Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

Exodus 12

This chapter gives an account of one of the most memorable ordinances, and one of the most memorable providences, of all that are recorded in the Old Testament. I. Not one of all the ordinances of the Jewish church was more eminent than that of the passover, nor is any one more frequently mentioned in the New Testament; and we have here an account of the institution to it. The ordinance consisted of three parts:—1. The killing and eating of the paschal lamb, Exodus 12:1-12:6, 12:8-12:11. 2. The sprinkling of the blood upon the door-posts, spoken of as a distinct thing (Hebrews 11:28), and peculiar to this first passover (Exodus 12:7), with the reason for it, Exodus 12:13. 3. The feast of unleavened bread for seven days following; this points rather at what was to be done afterwards, in the observance of this ordinance, Exodus 12:14-12:20. This institution is communicated to the people, and they are instructed in the observance, (1.) Of this first passover, Exodus 12:21-12:23. (2.) Of the after passovers, Exodus 12:24-12:27. And the Israelites’ obedience to these orders, Exodus 12:28. II. Not one of all the providences of God concerning the Jewish church was more illustrious, or is more frequently mentioned, than the deliverance of the children of Israel out of Egypt. 1. The firstborn of the Egyptians are slain, Exodus 12:29, 12:30. 2. Orders are given immediately for their discharge, Exodus 12:31-12:33. 3. They begin their march. (1.) Loaded with their own effects, Exodus 12:34. (2.) Enriched with the spoils of Egypt, Exodus 12:35, 12:36. (3.) Attended with a mixed multitude, Exodus 12:37, 12:38. (4.) Put to their shifts for present supply, Exodus 12:39. The event is dated, Exodus 12:40-12:42. Lastly, A recapitulation in the close, [1.] Of this memorable ordinance, with some additions, Exodus 12:43-12:49. [2.] Of this memorable providence, Exodus 12:50, 12:51. MHBCC 63.1