Egypt, and enter upon a wilderness, with cheerfulness, and, in token of that, to eat a good hearty meal. The papists' carrying their consecrated host from house to house is not only superstitious in itself, but contrary to this typical law of the passover, which directed that no part of the lamb should be carried abroad.
The chapter concludes with a repetition of the whole matter, that the children of Israel did as they were bidden, and God did for them as he promised (Exo 12:50, Exo 12:51); for he will certainly be the author of salvation to those that obey him.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
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The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. [Exodus 12:46]
For the faith of the sacred Scripture sets forth that the Church is not without, nor can be separated nor divided against itself, but maintains the unity of an inseparable and undivided house; since it is written of the sacrament of the passover, and of the lamb, which Lamb designated Christ: "In one house shall it be eaten: ye shall not carry forth the flesh abroad out of the house." Which also we see expressed concerning Rahab, who herself also bore a type of the Church, who received the command which said, "Thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household unto thee into thine house; and whosoever shall go out of the doors of thine house into the street, his blood shall be upon him." In which mystery is declared, that they who will live, and escape from the destruction of the world, must be gathered together into one house alone, that is, into the Church; but whosoever of those thus collected together shall go out abroad, that is, if any one, although he may have obtained grace in the Church, shall depart and go out of the Church, that his blood shall be upon him; that is, that he himself must charge it upon himself that he perishes; which the Apostle Paul explains, teaching and enjoining that a heretic must be avoided, as perverse, and a sinner, and as condemned of himself. For that man will be guilty of his own ruin, who, not being cast out by the bishop, but of his own accord deserting from the Church is by heretical presumption condemned of himself.
God says, “In one house shall it be eaten; you shall not cast the flesh abroad out of the house.” The flesh of Christ and the holy thing of the Lord cannot be cast out. The faithful have no home but the one church. This home, this house of unanimity, the Holy Spirit announces unmistakably in the Psalms: “God who makes men to dwell together of one mind as in a house.”
That well-known prophecy likewise was fulfilled: “Not a bone of him shall you break.” For even if this was spoken with reference to the lamb among the Jews, the type preceded for the sake of truth and was, rather, fulfilled in this event. Moreover, that is why the Evangelist cited the prophet. Since he might not seem to be worthy of credence because he was repeatedly making reference to his own testimony, he summoned Moses to testify that this not only did not take place by accident but that it had been foretold in writing from of old. This is the meaning of that famous prophecy: “Not a bone of him shall be broken.”
All such efforts are only of use when they are made within the church’s pale. We must celebrate the Passover in the one house. We must enter the ark with Noah. We must take refuge from the fall of Jericho with the justified harlot, Rahab.
Now next, that the legs of those two were broken, while his [Christ’s] were not. He was already dead. Why this happened was stated in the Gospel itself. It was fitting, you see, to demonstrate by this sign as well that the true point and purpose of the Jewish Passover, which contained this instruction, not to break the lamb’s bones, was to be a prophetic preenactment of his death.
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Summary
Delineates precise regulations for the consumption of the Passover lamb, underscoring its profound sacredness, the essential unity of its participants, and the inviolable integrity of the sacrifice. These divine mandates—that the lamb be eaten entirely within one household, that no portion of its flesh be carried outside, and crucially, that none of its bones be broken—collectively emphasize the corporate nature of God's redemptive act, the reverence due to His provision, and serve as a powerful foreshadowing of the complete, perfect, and unblemished sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Lamb of God.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 12:46 is meticulously placed within God's detailed instructions for the inaugural Passover, delivered to Moses and Aaron just prior to the tenth and most devastating plague upon Egypt: the death of the firstborn. The preceding verses, Exodus 12:43-45, establish the parameters for who is permitted to partake in the Passover, specifically emphasizing the inclusion of the circumcised and the exclusion of foreigners and hired servants, thereby defining the covenant community. Following this verse, the narrative continues with further regulations regarding the Passover observance, including the universal requirement for all male participants to be circumcised (Exodus 12:47-49), culminating in Israel's faithful execution of these commands (Exodus 12:50) and their subsequent miraculous liberation from Egyptian bondage. Thus, Exodus 12:46 is a pivotal instruction, ensuring the ritual's holiness, efficacy, and proper communal observance.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Passover ritual was not merely an event but a foundational act for the nascent nation of Israel, marking their definitive liberation from oppressive Egyptian slavery and forging their identity as God's redeemed people. In the ancient Near East, communal meals frequently served as powerful symbols of covenant relationships, shared identity, and solemn pledges. The concept of "house" (Hebrew: bayit) typically referred to an extended family unit or household, encompassing not only immediate relatives but also servants, resident aliens, and invited guests, thereby emphasizing a collective participation in significant religious and social events. Furthermore, sacrificial practices during this period were governed by strict rules concerning the handling, preparation, and consumption of offerings. These regulations were crucial for maintaining ritual purity and holiness, clearly distinguishing sacred acts from common activities. The integrity of the sacrificial animal, particularly the preservation of its bones, often signified its wholeness, perfection, or even its suitability as a complete offering, stressing the unique and unblemished nature of this specific, divinely ordained sacrifice.
Key Themes
Exodus 12:46 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Meticulousness, demonstrating God's precise and detailed instructions for worship and obedience, leaving no aspect to human discretion. Every command, down to the handling of the lamb's bones, reveals God's absolute authority and His demand for holiness in His people's approach to Him. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of Communal Identity and Unity, as the command to eat the lamb "in one house" fosters solidarity among the participants, reinforcing their shared experience of deliverance and their collective identity as God's chosen people. This communal aspect is central to Israel's covenant relationship with God, as seen in the broader narrative of their journey from slavery to nationhood. Finally, and most profoundly, this instruction contributes to the theme of Typology and Foreshadowing, as the unblemished and unbroken Passover lamb serves as a powerful prefigurement of a greater, future sacrifice. The integrity required of the lamb points forward to the perfect and complete sacrifice of the Messiah, the ultimate Lamb of God, whose atoning work would be without blemish or deficiency, a theme echoed throughout the New Testament, particularly in 1 Peter 1:18-19.
Exposition and Analysis
Exodus 12:46 delivers three distinct, yet intrinsically linked, regulations concerning the consumption of the Passover lamb, each imbued with profound theological weight and practical significance for the Israelite community.
Key Word Analysis
This numeral (H259) emphasizes unity and singularity. In the context of "one house," it stresses the corporate and unified nature of the Passover observance. It signifies that the meal was to be a shared experience within a defined, cohesive group, fostering solidarity rather than individual or fragmented consumption. This concept of "one" is foundational to the communal identity of God's people.
More than merely a physical dwelling (H1004), bayith here denotes the extended household unit—a family, including its members, servants, and any circumcised guests. The instruction "In one house shall it be eaten" underscores the corporate nature of God's deliverance and the shared experience of redemption. It mandated a collective participation, fostering unity and solidarity among all those partaking in the sacred meal, identifying them as a single, redeemed entity.
This term (H1320) refers specifically to the meat of the sacrificial lamb. The command "thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house" highlights the sacredness and exclusivity of the offering. The lamb's flesh was consecrated for this particular ritual and was not to be treated as common food, nor was it to be distributed casually or desecrated by being taken into an unholy or common space. This ensured the integrity and reverence of the sacred meal, distinguishing it from ordinary consumption.
This phrase combines the verb "break" (H7665, shâbar) and the noun "bone" (H6106, ʻetsem). This seemingly minor detail carries profound weight. The prohibition "neither shall ye break a bone thereof" emphasizes the wholeness, perfection, and integrity required of the sacrificial lamb. It signifies that the offering must remain physically intact, a complete and unblemished sacrifice, even in its consumption. This detail is particularly significant in its prophetic foreshadowing, as discussed in the Christ-Centered Fulfillment section.
Verse Breakdown
"In one house shall it be eaten"
This initial clause establishes the communal and localized nature of the Passover meal. It was not a private act but a shared experience within a defined household unit, emphasizing solidarity and a shared understanding of their deliverance. This ensured that the entire family or designated group partook together in the act of remembrance and identification with God's saving act, reinforcing their corporate identity as the redeemed people of God.
"thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house"
This command reinforces the sacredness and exclusivity of the Passover lamb. The meat was consecrated for this holy purpose and was not to be treated as common food. Carrying it outside the designated sacred space of the house would risk its defilement, its casual distribution, or its misuse, thereby diminishing the reverence due to God's provision and the seriousness of the ritual. Any remaining meat was explicitly commanded to be burned (Exodus 12:10), further emphasizing its unique and consecrated status.
"neither shall ye break a bone thereof"
This specific prohibition emphasizes the integrity and wholeness of the sacrificial lamb. The lamb, chosen "without blemish" (Exodus 12:5), was to remain physically intact even in its consumption. This detail speaks to the perfection and completeness required of the offering, pointing forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would require no augmentation or deficiency.
Literary Devices
The verse employs a concise, prescriptive, and legalistic tone, characteristic of divine commands found throughout the Torah. The predominant use of negative commands ("thou shalt not...") underscores the strictness, non-negotiable nature, and paramount importance of these regulations, leaving no room for misinterpretation or casual observance. The parallelism in the prohibitions ("thou shalt not carry forth... neither shall ye break...") reinforces the meticulousness required for the sacred ritual and highlights the distinct but equally vital aspects of the lamb's handling. The verse also employs symbolism, where the physical integrity of the lamb (its unbroken bones) symbolizes the perfection and completeness of the sacrifice itself, a concept that carries profound theological weight.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 12:46 reveals several profound theological truths that resonate throughout biblical history. Firstly, it highlights God's meticulousness and His demand for holiness in worship and obedience. Every detail of the Passover was divinely ordained, emphasizing that true worship is not arbitrary but conducted according to God's precise instructions, revealing His character as a God of order and sanctity. Secondly, the verse underscores the communal aspect of salvation and covenant. God's deliverance was for His people, experienced and celebrated together within the household, fostering unity and shared identity. This communal eating signifies a shared participation in God's redemptive work, binding individuals into a collective body. Thirdly, it emphasizes the completeness and integrity required of the sacrificial offering, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative concerning atonement and reconciliation, pointing to the need for a perfect sacrifice to bridge the gap between God and humanity. This verse, therefore, establishes foundational principles for Israel's identity as a redeemed people and foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice that would bring about a new covenant and a new community.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 12:46 offers rich insights for believers today, particularly concerning the nature of salvation, the community of faith, and reverence for God's work. The command to eat the lamb "in one house" powerfully reminds us that our faith is not meant to be a solitary journey. We are called into a vibrant community—the church—to share in the spiritual feast of Christ's grace and truth, fostering unity, mutual support, and collective worship. Just as the Passover united families in a shared experience of deliverance from bondage, so too does Christ unite us as His body, sharing in His redemption and forming a new spiritual household. This calls us to actively participate in and contribute to the unity of the body of Christ, recognizing that our individual salvation is part of a larger, communal story of redemption.
The prohibitions against carrying the flesh outside or breaking a bone speak to the sacredness and completeness of Christ's sacrifice. We are saved by a perfect, "once-for-all" offering that requires no addition, repetition, or human embellishment. This truth should instill in us a profound reverence for what God has accomplished through Christ, preventing us from treating our salvation casually or attempting to add to His finished work through our own efforts. Our faith and participation in God's redemptive plan should be approached with utmost seriousness, devotion, and gratitude, recognizing the immense cost of our redemption and the perfect sufficiency of Christ's atoning work. We are called to guard the purity of the gospel and to honor the completeness of Christ's sacrifice in our lives and in our churches.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was it so important not to break a bone of the Passover lamb?
The prohibition against breaking a bone of the Passover lamb underscored the integrity and perfection required of the sacrifice. It symbolized the wholeness and completeness of the offering, indicating that it was a perfect, unblemished sacrifice acceptable to God. Theologically, this detail held profound prophetic significance, prefiguring the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the ultimate Passover Lamb, also had no bones broken during His crucifixion, thereby fulfilling this ancient type (John 19:36).
Does "in one house" mean only one biological family, or could multiple families participate?
The term "house" (Hebrew: bayit) in the ancient Israelite context often referred to an extended household, which could include multiple biological families, servants, and even resident aliens who had joined the community and been circumcised. The emphasis was on a unified group partaking together, rather than strict biological family lines, ensuring that the lamb was fully consumed by a sufficient number of people. If a household was too small to consume an entire lamb, they were explicitly instructed to join with a neighbor (Exodus 12:4), reinforcing the communal aspect.
What happened if a household couldn't finish the entire lamb?
Exodus 12:10 specifies that "ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire." This strict instruction ensured that the sacred meat was fully consumed or properly disposed of by burning, preventing any desecration, casual use, or treatment as common food. It reinforced the idea of a complete, timely offering that was entirely dedicated to God for that specific, holy purpose.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 12:46 finds its most profound and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Passover lamb itself is a powerful and direct type of Christ, who is sovereignly identified by John the Baptist as "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The specific instruction, "neither shall ye break a bone thereof," is not merely an ancient ritualistic detail but a precise prophetic fulfillment in Jesus' crucifixion. When the Roman soldiers came to break the legs of the crucified men to hasten their deaths, they found Jesus already dead and therefore did not break His legs. John 19:36 explicitly declares, "For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken." This direct fulfillment unequivocally underscores Jesus' identity as the true Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice was perfect, complete, and utterly without blemish. His body, like the lamb's, remained whole, signifying the integrity and absolute sufficiency of His atoning work on the cross, a "once for all" sacrifice that perfectly satisfies God's righteous demands (Hebrews 10:10). Furthermore, the command to eat the lamb "in one house" foreshadows the unity of believers in Christ's body, the Church. Just as the Passover meal brought a household together in a shared experience of deliverance, so the Lord's Supper (the Christian Passover) unites believers in communion with Christ and with one another (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). In partaking of the bread and wine, we remember Christ's complete sacrifice and affirm our shared identity as His redeemed people, forming one spiritual household, united in His finished work. The sacredness of the Passover lamb and the prohibition against carrying its flesh outside the house also point to the uniqueness and sacredness of Christ's sacrifice—it is a finished work, not to be augmented or treated lightly, but reverently received within the community of faith.