Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 12:21. It’s a really important part of the story of how God saved the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse tells us that after the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 430 years, God decided to show them mercy and freedom. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening: “Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel…” – This means Moses asked everyone from all the tribes of Israel to come together. “…and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families…” - Moses told the leaders to bring a sacrificial lamb. A lamb was chosen because it was innocent and could be offered as a sign of God’s forgiveness. “and kill the passover.” – This is the key part! Moses commanded them to kill this lamb. The Passover was a special festival where they were told that God would free them from slavery. The lamb represented the blood of the sacrifice, and by killing it, they were symbolically releasing themselves from their bondage. In short, it’s a reminder that God is merciful and willing to forgive us when we sin. It's a significant event in Jewish history and a foundational part of their religious tradition. Do you want me to explain anything else about this verse? For example, I can: Discuss the significance of the Passover itself. Explain why this event was so important for the Israelites. Give you some historical context surrounding the story.