Holy Week · Holy (Maundy) Thursday
Exodus 12:1-14
The Passover
April 2, 2026
Overview & Insights
“The blood shall be a sign for you… and when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” (Exodus 12:13)
Exodus 12 and 13 stand together as a single literary unit, describing the Passover ( pesakh ; lit., pass over). If we read this lengthy portion (12:1–13:16) in a simple linear fashion, it may seem oddly organized and redundant. The most we could say is that the length itself was part of what served to establish the exodus event and its perpetual observance in Israel’s memory and liturgical practice. It was indeed a primary formational event. We can understand the themes of this vital material even better, however, when we notice the internal structure and the relationships between the paragraphs. The text structurally braids together the three themes of protecting the precious firstborn, the Passover lamb, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread in 12:1–13:16. The chiastic structure below reveals this pattern.
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Commentary
Commentary on Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary ties the first Passover commandment to Jesus' new commandment.
Exodus 12:1-14 - Center for Excellence in Preaching Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary on Passover as remembrance and a thin place.
Exodus 12 Commentary: God Institutes Passover Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik walks the lamb, the blood, and the meal eaten in haste.
Exodus 12 Commentary Precept Austin
A study hub of Hebrew notes and commentators on the institution of Passover.
Exodus 12:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on this month shall be the beginning of months for you.
Background & Word Study
Exodus - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's overview sets the exodus story behind the Passover instructions.
Exodus 12 with commentaries Sefaria
The Hebrew text with Jewish commentary for the founding ordinance of Passover.
Exodus 12:1 Hebrew Interlinear BibleHub
The Hebrew interlinear shows the words for lamb, blood, and the Lord's Passover.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the Passover?
On the night of Israel's deliverance each household kills a lamb and marks the doorposts with its blood, and the Lord passes over them, a feast kept forever and fulfilled in Christ.
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