Definition: And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this short verse from Exodus 12:1: “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying…” Basically, it’s a foundational story about God’s intervention with the Israelites. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “The LORD spake”: This means God spoke to someone – specifically, to Moses and Aaron. It's a formal statement of communication from God. “unto Moses and Aaron”: This tells us who was involved in this conversation. It’s about two important figures within the group: Moses (the leader) and Aaron (a brother of Moses). “in the land of Egypt”: This is where the story begins – God is choosing to act in a specific place called Egypt. What's the bigger picture? This verse sets up a significant event in Jewish history: God decided that the Israelites, who were about to leave Egypt for their future homeland, needed protection from a powerful enemy (the Egyptians). God chose to intervene and help them survive. Key takeaway: It’s the beginning of a story about divine intervention, survival, and God's plan for the Israelites. --- Would you like me to: Explain any particular part of the verse in more detail? Give you a little context about what was happening in Egypt at that time?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 12:10. It's a really important and dramatic passage about God’s action after the Israelites left Egypt. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: The Problem: After fleeing slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were running out of food and water. They were starving and desperate. God's Intervention: God decided to spare them. He sent a plague – a devastating storm – to kill the Egyptian people. This was a big deal because it meant the Israelites wouldn’t be immediately destroyed. The Command: God instructed Moses (and later, the Israelites) to completely destroy all the remaining food and water in Egypt. It's like saying, "We don't want anything left behind!" What the Verse Means – A Literal Interpretation: “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” is a strong statement about complete destruction. Here’s how we can interpret it: "Nothing of it remain..." – This means everything – all the food, water, animals, even the dust – must be gone. It's not enough to just have a little bit left behind. "...until the morning..." – This is crucial. It’s not enough to just wait until the next day. God wants all of it gone by the time the sun rises. "...ye shall burn with fire." – This refers to a massive, intense fire that destroys everything completely. It symbolizes God's complete power and judgment. Symbolic Meaning (What it Represents): This verse isn’t just about physical destruction. It’s a powerful metaphor for: God’s Justice: He’s punishing the Egyptians for their cruelty to the Israelites. A New Beginning: The “morning” represents a fresh start, a new beginning after God’s intervention. The destruction is meant to cleanse the land and allow for a clean slate. In short, this verse describes a complete and absolute annihilation of everything left behind by the Egyptians. Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this passage in the Book of Exodus? Discuss its significance in Jewish tradition?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 12:11. It's a really important passage about how God wants to provide for his people after they’ve been enslaved by the Egyptians. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: What it’s saying: God is telling the Israelites (the people he had chosen) that they are going to have a special meal – Passover – and they need to prepare for it in a very specific way. It's a command from God, and it’s about showing his love and care for them. Let’s unpack each part: “And thus shall ye eat it;” - This means that the Israelites are going to have this Passover meal as a regular part of their life. It’s not just a one-time event. “[with] your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand.” – This is where it gets a little more symbolic. It's like preparing for a big battle or an important event. Loins girded: This means they need to be ready and strong - physically prepared. Shoes on your feet: This signifies being ready, equipped, and focused – having the right mindset. Staff in your hand: This is a symbol of guidance and leadership from God. It represents that God will protect them. “and ye shall eat it in haste: it [is] the LORD’S passover.” - This is the really important part! The verse says, “Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover.” “in haste” : This means they need to eat it quickly and without delay. It's a special moment of celebration and remembrance. “it is the LORD’S passover.” - This is a direct command from God. He is saying that this Passover meal is his special offering – a reminder of his love and protection for his people. In essence, it’s a promise of blessings and safety. It's a way for the Israelites to show their gratitude to God for freeing them and to celebrate his deliverance from slavery. It’s a moment of remembrance and joy, but also a moment of preparation for a significant event in their history. Why is this important? This verse is a cornerstone of Jewish tradition and has deep significance throughout the Bible. It's a story about God's love, liberation, and faithfulness to his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this passage to other stories or events in the Bible?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 12:12. It’s a really significant verse that sets the stage for a dramatic event in God’s plan to liberate his people from slavery. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is going to use Egypt as a temporary place for his people to be free. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night…” – This is God’s plan. He's deliberately choosing a specific location (Egypt) to take action. It’s not just any place; he’s going to go through it. “…and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast…” – “Firstborn” refers to the sons of Egyptian royalty and those who were considered the most important. “Smite” means to punish severely. This isn’t a casual act; it's a deliberate and forceful judgment. God is going to inflict pain and destruction on everyone in Egypt, specifically targeting the firstborn of their population – men and animals. “And against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment…” - God is rejecting the worship of the Egyptian gods. He’s declaring that he will not be influenced by them. “…I [am] the LORD.” – This is a powerful declaration of God's authority and power. It emphasizes that he is the one doing this, and that his judgment is absolute and unchallengeable. It's a statement of complete control. What’s the big takeaway? This verse speaks to a pivotal moment in Israel’s history. God is choosing Egypt as a temporary place for them to be free from slavery. He’s demonstrating his power, rejecting idolatry, and establishing His divine rule over this nation. It’s a powerful message of judgment and deliverance, but also one of God's sovereignty and plan. Think of it like this: Imagine someone deliberately setting fire to a city – that’s kind of what’s happening here. God is using Egypt as a target to show his power and deliver his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse was important in the Bible? Discuss the context of the story behind this verse? Or would you like me to explain another Bible passage?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 12:13. It’s a really important passage about God’s protection and deliverance. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is showing compassion to the Israelites (the people he had enslaved for 40 years) by saving them from Egypt. He’s giving them a promise of safety – he will protect them, even if they are vulnerable. Let's look at each part: “And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye [are]…” This means God is giving a mark – a symbol – of protection. It’s not a big sacrifice, but it’s a visible sign that he's watching over them. It’s like a badge or a mark of recognition. “…when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy [you], when I smite the land of Egypt.” This is the key part! “I will see the blood” : This means God will observe the blood. He'll watch it carefully. “…I will pass over you…” : This is a crucial phrase. It means he’s going to protect them from harm, even if they’re in danger. “…and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy [you]” : This part is reassuring. God promises not to inflict a devastating plague on them. He wants to preserve their lives and safety. In short: God is giving them a visible sign of his protection, and if he sees the blood they shed, he will spare them from suffering. Why is this important? This verse is part of a larger story about God’s plan to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It highlights His faithfulness and His willingness to protect his chosen people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage within the broader context of the Exodus story? Answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 12:14. It’s a really important passage about how God deals with people who have disobeyed Him. Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, God is saying: “After the Israelites wandered and rebelled, He decides to forgive them. He sets a special time for them to celebrate and show their gratitude – a big feast dedicated to Him.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And this day shall be unto you for a memorial..." This means that God is reminding the Israelites of what happened in the past, specifically when they disobeyed His commands. It’s like a reminder of their mistake. "...and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations." This is the key part! He's asking them to remember this event and to celebrate it for all time – forever. It means they need to always think about this important moment in history. "You shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever." This reinforces that this isn’t just a casual celebration. It’s a sacred, enduring tradition—a yearly remembrance of God's forgiveness and His presence. It means it’s meant to be held out into eternity. What does this mean in terms of our lives? This verse tells us that God is forgiving and willing to forgive us for our mistakes. It encourages us to: Remember our sins: It reminds us that we are not perfect and that we need to learn from our errors. Show gratitude: It's a reminder to appreciate God’s goodness and faithfulness. Live in a way that honors Him: By keeping this feast, we're showing that we will always remember and obey His commands. In short, it’s a promise of forgiveness and a call to remembrance – a celebration of God’s love and mercy. --- Do you want me to elaborate on any part of this verse or perhaps explain its significance in a different way? For example, would you like to know: What the "ordinance" refers to? How it relates to the Israelites' relationship with God?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 12:15. It’s a really important passage about cleanliness and avoiding contamination in the story of the Israelites leaving Egypt. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling God to make the Israelites eat unleavened bread for seven days after they leave Egypt. The purpose is to prevent them from getting sick or contaminated with yeast – a substance that can cause illness and even death. Let’s look at it piece by piece: “Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread…” : This means they must consume bread made without yeast. Yeast is what makes bread rise. “…even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses…” : “Leaven” refers to a small amount of yeast that was used in making bread. It's the thing that causes the dough to bubble and become light and airy. So, this verse means they must not have any yeast in their homes – no bread-making supplies allowed. “For whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.” : This is the scary part! If someone eats anything with yeast on it anytime during those seven days, they'll be considered "cut off" or separated from God’s people – meaning they will be cursed and not allowed to truly belong to them. What was happening before this verse? Before this verse, the Israelites were allowed to eat bread made with yeast. This was a bit of a problem because some people were sick, and it could have spread illness throughout the community. God’s decision to ban yeast was an act of protection for the entire nation. Why is this important? This verse shows how God cares deeply about his people and wants to keep them healthy and safe. It's a reminder that we should always be careful not to contaminate things with unhealthy substances. In short, it’s a rule set by God to protect the Israelites from illness and ensure they remain in his presence. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you a historical context for why this law was created? Or perhaps offer a related biblical story or concept?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 12:16. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage about the Israelites being released from slavery in Egypt. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God has set aside a special time for the Israelites – a time of rest and preparation – after they’ve been held captive in Egypt for 430 years. It's like a carefully planned pause before they begin their journey into freedom. Let's break it down word by word: “Exodus 12:16” : This is the title of the verse – it’s part of a larger story in the Book of Exodus. “And in the first day [there shall be] an holy convocation…” : This means “a special assembly or gathering.” The word "convocation" suggests a deliberate and important meeting. “…and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you;” : This is the key part – it’s saying that seven days after the first day, God will establish another gathering. “To you” refers to the Israelites themselves. “no manner of work shall be done in them, save [that] which every man must eat…” : This is the most important part. It means “nothing should be done in them except that what each person needs to eat – food and drink – is permitted.” It’s a strict rule for survival and sustenance. So, putting it all together: God wants to give the Israelites a period of time where they can relax, gather, and prepare for their journey out of Egypt. He sets aside this special day – seven days later – with a specific instruction: everyone must eat something. This is a symbolic representation of the Israelites needing to be fed and nourished as they begin their long journey to freedom. What does it mean in terms of faith? It’s often interpreted as a promise of God's protection and provision for the Israelites throughout their lives. It emphasizes that God cares about them and will provide for their needs, even when they are facing difficult times. It also speaks to the importance of obedience – following God’s instructions and being ready for what comes next. Important Note: This is a complex passage with layers of meaning, and there's been a lot of discussion and interpretation over the centuries. It’s more than just a simple instruction about food! --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within the larger story of Exodus? Explore related concepts (like the covenant between God and Israel)?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 12:17. It's a really important and significant passage in the Bible that tells us about a huge event! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “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.” Let's unpack each part: "And ye shall observe [the feast of] unleavened bread..." – This means that during a specific period, people were allowed to eat bread made without yeast. Think of it like a special, ancient bread tradition. It was a way to celebrate the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. "...for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt..." – This is the key part. The Bible says God sent his mighty armies out of Egypt on this very day. It's a dramatic and powerful statement about God’s power to liberate people. "Therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever." - This tells us that this specific feast (the unleavened bread) would be observed repeatedly throughout history – for all of humankind. It's a promise and a law, meant to guide people’s lives and remind them of God's deliverance. So, what’s the big takeaway? This verse is about deliverance . It describes God’s action of freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt – a pivotal moment in Jewish history. It also establishes a lasting tradition that reminds us of God's power and provides guidance for how to live a life that honors him. In essence, it’s a story about liberation and a promise of continued blessings. --- To help me explain things further or answer any specific questions you have, could you tell me: What specifically are you curious about? (e.g., the historical context, its significance for Jewish tradition, etc.)

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 12:18. It’s a really important part of the story of the Israelites leaving Egypt! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is telling the Israelites (the Israelites’ ancestors) to start eating unleavened bread for 14 days. Let's unpack that a little bit further: “In the first [month], on the fourteenth day of the month at even…” This tells us when this rule begins. It’s happening in the very beginning of the Passover season – a time when the Israelites were about to be freed from slavery. “Even” means the middle of the month. “…ye shall eat unleavened bread…” This is the key part! They are specifically allowed to eat bread made without yeast (which makes it rise). This was a HUGE deal for the Israelites, because regular bread was forbidden in Egypt. It showed their faith and independence. "...until the one and twentieth day of the month at even." This sets a deadline. They have to continue eating this bread for 14 days, but they need to stop exactly on the 20th day of the month. This is a crucial detail – it’s a marker that marks the end of the Passover period. What was happening before this? The story goes that during the Exodus, God miraculously sent the Israelites out of Egypt. They were told to leave behind their bread and food, so they would have enough for a long journey. This rule was set as a reminder of this parting and as a promise of sustenance for them on their travels. In short, it’s a symbolic act – a promise of freedom and sustenance – that reminds the Israelites to be grateful to God for their liberation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some historical context about Passover?