Explore the Bible Online

Exodus 12:12-14

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

12. 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. 13. 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. 14. 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.

Exodus 12:12-14 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 12:12

Theological / Devotional

All the gods. The execution of judgment on all the gods of Egypt can best be understood when it is remembered that many animals were deified and worshiped. Some domestic animals had already suffered as a result of previous plagues, but now every first-born beast was to be slain. This plague would affect not only the sacred bull Apis, a first-born animal, but also many sacred cows, rams, crocodiles, snakes, cats, etc. Though many of these creatures were of no commercial or utilitarian value, their sudden and simultaneous death would be certain to impress the Egyptians with their own impotence (see on chs. 7:17; 8:2; see also PP 333).

By SdaBc