Exodus 12:25

Exodus 12:25 is a forward-looking command given to the Israelites amidst the dramatic events of the first Passover in Egypt. This verse bridges the immediate crisis of deliverance from slavery with their future inheritance of the Promised Land, emphasizing the enduring nature of God's commands and promises.

Context

This verse is part of the detailed instructions for the Passover ritual, given by God to Moses and Aaron just before the tenth and final plague against Egypt – the slaying of the firstborn. The initial Passover was a critical moment for Israel's liberation, marking their transition from bondage to freedom. While the immediate context is the preparation for their exodus, verse 25 looks ahead, ensuring that this pivotal "service" (the Passover celebration) would not be a one-time event but a perpetual ordinance to be observed once they entered the land God had sworn to give them. This connects the present act of faith and obedience to God's ancient covenant promises made to their patriarchs, particularly Abraham regarding the land of Canaan.

Key Themes

• Perpetual Remembrance: The command ensures that future generations would remember God's mighty act of deliverance from Egypt. The Passover was designed to be a living memorial, passed down through families. Exodus 12:14 similarly stresses its enduring nature.
• Divine Promise and Fulfillment: The phrase "when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised" underscores God's absolute faithfulness. Despite their present circumstances, God's promise to bring them into the land of milk and honey was certain to be fulfilled.
• Obedience in the Promised Land: Keeping "this service" (the Passover) was not just for the wilderness journey or for the immediate deliverance, but a condition and a blessing for their life in the land. It signifies that their worship and obedience were tied to their identity as God's covenant people in their inheritance.
• Covenant Continuity: This verse highlights the continuity of God's covenant with Israel across generations and geographical locations. The same God who delivered them from Egypt would establish them in the land, and their response of worship and obedience was to remain constant.

Linguistic Insights

The word "service" here is from the Hebrew term עֲבֹדָה (avodah), which carries a rich meaning encompassing work, labor, and especially worship or ritual service. It implies a dedicated act of devotion and obedience. This was not merely a ceremonial act but a profound expression of their relationship with God, recalling His gracious redemption and their obligation to Him.

Practical Application

Exodus 12:25 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

• Remembering God's Faithfulness: Just as Israel was commanded to remember the Passover, we are called to remember God's past acts of deliverance and faithfulness in our lives. This remembrance builds trust for future challenges.
• Living in Light of God's Promises: The Israelites were to obey even before fully possessing the land, trusting in God's promise. Similarly, we are to live in obedience and hope, knowing that God's promises for our future (e.g., eternal life, Christ's return) are sure.
• The Significance of Worship and Ordinances: The "service" of Passover points to the importance of corporate worship and spiritual disciplines in the life of faith. These acts are not merely traditions but vital means of remembering God's work and expressing our devotion.
• Christ, Our Passover: For Christians, the Passover finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, "our passover" (1 Corinthians 5:7), whose sacrifice provides eternal redemption. The command to remember the Passover now resonates with the command to remember Christ's sacrifice through communion, anticipating our ultimate inheritance in the new heaven and new earth.