King James Version
Exodus 12
51 verses with commentary
The Passover Instituted
And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The divine initiative in establishing Passover emphasizes God's sovereignty in redemption. This inaugural command, given while Israel remained enslaved, demonstrates that deliverance precedes obedience—grace before law. The dual address to both Moses and Aaron establishes the prophetic-priestly leadership pattern that would guide Israel through the exodus.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
XII.
INSTITUTION OF THE PASSOVER.
(1) **In the land of Egypt.**—This section (Exodus 12:1-28) has the appearance of having been written independently of the previous narrative—earlier, probably, and as a part of the Law rather than of the history. It throws together instructions on the subject of the Passover which must have been given at different times (comp. Exodus 12:3; Exodus 12:12; Exodus 12...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.
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KJV Study Commentary
The Hebrew 'rosh chodashim' (רֹאשׁ חֳדָשִׁים) designates this as the 'head of months,' establishing Abib (later called Nisan) as the first month. This reordering of the calendar signifies that redemption creates a new beginning—salvation reorders all of life. The old Egyptian calendar is superseded by a calendar centered on God's saving act.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **The beginning of months.**—Hitherto the Hebrews had commenced the year with Tisri, at or near the autumnal equinox. (See Exodus 23:16.) In thus doing, they followed neither the Egyptian nor the Babylonian custom. The Egyptians began the year in June, with the first rise of the Nile; the Babylonians in Nisannu, at the vernal equinox. It was this month which was now made, by God’s command, the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: lamb: or, kid
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KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'congregation of Israel' (עֲדַת יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'adat yisrael') appears for the first time, indicating that God's redemptive act creates a community, not isolated individuals. The specific timing (tenth day) required advance preparation and examination of the lamb, foreshadowing Christ's public presentation before His crucifixion (John 12:1, 12-13).
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **In the tenth day.**—It is evident that this direction must have been given before the tenth day had arrived, probably some days before. The object of the direction was to allow ample time for the careful inspection of the animal, so that its entire freedom from all blemish might be ascertained. The animal was not to be killed till four days later (Exodus 12:6).
**A lamb.**—The word used (*se...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.
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KJV Study Commentary
The proportional allocation ('according to his eating') demonstrates God's concern for practical provision—neither waste nor want. The Hebrew 'mikhsat' (מִכְסַת) means a reckoning or counting, requiring families to calculate their needs. This communal sharing prefigures both the church's fellowship meals and the Lord's Supper where all partake equally.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **If the household be too little for the lamb.**—There would be cases where the family would not be large enough to consume an entire lamb at a sitting. Where this was so, men were to club with their neighbours, either two small families joining together, or a large family drafting off some of its members to bring up the numbers of a small one. According to Josephus (*Bell. Jud.,* vi. 9, § 3),...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: of: Heb. son of a year
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KJV Study Commentary
The lamb must be 'tamiym' (תָּמִים)—without blemish, perfect, complete. This requirement establishes the principle of substitutionary perfection: the sacrifice must be flawless to bear the penalty for the flawed. Peter explicitly connects this to Christ: 'a lamb without blemish and without spot' (1 Peter 1:19). The 'male of the first year' indicates prime vitality.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Without blemish.**—Natural piety teaches that we must not “offer the blind, the lame, or the sick for sacrifice” (Malachi 1:8). We must give to (*God* of our best. The Law emphasized this teaching, and here, on the first occasion when a sacrifice was formally appointed, required it to be absolutely without blemish of any kind. Afterwards the requirement was made general (Leviticus 22:19-25)....
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. in: Heb. between the two evenings
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KJV Study Commentary
The Hebrew 'ben ha'arbayim' (בֵּין הָעַרְבָּיִם) literally means 'between the evenings,' referring to the time between the sun's decline and sunset (approximately 3-6 PM). The requirement that 'the whole assembly' participate emphasizes corporate responsibility—every household shares in the sacrificial death. Christ died at the ninth hour (3 PM, Mark 15:34), precisely during Passover preparation.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Ye shall keep it up.**—Heb., *ye shall have it in custody:* separate it, *i.e.,* from the flock, and keep it in or near your house for four days. During this time it could be carefully and thoroughly inspected. (Comp. Exodus 12:3.)
**The whole assembly of the congregation . . . shall kill it.**—Every head of a family belonging to the “congregation” was to make the necessary arrangements, to ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
The blood application 'on the two side posts and on the upper door post' created a three-sided frame through which the household entered and exited—a blood-marked portal of salvation. The Hebrew 'mashach' (מָשַׁח) means to smear or anoint, requiring visible application. No blood on the threshold, as it must not be trampled (Hebrews 10:29). This anticipates Christ's blood applied for our protection...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Strike it.**—With a bunch of hyssop. (See Exodus 12:22.)
**The two side posts and on the upper door post.**—The idea seems to have been that the destroying influence, whatever it was, would enter the house by the door. The sight of the bloody stains above the door and on either side would prevent its entering. The word translated “upper door post” appears to be derived from *shâcaph,* “to lo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ex 9:18-35. Plague of Hail.
**18. I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, &c.--**The seventh plague which Pharaoh's hardened heart provoked was that of hail, a phenomenon which must have produced the greatest astonishment and consternation in Egypt as rain and hailstones, accompanied by thunder and lightning, were very rare occurrences.
**such as hath not been in Egypt--**In the Delta...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.
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KJV Study Commentary
Three elements comprise the Passover meal: roasted lamb, unleavened bread (matzah), and bitter herbs (maror). The roasting with fire suggests purifying judgment, the unleavened bread indicates haste and purity (1 Cor 5:7-8), and bitter herbs memorialize slavery's bitterness. Together they present salvation's full picture: judgment borne, purity required, bondage remembered.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Roast with fire.**—Roasting is the simplest, the easiest, and the most primitive mode of cooking meat. It was also the only mode open to all the Hebrews, since the generality would not possess cauldrons large enough to receive an entire lamb. Further, the requirement put a difference between this and other victims, which were generally cut up and boiled (1Samuel 2:14-15).
**Unleavened bread ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.
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KJV Study Commentary
The prohibition against eating raw or boiled flesh, requiring fire-roasting, emphasizes that God's judgment (symbolized by fire) must fully consume the sacrifice. 'Purtenance' (KJV) refers to internal organs—nothing was discarded, signifying complete sacrifice. This points to Christ's total suffering under divine wrath, not partial or symbolic judgment.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **His head with his legs** . . . —The lamb was to be roasted whole: “not a bone of it was to be broken” (Exodus 12:46). Justin Martyr says that it was prepared for roasting by means of two wooden spits, one perpendicular and the other transverse, which extended it on a sort of cross, and made it aptly typify the Crucified One.
**The purtenance thereof.**—Heb., *its inside.* The entrails were t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-21. He that feared the word of the Lord ... regarded not, &c.--**Due premonition, it appears, had been publicly given of the impending tempest--the cattle seem to have been sent out to graze, which is from January to April, when alone pasturage can be obtained, and accordingly the cattle were in the fields. This storm occurring at that season, not only struck universal terror into the min...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.
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KJV Study Commentary
The requirement to consume all or burn the remainder 'until the morning' prevented the lamb from corrupting or being treated casually. Hebrew 'nothár' (נוֹתָר) means 'left over'—nothing could remain for later use. This urgency prefigures Christ's completed work—salvation cannot be partially accepted or saved for later. The morning burning ensured nothing sacred was profaned.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Ye shall let nothing of it remain.**—That there might be neither profanation nor superstitious use of what was left. (Comp. the requirement of the Church of England with respect to the Eucharistic elements.)
**That which remaineth**—*i.e.,* the bones and such particles of flesh as necessarily adhered to them. These were to be at once totally consumed by fire. Thus only could they be, as it ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-21. He that feared the word of the Lord ... regarded not, &c.--**Due premonition, it appears, had been publicly given of the impending tempest--the cattle seem to have been sent out to graze, which is from January to April, when alone pasturage can be obtained, and accordingly the cattle were in the fields. This storm occurring at that season, not only struck universal terror into the min...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The 'loins girded' posture indicates readiness for immediate travel, staff in hand as pilgrims, sandals protecting feet for the journey, eating 'in haste' (Hebrew 'chipazon,' חִפָּזוֹן—alarmed hurry). This is 'the LORD's passover' (pesach YHWH), not merely a commemorative meal but the decisive moment of redemption. The eating posture embodies both urgency and faith that deliverance is imminent.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Thus shall ye eat it.**—The injunctions which follow are not repeated in any later part of the Law, and were not generally regarded as binding at any Passover after the first. They all had reference to the impending departure of the Israelites, who were to eat the Passover prepared as for a journey. The long robe (*beged*)*,* usually allowed to flow loosely around the person, was to be gath...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. gods: or, princes
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God's personal involvement ('I will pass through') emphasizes direct divine action, not angelic intermediaries. 'All the firstborn' (kol-bekhor) indicates comprehensive judgment on Egypt's future—both human and animal. The phrase 'against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment' reveals the plagues as targeted strikes against Egypt's deities (Nile-god, frog-goddess, sun-god Ra). The declarat...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **For I will pass through.**—Rather, *go through,* since the word used is entirely unconnected with *pesahh.*
**Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment.**—The translation “gods” is far preferable to that of “princes,” given in the margin. The death of all the firstborn beasts would have been felt by the Egyptians as a heavy judgment upon their gods. Some of their sacred animals ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →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. to destroy: Heb. for a destruction
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KJV Study Commentary
The blood serves as an 'oth' (אוֹת)—a sign or token—but critically, it's a sign 'to you,' not primarily to God. While God sees it ('when I see the blood'), its function is to assure believers they are protected. The Hebrew 'pasachti' (פָּסַחְתִּי) means 'I will pass over, skip over, spare.' The 'plague to destroy' (negef l'mashchit) would not touch blood-marked homes. This establishes the substitu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **The blood shall be to you for a token.**—Rather, *the blood shall be for a token for you: i.e.,* it shall be a token to Me on your behalf. (See the comment on Exodus 12:7, and compare Exodus 12:23.)
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The command 'this day shall be unto you for a memorial' (zikaron, זִכָּרוֹן) establishes perpetual commemoration. The phrase 'feast to the LORD' indicates joyful celebration, not mournful remembrance. 'Throughout your generations' and 'by an ordinance for ever' (chukkat olam) emphasize permanence. Just as Passover annually recalled the exodus, the Lord's Supper recalls Christ's greater exodus (Luk...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Ye shall keep it a feast . . . by an ordinance for ever.**—The Passover is continued in the Eucharist (1Corinthians 5:7-8); and the Easter celebration, which the Church makes binding on all her members, exactly corresponds in time to the Paschal ceremony, and takes its place. In this way the Passover may be regarded as still continuing under Christianity, and as intended to continue, “even ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The seven-day 'Feast of Unleavened Bread' (chag hamatzot) immediately follows Passover, extending the celebration. 'Unleavened bread' (matzot) symbolizes purity and haste—no time for dough to rise, no leaven (corruption) allowed. Paul explicitly applies this: 'Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast...with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth' (1 Cor 5:7-8)...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Seven days.**—The division of time into periods of seven days each was unknown to the more ancient Egyptians, but is thought to have existed in Babylonia as early as B.C. 2000. That it was recognised in the family of Abraham appears from Genesis 29:27. According to some, God established the division by an express command to our first parents in Paradise that they should keep the seventh day...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you. man: Heb. soul
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The 'holy convocation' (miqra-qodesh, מִקְרָא־קֹדֶשׁ) means a sacred assembly where work ceases. Bracketing the feast with rest days (first and seventh) emphasizes that redemption leads to Sabbath rest. 'No manner of work' except food preparation teaches that while ceremony requires effort, salvation itself is received through rest, not works. This prefigures Christ's finished work.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **In the first day there shall be an holy convocation.**—The Passover was to be kept on the fourteenth day of Abib, at even. The seven following days were to be “days of unleavened bread.” On the first of these, the fifteenth of Abib (Leviticus 23:6), there was to be a “holy convocation,” *i.e.,* a general gathering of the people to the door of the sanctuary for sacrifice, worship, and perhap...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27-35. Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned--**This awful display of divine displeasure did seriously impress the mind of Pharaoh, and, under the weight of his convictions, he humbles himself to confess he has done wrong in opposing the divine will. At the same time he calls for Moses to intercede for cessation of the calamity. Moses accedes to his earn...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The emphasis 'this selfsame day have I brought your armies out' stresses divine timing and the fulfillment of God's word. 'Armies' (tziv'otaykem, צִבְאֹתֵיכֶם) presents Israel as organized regiments, not a disorganized mob. The perpetual observance 'by an ordinance for ever' ensures each generation personally identifies with the exodus through annual participation.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **In this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt.**—On the application of the word “*a*rmies” to the people of Israel, see above (Exodus 6:26). The expression “have I brought” indicates either that these directions were not given until after the Exodus, or at any rate that they were not reduced to writing until then.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27-35. Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned--**This awful display of divine displeasure did seriously impress the mind of Pharaoh, and, under the weight of his convictions, he humbles himself to confess he has done wrong in opposing the divine will. At the same time he calls for Moses to intercede for cessation of the calamity. Moses accedes to his earn...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The specification 'fourteenth day...at even' until 'one and twentieth day...at even' defines precisely seven complete days. The phrase 'in the first month' (Abib/Nisan) permanently anchors this observance to the redemption anniversary. The meticulous timing reveals God's concern for exact obedience in worship, not casual approximation.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **In the first month.**—The Hebrew omits “month” by a not unusual ellipse. (Comp. Ezekiel 1:1.)
**At even.**—The evening intended is not that with which the fourteenth day began, but that with which it closed, the end of the fourteenth and beginning of the fifteenth day. (See Leviticus 23:5-6.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27-35. Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned--**This awful display of divine displeasure did seriously impress the mind of Pharaoh, and, under the weight of his convictions, he humbles himself to confess he has done wrong in opposing the divine will. At the same time he calls for Moses to intercede for cessation of the calamity. Moses accedes to his earn...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The severity of the leaven prohibition—'that soul shall be cut off' (Hebrew 'karat,' כָּרַת—covenantal cutting off, excommunication or death)—shows the seriousness of mixing corruption with redemption. This applies to 'stranger' (ger, גֵּר—foreigner dwelling with Israel) and 'born in the land' equally, showing that covenant membership, not ethnicity, determines standing before God.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **A stranger**—i.e., a foreigner in blood, who has been adopted into the nation, received circumcision, and become a full proselyte. It is not improbable that many of the “six hundred thousand” reckoned to “Israel” (Exodus 12:37) were of this class—persons who had joined themselves to the nation during the sojourn in Egypt, or even earlier. (See Note on Genesis 17:13.) When the “exclusiveness...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27-35. Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned--**This awful display of divine displeasure did seriously impress the mind of Pharaoh, and, under the weight of his convictions, he humbles himself to confess he has done wrong in opposing the divine will. At the same time he calls for Moses to intercede for cessation of the calamity. Moses accedes to his earn...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.
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KJV Study Commentary
The absolute prohibition 'no leavened bread' tolerates no exceptions—not for convenience, not for circumstances. The inclusive phrase 'in all your habitations' extends the requirement beyond the tabernacle to every home, teaching that holiness pervades all of life, not just religious spaces. Unleavened bread in every dwelling made the entire community a visible testimony to purity.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27-35. Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned--**This awful display of divine displeasure did seriously impress the mind of Pharaoh, and, under the weight of his convictions, he humbles himself to confess he has done wrong in opposing the divine will. At the same time he calls for Moses to intercede for cessation of the calamity. Moses accedes to his earn...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The beginning of the year changed, The passover instituted.(1-20)
The people instructed how to observe the passover.(21-28)
The death of the first-born of the Egyptians, The Israelites urged to leave the land of Egypt.
(29-36)
The Israelites' first journey to Succoth.(37-42)
Ordinance respecting the passover.(43-51)
**Verses 1-20**
The L...
Read full commentary →Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. lamb: or, kid
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KJV Study Commentary
Moses' calling 'all the elders of Israel' establishes a leadership chain for transmitting God's commands. The instruction to 'draw out' (mashach) and 'take' a lamb emphasizes both separation from the flock and personal appropriation. Each household taking a specific lamb for their specific household pictures individual appropriation of Christ—general belief must become personal faith.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
THE FIRST PASSOVER KEPT.
(21) **Moses called for all the elders.**—He had been directed to “speak unto all the congregation” (Exodus 12:3), but understood the direction as allowing him to do so *mediately,* through the elders.
**Draw out.**—Some understand this intransitively—“Withdraw, and take,” *i.e., go,* and take; others transitively—“Withdraw a lamb from the flock.”
**According to your famil...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27-35. Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned--**This awful display of divine displeasure did seriously impress the mind of Pharaoh, and, under the weight of his convictions, he humbles himself to confess he has done wrong in opposing the divine will. At the same time he calls for Moses to intercede for cessation of the calamity. Moses accedes to his earn...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-28**
That night, when the first-born were to be destroyed, no Israelite must stir out of doors till called to march out of Egypt. Their safety was owing to the blood of sprinkling. If they put themselves from under the protection of that, it was at their peril. They must stay within, to wait for the salvation of the Lord; it is good to do so. In after-times they should carefully te...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
The 'hyssop' (ezov, אֵזוֹב) was a common plant with absorbent properties, perfect for sprinkling blood. Its use in cleansing ceremonies (Leviticus 14:4, Numbers 19:6, Psalm 51:7) made it associated with purification. The 'basin' (saf, סַף) held the lamb's blood. The three-fold application (two side posts, upper lintel) and the prohibition to leave the house 'until morning' created a blood-sealed r...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **A bunch of hyssop.**—The “hyssop” (*êzob*) of the Old Testament is probably the caper plant, called now *asaf,* or *asuf,* by the Arabs, which grows plentifully in the Sinaitic region (Stanley: *Sinai and Palestine,* p. 21), and is well adapted for the purpose here spoken of. It was regarded as having purifying properties (Leviticus 14:4; Leviticus 14:49-52; Numbers 19:6; Psalm 51:7), and w...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27-35. Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned--**This awful display of divine displeasure did seriously impress the mind of Pharaoh, and, under the weight of his convictions, he humbles himself to confess he has done wrong in opposing the divine will. At the same time he calls for Moses to intercede for cessation of the calamity. Moses accedes to his earn...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-28**
That night, when the first-born were to be destroyed, no Israelite must stir out of doors till called to march out of Egypt. Their safety was owing to the blood of sprinkling. If they put themselves from under the protection of that, it was at their peril. They must stay within, to wait for the salvation of the Lord; it is good to do so. In after-times they should carefully te...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
The 'LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians' uses the same verb ('avar, עָבַר—to pass through/over) with different outcomes. Seeing the blood, 'the LORD will pass over' (pasach) means to skip or spare. The 'destroyer' (hamashchit, הַמַּשְׁחִית) is God's agent of judgment, possibly an angel of death. The blood's protective power demonstrates substitutionary atonement—judgment satisfied, wrat...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **The destroyer.**—The “plague” of Exodus 12:13 is here called “the destroyer” (τὸν ὀλεθρεύοντα, LXX.), as again in Hebrews 12:28. Jehovah seems to have employed an angel, or “angels” (Ps. 79:48) as His agents to effect the actual slaying of the firstborn. (Comp. 2Samuel 24:16; 1Chronicles 21:15; 2Kings 19:35.) There is no struggle or opposition (as Bishop Lowth and Redslob think) between Jeh...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27-35. Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned--**This awful display of divine displeasure did seriously impress the mind of Pharaoh, and, under the weight of his convictions, he humbles himself to confess he has done wrong in opposing the divine will. At the same time he calls for Moses to intercede for cessation of the calamity. Moses accedes to his earn...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-28**
That night, when the first-born were to be destroyed, no Israelite must stir out of doors till called to march out of Egypt. Their safety was owing to the blood of sprinkling. If they put themselves from under the protection of that, it was at their peril. They must stay within, to wait for the salvation of the Lord; it is good to do so. In after-times they should carefully te...
Read full commentary →And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.
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KJV Study Commentary
The command 'observe this thing for an ordinance' (chok, חֹק—statute) establishes binding permanence for 'thee and thy sons for ever.' The phrase 'for ever' (ad-olam, עַד־עֹלָם) indicates perpetual observance across generations. This multi-generational focus ensures the redemption story is never forgotten, with each generation required to personally appropriate and transmit the truth.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **This thing.**—Not the sprinkling of the blood, which was never repeated after the first occasion, but the sacrifice of the lamb, commanded in Exodus 12:21.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27-35. Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned--**This awful display of divine displeasure did seriously impress the mind of Pharaoh, and, under the weight of his convictions, he humbles himself to confess he has done wrong in opposing the divine will. At the same time he calls for Moses to intercede for cessation of the calamity. Moses accedes to his earn...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-28**
That night, when the first-born were to be destroyed, no Israelite must stir out of doors till called to march out of Egypt. Their safety was owing to the blood of sprinkling. If they put themselves from under the protection of that, it was at their peril. They must stay within, to wait for the salvation of the Lord; it is good to do so. In after-times they should carefully te...
Read full commentary →And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service.
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KJV Study Commentary
The forward-looking phrase 'when ye be come to the land' expresses confidence that God's promise will be fulfilled—the exodus has not yet occurred, but entry into Canaan is certain. Continued observance in the land connects present generations to the formative exodus event. The phrase 'this service' (avodah, עֲבֹדָה) can mean both worship and work, indicating that remembering redemption is laborio...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-28**
That night, when the first-born were to be destroyed, no Israelite must stir out of doors till called to march out of Egypt. Their safety was owing to the blood of sprinkling. If they put themselves from under the protection of that, it was at their peril. They must stay within, to wait for the salvation of the Lord; it is good to do so. In after-times they should carefully te...
Read full commentary →And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?
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KJV Study Commentary
The anticipated question 'What mean ye by this service?' recognizes that rituals provoke curiosity, especially from children. The question creates a teaching moment where liturgy becomes catechesis. God designs ceremonies to be pedagogical—actions that demand explanation, ensuring the story is told. This principle underlies all Christian sacraments, which are enacted proclamations inviting inquiry...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 10 Ex 10:1-20. Plague of Locusts.
**1. show these my signs, &c.--**Sinners even of the worst description are to be admonished even though there may be little hope of amendment, and hence those striking miracles that carried so clear and conclusive demonstration of the being and character of the true God were performed in lengthened series before Pharaoh to leave him without excuse whe...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-28**
That night, when the first-born were to be destroyed, no Israelite must stir out of doors till called to march out of Egypt. Their safety was owing to the blood of sprinkling. If they put themselves from under the protection of that, it was at their peril. They must stay within, to wait for the salvation of the Lord; it is good to do so. In after-times they should carefully te...
Read full commentary →That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.
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KJV Study Commentary
The prescribed answer, 'It is the sacrifice of the LORD's passover,' identifies the core meaning. The rehearsal of history—'passed over...when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses'—makes past events present reality. The people's response, 'bowed the head and worshipped,' demonstrates that understanding God's redemption leads to humble adoration. Faith recognizes God's distinguishing gr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s passover.**—Heb., *This is a passover-sacrifice to Jehovah.* The emphatic word is “Passover;” and it was the meaning of this term which was especially to be explained. The explanation would involve an historical account of the circumstances of the institution, such as would be apt to call forth feelings of gratitude and devotion.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. And that thou mayest tell ... of thy son, and of thy son's son, &c.--**There was a further and higher reason for the infliction of those awful judgments, namely, that the knowledge of them there, and the permanent record of them still, might furnish a salutary and impressive lesson to the Church down to the latest ages. Worldly historians might have described them as extraordinary occurre...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-28**
That night, when the first-born were to be destroyed, no Israelite must stir out of doors till called to march out of Egypt. Their safety was owing to the blood of sprinkling. If they put themselves from under the protection of that, it was at their peril. They must stay within, to wait for the salvation of the Lord; it is good to do so. In after-times they should carefully te...
Read full commentary →And the children of Israel went away, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.
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KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'the children of Israel went away, and did as the LORD had commanded' demonstrates immediate, comprehensive obedience. Despite still being enslaved, without seeing judgment or deliverance yet, they obeyed by faith. This obedience would soon be vindicated. The perfect correspondence between divine command (through Moses and Aaron) and human response models the obedience of faith.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-28**
That night, when the first-born were to be destroyed, no Israelite must stir out of doors till called to march out of Egypt. Their safety was owing to the blood of sprinkling. If they put themselves from under the protection of that, it was at their peril. They must stay within, to wait for the salvation of the Lord; it is good to do so. In after-times they should carefully te...
Read full commentary →The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn
And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon ; and all the firstborn of cattle. dungeon: Heb. house of the pit
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KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'at midnight' emphasizes the precise timing of God's judgment—not gradual or uncertain, but sudden and exact. 'The LORD smote all the firstborn' fulfills the warned judgment (Exodus 4:23, 11:5). The comprehensive scope—'from the firstborn of Pharaoh...unto the firstborn of the captive...and all the firstborn of cattle'—demonstrates no Egyptian escaped, regardless of rank. Divine judgmen...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
THE TENTH PLAGUE.
(29, 30) The nature of the tenth plague is indubitable, but as to the exact agency which was employed there may be different views. In every family in which the firstborn child had been a male, that child was stricken with death. Pharaoh’s firstborn son—the *erpa suten sa*—the heir to his throne, was taken; and so in all other families. Nobles, priests, tradesmen, artisans, peasa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. to-morrow will I bring the locusts--**Moses was commissioned to renew the request, so often made and denied, with an assurance that an unfavorable answer would be followed on the morrow by an invasion of locusts. This species of insect resembles a large, spotted, red and black, double-winged grasshopper, about three inches or less in length, with the two hind legs working like hinged springs ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 29-36**
The Egyptians had been for three days and nights kept in anxiety and horror by the darkness; now their rest is broken by a far more terrible calamity. The plague struck their first-born, the joy and hope of their families. They had slain the Hebrews' children, now God slew theirs. It reached from the throne to the dungeon: prince and peasant stand upon the same level before Go...
Read full commentary →And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.
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KJV Study Commentary
Pharaoh's rising 'in the night' shows the immediacy and universality of disaster—he could not wait for morning. 'All his servants, and all the Egyptians' includes everyone; 'there was not a house where there was not one dead' indicates comprehensive judgment touched every dwelling. The 'great cry in Egypt' contrasts sharply with Israel's silent protection. This vindicates God's word and breaks Egy...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **A** **great cry.**—See the comment on Exodus 11:6. The combination of public calamity, private grief, and shocked religious fanaticism might well produce a cry “such as there was none like it, neither shall be like it any more” (Exodus 11:6).
**Not a house where there was not one dead.** This cannot have been literally true. In half the families a daughter would have “opened the womb;” in o...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 29-36**
The Egyptians had been for three days and nights kept in anxiety and horror by the darkness; now their rest is broken by a far more terrible calamity. The plague struck their first-born, the joy and hope of their families. They had slain the Hebrews' children, now God slew theirs. It reached from the throne to the dungeon: prince and peasant stand upon the same level before Go...
Read full commentary →And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said.
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KJV Study Commentary
Pharaoh's night summons to Moses and Aaron shows desperation—the proud ruler who repeatedly refused now capitulates. His words 'Rise up, and get you forth from among my people' grant exactly what Moses repeatedly requested. Including 'both ye and the children of Israel' acknowledges the whole nation. The permission to 'serve the LORD' and take their flocks represents complete surrender of Egypt's ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
THE DISMISSAL OF THE ISRAELITES.
(31) **He called for Moses and Aaron.**—This does not mean that Pharaoh summoned them to his presence, but only that he sent a message to them. (See above, Exodus 11:8.) The messengers were undoubtedly chief officials; they “bowed themselves down” before Moses, who was now recognised as “very great” (Exodus 11:3), and delivered their master’s message, which granted...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 29-36**
The Egyptians had been for three days and nights kept in anxiety and horror by the darkness; now their rest is broken by a far more terrible calamity. The plague struck their first-born, the joy and hope of their families. They had slain the Hebrews' children, now God slew theirs. It reached from the throne to the dungeon: prince and peasant stand upon the same level before Go...
Read full commentary →Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.
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KJV Study Commentary
Pharaoh's request 'bless me also' is remarkable—the man who claimed divine status now seeks blessing from the Hebrew God through His servants. This demonstrates brokenness and recognition of YHWH's supremacy. Yet it comes too late to save his heir or nation. The tragedy is that humility under grace could have prevented judgment, but humility under judgment cannot reverse consequences.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32) **And bless me also.**—Here Pharaoh’s humiliation reaches its extreme point. He is reduced by the terrible calamity of the last plague not only to grant all the demands made of him freely, and without restriction, but to crave the favour of a blessing from those whom he had despised, rebuked (Exodus 5:4), thwarted, and finally driven from his presence under the threat of death (Exodus 10:28)....
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-11. Pharaoh's servants said--**Many of his courtiers must have suffered serious losses from the late visitations, and the prospect of such a calamity as that which was threatened and the magnitude of which former experience enabled them to realize, led them to make a strong remonstrance with the king. Finding himself not seconded by his counsellors in his continued resistance, he recalled Mose...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 29-36**
The Egyptians had been for three days and nights kept in anxiety and horror by the darkness; now their rest is broken by a far more terrible calamity. The plague struck their first-born, the joy and hope of their families. They had slain the Hebrews' children, now God slew theirs. It reached from the throne to the dungeon: prince and peasant stand upon the same level before Go...
Read full commentary →And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.
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KJV Study Commentary
The Egyptians' urgency—'were urgent upon the people'—reveals panic-driven haste. Their motivation, 'We be all dead men,' shows they recognized the pattern could continue until Egypt was completely destroyed. This fulfills God's promise that Egyptians would 'thrust' Israel out (Exodus 11:1). Those who once enslaved Israel now beg them to leave, demonstrating God's complete reversal of circumstances...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(33) **The Egyptians were urgent.**—Not only Pharaoh, but the Egyptian nation generally was anxious for the immediate departure of the Israelites, and expedited it in every way. This must greatly have facilitated their all setting forth at once. It also accounts for the readiness of the Egyptians to part with their “jewels” and “raiment” (Exodus 12:35).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-11. Pharaoh's servants said--**Many of his courtiers must have suffered serious losses from the late visitations, and the prospect of such a calamity as that which was threatened and the magnitude of which former experience enabled them to realize, led them to make a strong remonstrance with the king. Finding himself not seconded by his counsellors in his continued resistance, he recalled Mose...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 29-36**
The Egyptians had been for three days and nights kept in anxiety and horror by the darkness; now their rest is broken by a far more terrible calamity. The plague struck their first-born, the joy and hope of their families. They had slain the Hebrews' children, now God slew theirs. It reached from the throne to the dungeon: prince and peasant stand upon the same level before Go...
Read full commentary →And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders. kneadingtroughs: or, dough
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KJV Study Commentary
Taking 'dough before it was leavened' demonstrates the haste of departure—no time for normal preparation. The phrase 'their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders' pictures a people ready for immediate travel, carrying raw supplies. This unplanned departure without provisions required faith in God's sustenance and led to the later miracle of manna.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(34) **Kneadingtroughs.**—Light, portable wooden bowls, such as are now used by the Arabs.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-11. Pharaoh's servants said--**Many of his courtiers must have suffered serious losses from the late visitations, and the prospect of such a calamity as that which was threatened and the magnitude of which former experience enabled them to realize, led them to make a strong remonstrance with the king. Finding himself not seconded by his counsellors in his continued resistance, he recalled Mose...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 29-36**
The Egyptians had been for three days and nights kept in anxiety and horror by the darkness; now their rest is broken by a far more terrible calamity. The plague struck their first-born, the joy and hope of their families. They had slain the Hebrews' children, now God slew theirs. It reached from the throne to the dungeon: prince and peasant stand upon the same level before Go...
Read full commentary →And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:
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KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'did according to the word of Moses' shows obedience to Moses' earlier instruction (Exodus 3:21-22, 11:2-3). Asking 'jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment' represents receiving compensation for centuries of unpaid labor. This is not theft but just wages, fulfilling God's promise that they would not leave empty-handed (Exodus 3:21).
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(35) **They borrowed.**—See the comment on Exodus 3:22.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-11. Pharaoh's servants said--**Many of his courtiers must have suffered serious losses from the late visitations, and the prospect of such a calamity as that which was threatened and the magnitude of which former experience enabled them to realize, led them to make a strong remonstrance with the king. Finding himself not seconded by his counsellors in his continued resistance, he recalled Mose...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 29-36**
The Egyptians had been for three days and nights kept in anxiety and horror by the darkness; now their rest is broken by a far more terrible calamity. The plague struck their first-born, the joy and hope of their families. They had slain the Hebrews' children, now God slew theirs. It reached from the throne to the dungeon: prince and peasant stand upon the same level before Go...
Read full commentary →And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.
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KJV Study Commentary
The LORD giving Israel 'favour in the sight of the Egyptians' fulfills His promise (Exodus 3:21, 11:3). The verb 'lent' (sha'al, שָׁאַל) means 'gave' or 'granted'—Egyptians gave freely, knowing Israel would not return. The phrase 'they spoiled the Egyptians' (vayinatzlu, וַיְנַצְּלוּ—plundered/stripped) uses covenant-lawsuit language: Israel received legal compensation for injustice. Egypt's wealt...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(36) **They lent.**—Rather, “they, *gave.*” It is that the Egyptians neither expected nor wished the Israelites to return.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-11. Pharaoh's servants said--**Many of his courtiers must have suffered serious losses from the late visitations, and the prospect of such a calamity as that which was threatened and the magnitude of which former experience enabled them to realize, led them to make a strong remonstrance with the king. Finding himself not seconded by his counsellors in his continued resistance, he recalled Mose...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 29-36**
The Egyptians had been for three days and nights kept in anxiety and horror by the darkness; now their rest is broken by a far more terrible calamity. The plague struck their first-born, the joy and hope of their families. They had slain the Hebrews' children, now God slew theirs. It reached from the throne to the dungeon: prince and peasant stand upon the same level before Go...
Read full commentary →The Exodus Begins
And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.
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KJV Study Commentary
The journey from Rameses to Succoth begins the exodus. 'Six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children' indicates approximately 2-3 million total people—a nation in motion. The specification 'men' (gever, גֶּבֶר—warriors, able-bodied men) shows Israel could field a substantial army. This fulfills God's promise that Abraham's descendants would be numerous (Genesis 15:5).
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
THE DEPARTURE OF ISRAEL, THEIR NUMBERS, AND THE TIME OF THE EGYPTIAN SOJOURN.
(37-41) The two principal statements of this passage are—(1) that the sojourn of the Israelites in Egypt lasted four hundred and thirty years; and (2) that at the time of the departure the number of the “men” (*gëbârim*) was six hundred thousand. This latter statement is evidently a rough one, but it is confirmed, and ev...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 37-42**
The children of Israel set forward without delay. A mixed multitude went with them. Some, perhaps, willing to leave their country, laid waste by plagues; others, out of curiosity; perhaps a few out of love to them and their religion. But there were always those among the Israelites who were not Israelites. Thus there are still hypocrites in the church. This great event was 430...
Read full commentary →And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle. a mixed: Heb. a great mixture
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KJV Study Commentary
The 'mixed multitude' (erev rav, עֵרֶב רַב) were non-Israelites—Egyptians and others who joined the exodus after witnessing God's power. Their inclusion shows redemption extends beyond ethnic Israel to all who believe. The 'flocks, and herds, even very much cattle' represent wealth and provision for the journey. This mixed assembly prefigures the church—Jews and Gentiles united in faith.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(38) **A mixed multitude went up also with them.**—Nothing is told us of the component elements of this “mixed multitude.” We hear of them as “murmuring” in Numbers 11:4, so that they seem to have remained with Israel. Some may have been Egyptians, impressed by the recent miracles; some foreigners held to servitude, like the Israelites, and glad to escape from their masters. It is noticeable that ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-19. the Lord brought an east wind--**The rod of Moses was again raised, and the locusts came. They are natives of the desert and are only brought by an east wind into Egypt, where they sometimes come in sun-obscuring clouds, destroying in a few days every green blade in the track they traverse. Man, with all his contrivances, can do nothing to protect himself from the overwhelming invasion. E...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 37-42**
The children of Israel set forward without delay. A mixed multitude went with them. Some, perhaps, willing to leave their country, laid waste by plagues; others, out of curiosity; perhaps a few out of love to them and their religion. But there were always those among the Israelites who were not Israelites. Thus there are still hypocrites in the church. This great event was 430...
Read full commentary →And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.
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KJV Study Commentary
Baking 'unleavened cakes of the dough' explains the permanent memorial feast's origin. The phrase 'they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry' emphasizes the urgency that prevented normal bread preparation. The statement 'neither had they prepared for themselves any victual' shows complete dependence on God. This lack of provision made the wilderness journey a sustained trust-exercise.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(39) **Unleavened cakes.**—Such are commonly eaten by the Arabs, who make them by mixing flour with water, and attaching round pieces of the dough to the insides of their ovens after they have heated them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-19. the Lord brought an east wind--**The rod of Moses was again raised, and the locusts came. They are natives of the desert and are only brought by an east wind into Egypt, where they sometimes come in sun-obscuring clouds, destroying in a few days every green blade in the track they traverse. Man, with all his contrivances, can do nothing to protect himself from the overwhelming invasion. E...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 37-42**
The children of Israel set forward without delay. A mixed multitude went with them. Some, perhaps, willing to leave their country, laid waste by plagues; others, out of curiosity; perhaps a few out of love to them and their religion. But there were always those among the Israelites who were not Israelites. Thus there are still hypocrites in the church. This great event was 430...
Read full commentary →Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.
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KJV Study Commentary
The precise timeframe '430 years' fulfills God's prophecy to Abraham (Genesis 15:13 says '400 years,' which is rounded). The phrase 'the selfsame day' emphasizes God's perfect timing—not 429 or 431 years, but exactly as predicted. This exact fulfillment establishes God's reliability in all prophetic promises. Human calendars may vary, but divine timing is perfect.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(40) **The sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt.**—Heb., *which they sojourned in Egypt*
**Was four hundred and thirty years.**—Comp. the prophecy:—“Thy seed shall be a stranger in *a land* that is not theirs [Egypt, not Canaan], and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them *four hundred years* and also *that nation* whom they shall serve will I judge” (Genesis 15:13-14). ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-19. the Lord brought an east wind--**The rod of Moses was again raised, and the locusts came. They are natives of the desert and are only brought by an east wind into Egypt, where they sometimes come in sun-obscuring clouds, destroying in a few days every green blade in the track they traverse. Man, with all his contrivances, can do nothing to protect himself from the overwhelming invasion. E...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 37-42**
The children of Israel set forward without delay. A mixed multitude went with them. Some, perhaps, willing to leave their country, laid waste by plagues; others, out of curiosity; perhaps a few out of love to them and their religion. But there were always those among the Israelites who were not Israelites. Thus there are still hypocrites in the church. This great event was 430...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The repetition 'after 430 years...the selfsame day' (twice) emphasizes the significance of exact timing. The phrase 'all the hosts of the LORD went out' presents Israel as organized military divisions (tzva'ot YHWH, צִבְאוֹת יְהוָה). They exit not as refugees but as God's army on a divinely scheduled campaign. This military language anticipates Canaan's conquest.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(41) **The selfsame day . . . all the hosts . . . went out.**—*All started, i.e.,* on one and the same day—the fifteenth of the month Abib. Some would start during the night, some in the morning, others at different periods of the day. They had different distances to traverse in order to reach the appointed halt, Succoth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-19. the Lord brought an east wind--**The rod of Moses was again raised, and the locusts came. They are natives of the desert and are only brought by an east wind into Egypt, where they sometimes come in sun-obscuring clouds, destroying in a few days every green blade in the track they traverse. Man, with all his contrivances, can do nothing to protect himself from the overwhelming invasion. E...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 37-42**
The children of Israel set forward without delay. A mixed multitude went with them. Some, perhaps, willing to leave their country, laid waste by plagues; others, out of curiosity; perhaps a few out of love to them and their religion. But there were always those among the Israelites who were not Israelites. Thus there are still hypocrites in the church. This great event was 430...
Read full commentary →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. a night: Heb. a night of observations
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This night is 'much to be observed' (leil shimurim, לֵיל שִׁמֻּרִים—a night of watching). God 'watched' to bring them out; Israel must 'observe' by remembering. The reciprocal watching creates a memorial where both divine vigilance and human remembrance meet. The phrase 'throughout their generations' ensures perpetual commemoration. This night becomes Israel's defining moment, annually re-experien...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-19. the Lord brought an east wind--**The rod of Moses was again raised, and the locusts came. They are natives of the desert and are only brought by an east wind into Egypt, where they sometimes come in sun-obscuring clouds, destroying in a few days every green blade in the track they traverse. Man, with all his contrivances, can do nothing to protect himself from the overwhelming invasion. E...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 37-42**
The children of Israel set forward without delay. A mixed multitude went with them. Some, perhaps, willing to leave their country, laid waste by plagues; others, out of curiosity; perhaps a few out of love to them and their religion. But there were always those among the Israelites who were not Israelites. Thus there are still hypocrites in the church. This great event was 430...
Read full commentary →And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:
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KJV Study Commentary
The LORD's 'ordinance of the passover' (chukat hapesach, חֻקַּת הַפֶּסַח) begins defining participation boundaries. 'No stranger shall eat thereof'—the Hebrew 'ben nekar' (בֶּן־נֵכָר) means foreign son, one outside the covenant. This exclusivity protects the sacredness of covenant signs. While grace extends to all who believe, covenant privileges require covenant membership. This principle continu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
FURTHER DIRECTIONS RESPECTING THE PASSOVER.
(43-51) **This is the ordinance.**—These directions, together with those which follow with respect to the sanctification of the firstborn (Exodus 13:1-16), seem to have been given to Moses *at Succoth,* and were consequently recorded at this point of the narrative. They comprise three principal points:—(1) The exclusion of all uncircumcised persons from ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-19. the Lord brought an east wind--**The rod of Moses was again raised, and the locusts came. They are natives of the desert and are only brought by an east wind into Egypt, where they sometimes come in sun-obscuring clouds, destroying in a few days every green blade in the track they traverse. Man, with all his contrivances, can do nothing to protect himself from the overwhelming invasion. E...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 43-51**
In times to come, all the congregation of Israel must keep the passover. All that share in God's mercies should join in thankful praises for them. The New Testament passover, the Lord's supper, ought not to be neglected by any. Strangers, if circumcised, might eat of the passover. Here is an early indication of favour to the gentiles. This taught the Jews that their being a na...
Read full commentary →But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The provision that 'every man's servant that is bought for money' can eat Passover after circumcision shows grace extending through covenant signs. Circumcision marked entrance into covenant community regardless of ethnicity. The purchased servant's inclusion demonstrates that redemption-price paid and covenant-sign received grants equal standing. This prefigures redemption in Christ opening coven...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(44) **Every man’s servant.**—Slaves born in the house were required to be circumcised on the eighth day, like Israelites (Genesis 17:13). Bought slaves were allowed their choice. It is noticeable that the circumcised slave was to be admitted to full religious equality with his master.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-19. the Lord brought an east wind--**The rod of Moses was again raised, and the locusts came. They are natives of the desert and are only brought by an east wind into Egypt, where they sometimes come in sun-obscuring clouds, destroying in a few days every green blade in the track they traverse. Man, with all his contrivances, can do nothing to protect himself from the overwhelming invasion. E...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 43-51**
In times to come, all the congregation of Israel must keep the passover. All that share in God's mercies should join in thankful praises for them. The New Testament passover, the Lord's supper, ought not to be neglected by any. Strangers, if circumcised, might eat of the passover. Here is an early indication of favour to the gentiles. This taught the Jews that their being a na...
Read full commentary →A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The exclusion of 'foreigner' (toshav, תּוֹשָׁב—temporary resident) and 'hired servant' (sachir, שָׂכִיר—day laborer) distinguishes between committed covenant members and those temporarily present. These categories lacked permanent commitment to Israel and thus couldn't participate in covenant meals. The principle: covenant privileges require covenant membership. Casual association doesn't grant sa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(45) **An hired servant.**—It is assumed that the hired servant will be a foreigner; otherwise, of course, he would participate.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 43-51**
In times to come, all the congregation of Israel must keep the passover. All that share in God's mercies should join in thankful praises for them. The New Testament passover, the Lord's supper, ought not to be neglected by any. Strangers, if circumcised, might eat of the passover. Here is an early indication of favour to the gentiles. This taught the Jews that their being a na...
Read full commentary →In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The requirement that the lamb be eaten 'in one house' prevents dividing the feast among multiple locations, maintaining family unit cohesion. 'Neither shall thou carry forth ought of the flesh abroad' keeps the sacred meal contained. The prohibition 'nor break a bone' appears minor but gains profound significance in Christ's crucifixion (John 19:36)—His bones remained unbroken, fulfilling Passover...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(46) **Neither shall ye break a bone thereof.**—In the case of all other victims, the limbs were to be separated from the body. Here the victim was to be roasted whole, and to remain whole, as a symbol of unity, and a type of Him through whom men are brought into unity with each other and with God. (See John 19:33-36.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ex 10:21-29. Plague of Darkness.
**21-23. Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness--**Whatever secondary means were employed in producing it, whether thick clammy fogs and vapors, according to some; a sandstorm, or the chamsin, according to others; it was such that it could be almost perceived by the organs of touch, and so protracted as to continue for three days, which t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 43-51**
In times to come, all the congregation of Israel must keep the passover. All that share in God's mercies should join in thankful praises for them. The New Testament passover, the Lord's supper, ought not to be neglected by any. Strangers, if circumcised, might eat of the passover. Here is an early indication of favour to the gentiles. This taught the Jews that their being a na...
Read full commentary →All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. keep: Heb. do it
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'all the congregation of Israel shall keep it' requires universal participation—not optional for some. The Hebrew 'kol adat yisrael' (כָּל־עֲדַת יִשְׂרָאֵל) emphasizes corporate responsibility. Every member of the covenant community must personally participate in commemoration. This prevents relegating remembrance to clergy or special classes. Passover democratizes worship—all equally r...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ex 10:21-29. Plague of Darkness.
**21-23. Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness--**Whatever secondary means were employed in producing it, whether thick clammy fogs and vapors, according to some; a sandstorm, or the chamsin, according to others; it was such that it could be almost perceived by the organs of touch, and so protracted as to continue for three days, which t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 43-51**
In times to come, all the congregation of Israel must keep the passover. All that share in God's mercies should join in thankful praises for them. The New Testament passover, the Lord's supper, ought not to be neglected by any. Strangers, if circumcised, might eat of the passover. Here is an early indication of favour to the gentiles. This taught the Jews that their being a na...
Read full commentary →And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The provision for 'strangers' (ger, גֵּר—resident alien) to join through circumcision demonstrates gracious inclusion. Circumcision served as the covenant entrance sign—faith made visible through obedience. After circumcision, the former stranger becomes 'as one that is born in the land,' enjoying equal status. This gracious inclusion prefigures gospel truth: faith in Christ, marked by baptism, ma...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ex 10:21-29. Plague of Darkness.
**21-23. Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness--**Whatever secondary means were employed in producing it, whether thick clammy fogs and vapors, according to some; a sandstorm, or the chamsin, according to others; it was such that it could be almost perceived by the organs of touch, and so protracted as to continue for three days, which t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 43-51**
In times to come, all the congregation of Israel must keep the passover. All that share in God's mercies should join in thankful praises for them. The New Testament passover, the Lord's supper, ought not to be neglected by any. Strangers, if circumcised, might eat of the passover. Here is an early indication of favour to the gentiles. This taught the Jews that their being a na...
Read full commentary →One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The declaration 'One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger' establishes equality before God's law. Hebrew 'torah achat' (תּוֹרָה אַחַת—one law) means no double standards—native and convert face identical requirements and receive identical privileges. This principle demolishes ethnic superiority and establishes grace-based covenant membership. Paul later develops this: in Chri...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-26. Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the Lord--**Terrified by the preternatural darkness, the stubborn king relents, and proposes another compromise--the flocks and herds to be left as hostages for their return. But the crisis is approaching, and Moses insists on every iota of his demand. The cattle would be needed for sacrifice--how many or how few could not be known till th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 43-51**
In times to come, all the congregation of Israel must keep the passover. All that share in God's mercies should join in thankful praises for them. The New Testament passover, the Lord's supper, ought not to be neglected by any. Strangers, if circumcised, might eat of the passover. Here is an early indication of favour to the gentiles. This taught the Jews that their being a na...
Read full commentary →Thus did all the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The summary statement 'all the children of Israel did as the LORD commanded' emphasizes comprehensive obedience. Moses and Aaron faithfully transmitted God's word; Israel faithfully obeyed. This unified response—from leadership through the entire nation—demonstrates the people's faith. The obedience preceded deliverance, showing that faith acts on God's word before seeing results.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-26. Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the Lord--**Terrified by the preternatural darkness, the stubborn king relents, and proposes another compromise--the flocks and herds to be left as hostages for their return. But the crisis is approaching, and Moses insists on every iota of his demand. The cattle would be needed for sacrifice--how many or how few could not be known till th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 43-51**
In times to come, all the congregation of Israel must keep the passover. All that share in God's mercies should join in thankful praises for them. The New Testament passover, the Lord's supper, ought not to be neglected by any. Strangers, if circumcised, might eat of the passover. Here is an early indication of favour to the gentiles. This taught the Jews that their being a na...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The culminating statement 'the selfsame day did the LORD bring the children of Israel out of Egypt by their armies' reiterates precise timing and military organization. The phrase 'by their armies' (al-tziv'otam, עַל־צִבְאֹתָם) presents exodus not as escape but as organized deployment of God's forces. This victorious departure fulfills promises, vindicates faith, and establishes Israel as a nation...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(51) This last verse of the chapter would more appropriately commence Exodus 13, with which it is to be united. Translate—“And it came to pass, on the self same day that the Lord brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies, that the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,” &c.
**By their armies.**—See Note 2 on Exodus 13:18.
**Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
Text Cour...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24-26. Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the Lord--**Terrified by the preternatural darkness, the stubborn king relents, and proposes another compromise--the flocks and herds to be left as hostages for their return. But the crisis is approaching, and Moses insists on every iota of his demand. The cattle would be needed for sacrifice--how many or how few could not be known till th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 43-51**
In times to come, all the congregation of Israel must keep the passover. All that share in God's mercies should join in thankful praises for them. The New Testament passover, the Lord's supper, ought not to be neglected by any. Strangers, if circumcised, might eat of the passover. Here is an early indication of favour to the gentiles. This taught the Jews that their being a na...
Read full commentary →