Exodus 12:50

Thus did all the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.

Thus did {H6213} all the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}; as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872} and Aaron {H175}, so did {H6213} they.

All the people of Isra'el did just as ADONAI had ordered Moshe and Aharon.

Then all the Israelites did this—they did just as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron.

Thus did all the children of Israel; as Jehovah commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.

Commentary

Exodus 12:50 serves as a concise yet powerful affirmation of Israel's immediate and complete obedience to God's instructions regarding the first Passover. This verse underscores the critical nature of their response, which directly preceded their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage.

Context

This verse concludes the detailed account of the Passover institution and its initial observance. Following the specific, life-saving commands given by God through Moses and Aaron (see Exodus 12:1-28), the people's response was vital. They were on the eve of the tenth and final plague, the death of the firstborn, and their very survival depended on their faithful adherence to every command concerning the lamb, the blood on the doorposts, and the meal.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to Divine Command: The primary message is Israel's absolute and unified obedience. Their deliverance was not by chance, but a direct result of their following God's precise instructions. This highlights the foundational principle of obedience in the covenant relationship.
  • Unity in Action: The phrase "all the children of Israel" emphasizes a collective and harmonious response. In a moment of national crisis, the people acted as one, demonstrating a shared trust in their leaders and, more importantly, in God's word.
  • Faithful Response to God's Word: Their actions were a tangible expression of their faith. They believed that by doing exactly as the LORD commanded, they would be protected and set free, showcasing the connection between belief and action.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה" (ka'asher tzivah Yahweh), translated "as the LORD commanded," emphasizes the authoritative and direct nature of God's instructions. The word "commanded" (צִוָּה, tzivah) denotes a divine decree, not a suggestion. The repetition of "so did they" (וַיַּעֲשׂוּ, vayya'asu) reinforces the completeness and exactness of their compliance.

Practical Application

Exodus 12:50 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the importance of wholehearted obedience to God's Word. Just as Israel's physical deliverance was contingent upon their adherence to the Passover commands, our spiritual freedom and blessings often hinge on our willingness to follow God's revealed will. This verse encourages us to trust that God's commands are always for our good and ultimately lead to salvation and blessing. The Passover itself also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, our true Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice we respond to with faith and obedience.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 7:4

    But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, [and] my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.

  • Exodus 12:41

    And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.

  • Deuteronomy 4:1

    ¶ Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

  • Deuteronomy 4:2

    Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

  • Exodus 6:26

    These [are] that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.

  • John 15:14

    Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

  • Matthew 28:20

    Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
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