Exodus 12:7

KJV

And they shall take of the blood, and strike [it] on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall take {H3947} of the blood {H1818}, and strike {H5414} it on the two {H8147} side posts {H4201} and on the upper door post {H4947} of the houses {H1004}, wherein they shall eat {H398} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the two sides and top of the door-frame at the entrance of the house in which they eat it.

Berean Standard Bible

They are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.

American Standard Version

And they shall take of the blood, and put it on the two side-posts and on the lintel, upon the houses wherein they shall eat it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 12:7 records God's precise and pivotal instruction to the Israelites for the first Passover: to apply the blood of the sacrificed lamb to the two side posts and the upper doorpost of their homes. This divinely commanded act of obedience and faith served as an unmistakable sign for divine protection, ensuring that the Angel of Death would "pass over" their households, sparing their firstborn from the final, devastating plague, and thus marking the decisive moment of their miraculous deliverance from centuries of Egyptian bondage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an indispensable component of God's meticulous directives for the inaugural Passover observance, as detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Institution of the Passover"). It immediately follows the command for the selection of an unblemished lamb ([Exodus 12:5](/exodus/12-5 "Exodus 12:5 - Selection of the Passover Lamb")) and its sacrifice. The application of the blood, as outlined in [Exodus 12:7](/exodus/12-7 "Exodus 12:7 - Application of the Passover Blood"), precedes instructions for the ritual meal itself, which includes consuming the roasted lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs ([Exodus 12:8-11](/exodus/12-8-11 "Exodus 12:8-11 - Instructions for the Passover Meal")). The efficacy of this blood-marking is then explicitly stated as the reason for the Lord's "passing over" ([Exodus 12:12-13](/exodus/12-12-13 "Exodus 12:12-13 - The Lord's Judgment and Protection")). The entire narrative arc of [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus") culminates in the devastating death of the firstborn throughout Egypt and Israel's subsequent, divinely orchestrated exodus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the doorway was not merely a structural element but a highly significant threshold, often imbued with symbolic meaning related to protection, identity, and the boundary between private and public, or sacred and profane spaces. Blood, particularly from sacrificed animals, was a potent symbol frequently employed in ancient rituals for purification, covenant ratification, or apotropaic (evil-averting) purposes. However, the Passover command transcended mere superstition; it was a unique, divinely instituted sign of obedience and faith, distinct from pagan practices. The precise application of blood on the "two side posts" (Hebrew: *mezuzot*) and the "upper door post" (Hebrew: *mashqoph*) would have created a highly visible and unmistakable mark, clearly differentiating Israelite homes from those of the Egyptians. This act served as a public, tangible declaration of allegiance to Yahweh, which was crucial in a communal culture where visible signs and shared identity were paramount.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Deliverance") introduces and develops several foundational theological themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. Central among them is God's **sovereignty** over life and death, demonstrated through His power to execute judgment and to deliver. The event powerfully illustrates the theme of **redemption** through a divinely appointed substitute, foreshadowing the broader biblical concept of atonement. The necessity of **obedience** to God's specific commands is also a prominent theme, as the Israelites' deliverance was contingent upon their faithful adherence to every detail of the Passover instructions. Furthermore, the Passover establishes the theme of **covenant** – God's faithfulness to His promises to Abraham to deliver his descendants ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "Genesis 15:13-14 - God's Covenant with Abraham")), and the establishment of Israel as His chosen people. The blood itself becomes a recurring motif of **protection** and **atonement** throughout the Old Testament sacrificial system, culminating in its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 12:7 presents a seemingly simple yet profoundly significant instruction within the grand narrative of the Passover. Every detail of this command is laden with theological meaning.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **דָּם (_dâm_, blood):** (H1818) This is the central element of the verse. In the Old Testament, "blood" is intrinsically linked to life, as articulated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood"). Its shedding signifies death, but its application in sacrifice often represents atonement, purification, or the giving of a life in place of another. Here, it is the divinely appointed sign of a life given (the lamb's) to avert judgment, serving as a substitute for the firstborn of the household. The concept of "bloodshed" implies the taking of life, making its application here a powerful declaration of a life already offered.
* **לָקַח (_lâqach_, to take):** (H3947) This primitive root, translated as "take," implies a deliberate and intentional action. It signifies not merely obtaining, but actively grasping and appropriating the blood. The Israelites were not to passively wait for the blood to appear, but to actively "take" it from the sacrificed lamb, emphasizing their participation and responsibility in fulfilling God's command. This verb encompasses a wide variety of applications, suggesting a purposeful acquisition for a specific use.
* **נָתַן (_nâthan_, to give, put, place, strike):** (H5414) While the KJV translates this as "strike," which might suggest a forceful action, *nathan* is a highly versatile verb meaning "to put," "to place," or "to give." In this context, it implies a deliberate, precise application rather than a haphazard splashing. The emphasis is on the intentional act of marking the doorway as commanded by God, signifying a purposeful "giving" or "placing" of the blood onto the designated areas. This verb's broad semantic range highlights the intentionality and divine authority behind the act.
* **מְזוּזָה (_mᵉzûwzâh_, side posts) and מַשְׁקוֹף (_mashqôwph_, upper door post):** (H4201 and H4947) These terms precisely specify the exact locations for the blood's application. The *mezuzot* are the vertical doorposts, and the *mashqôwph* is the horizontal lintel above the doorway. This meticulous detail underscores the completeness of the covering and the precision required in obedience to God's command. The "side posts" are prominent, and the "lintel" overhangs, ensuring visibility and full demarcation of the entrance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall take of the blood,"**: This initial clause emphasizes the source and necessity of the blood. It is not just any blood, but specifically the blood from the sacrificed Passover lamb, highlighting the divine provision and the essential nature of the substitutionary sacrifice. The act of "taking" implies active participation and appropriation by the Israelites.
* **"and strike [it] on the two side posts and on the upper door post"**: This specifies the precise, deliberate application of the blood to the entire frame of the doorway. This act creates a visible sign, a boundary marked by the blood. The completeness of the application (covering both vertical and horizontal elements) suggests a full and comprehensive covering and protection for all who dwell within. The term "strike" (based on *nathan*) denotes a purposeful placement, not a random splash.
* **"of the houses, wherein they shall eat it."**: This final clause directly links the sign of protection to the place of the Passover meal. The act of applying the blood was not an isolated ritual but an integral part of a larger, communal act of obedience, worship, and identification. It signified that the household within was under God's specific covenant protection, a sanctuary from the impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Exodus 12:7 is **Symbolism**. The blood on the doorposts functions as a powerful symbol of divine protection, substitutionary atonement, and the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It serves as a visible, tangible sign for the "destroyer" ([Exodus 12:23](/exodus/12-23 "Exodus 12:23 - The Lord will pass over")) to "pass over" the marked homes, demonstrating God's sovereign power to both judge and to save. The act itself is a **type** or **foreshadowing** of greater spiritual realities, particularly the atoning work of Christ. The precise, divinely commanded nature of the act also highlights the importance of **obedience** as a key to experiencing God's promised deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 12:7 encapsulates several profound theological truths. It powerfully reveals God's **sovereignty** over life and death, His unwavering **justice** in judgment against sin, and His abundant **grace** in providing a specific, tangible means of salvation. The verse underscores the foundational biblical principle of **substitutionary atonement**, where the life of an innocent lamb is given in place of the firstborn of the household, averting divine wrath. Furthermore, it highlights the critical importance of **obedience** to God's specific commands as an essential prerequisite for experiencing His promised deliverance and protection. The blood on the doorposts was not inherently magical; its efficacy derived solely from God's divine command and His faithful promise to act upon it.

This theme of blood as a sign of covenant, protection, and atonement resonates throughout the biblical narrative. It lays the groundwork for the elaborate sacrificial system detailed in the Mosaic Law, where blood was central to purification and the remission of sins ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood")). The Passover itself becomes a foundational event, annually commemorated to remind Israel of God's mighty act of redemption and deliverance. The concept of a visible sign for divine protection is also echoed in other biblical contexts, such as the mark God placed on Cain for his preservation ([Genesis 4:15](/genesis/4-15 "Genesis 4:15 - The Mark of Cain")) or the scarlet cord displayed by Rahab, which secured her household's safety during the destruction of Jericho ([Joshua 2:18](/joshua/2-18 "Joshua 2:18 - Rahab's Scarlet Cord")).

* [Exodus 12:13](/exodus/12-13 "Exodus 12:13 - The Blood as a Token"): "And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt." This verse directly explains the divine purpose and efficacy of the blood application.
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Remission"): "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." This New Testament verse articulates the enduring theological principle that blood sacrifice is necessary for the forgiveness of sins, connecting the Old Testament practice to a broader, timeless truth.
* [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption through Christ's Blood"): "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." This verse explicitly links the concept of redemption and the forgiveness of sins to the blood of Christ, demonstrating the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover's typology.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 12:7 offers profound spiritual lessons that transcend its historical context, providing timeless truths for believers today. Just as the ancient Israelites found salvation and protection through the obedient application of the blood of a lamb, so too are Christians delivered from the judgment of sin and granted eternal life through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate, perfect act of atonement, providing complete redemption and forgiveness of sins for all who believe. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that salvation is a gift of God's grace, provided through a substitutionary sacrifice, and that our response is to place our active faith in Christ's atoning work. Spiritually, we "apply" His blood to our lives not through a physical ritual, but through heartfelt belief, repentance, and confession, recognizing that His sacrifice is fully sufficient. It underscores that God's commands, even those that may seem ritualistic or demanding, are vital for our spiritual protection, deliverance, and ongoing relationship with Him. We are called to trust implicitly in God's provision and obey His word, knowing with certainty that He is faithful to protect and preserve those who are marked by His saving grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the precision of God's instructions regarding the blood's application teach us about the nature of our obedience and faith in God's commands today?**
* **How does the concept of the "blood on the doorposts" deepen our understanding of the security, peace, and protection we possess as believers "in Christ"?**
* **In what ways might we, in our modern context, be tempted to rely on our own efforts, wisdom, or external safeguards for "protection" rather than fully trusting in God's divinely provided means of salvation and security?**

### FAQ
**Why was blood specifically required for protection?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, blood symbolized life and was intrinsically linked to the concept of atonement and purification. God explicitly ordained blood as the means by which He would "pass over" the homes, signifying that a substitutionary death had already occurred, satisfying the requirement for judgment. By applying the blood of a sacrificed animal, a life was offered in place of another. It was not the inherent magical power of the blood itself, but God's divine decree, covenant promise, and sovereign will connected to its application, that brought protection and deliverance.

**Was this a magical ritual, or was it an act of faith?**

Answer: This was fundamentally an act of faith and obedience to God's specific command, not a magical ritual or pagan superstition. The Israelites were not relying on an impersonal charm or a superstitious practice but on the explicit word and solemn promise of Yahweh, their covenant God. The efficacy of the blood came solely from God's power and faithfulness to His covenant, not from any intrinsic power in the blood apart from His divine instruction. Their salvation and the sparing of their firstborn depended entirely on their active participation in God's plan, demonstrating their trust and allegiance to Him.

**What would have happened if an Israelite household did not apply the blood as commanded?**

Answer: The biblical text strongly implies that failure to obey this specific command would have resulted in the death of the firstborn in that household, just as it did for the Egyptians. [Exodus 12:13](/exodus/12-13 "Exodus 12:13 - The Blood as a Token") explicitly states that the blood was to be "a token" or "sign" for the Lord to "pass over" them. Without the visible sign of the blood, there was no distinction made between Israelite and Egyptian homes, and thus no divine protection from the plague. This underscores the absolute necessity of obedience for salvation and protection under God's covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 12:7, with its profound imagery of the Passover lamb and its protective blood, serves as a powerful **type** or **foreshadowing** of Jesus Christ and His ultimate atoning work. The Passover lamb, explicitly commanded to be "without blemish" ([Exodus 12:5](/exodus/12-5 "Exodus 12:5 - Selection of the Passover Lamb")), points directly to Jesus, the sinless and perfect "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus the Lamb of God")). Just as the blood of the Passover lamb saved Israel's firstborn from physical death and delivered them from the bondage of Egyptian slavery, the precious blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides ultimate redemption from spiritual death and eternal bondage to sin. He is our true "Passover lamb, who has been sacrificed" ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1-corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ our Passover")). The "striking" or applying of the blood to the doorposts in the Old Covenant finds its profound fulfillment in the New Covenant through **faith** in Christ's finished work. We "apply" His blood to our lives not by a physical ritual, but by believing in His perfect sacrifice, accepting His atonement, and confessing Him as Lord. Through His blood, we are "bought with a price" ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1-corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Bought with a Price")) and delivered from the righteous judgment of sin, receiving complete forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life. The Passover, therefore, is not merely a historical event but a rich prophetic picture of God's ultimate plan of salvation, fully realized through His beloved Son.

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 12:22

And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip [it] in the blood that [is] in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that [is] in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.

Exodus 12:23

For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite [you].

Hebrews 11:28

Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

Hebrews 9:22

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Ephesians 1:7

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Hebrews 10:14

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

1 Peter 1:2

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.