Now the LORD saidThis phrase indicates direct divine communication, emphasizing the authority and importance of the message. The LORD, or Yahweh, is the covenant name of God, highlighting His personal relationship with Israel. This communication underscores God's active role in the deliverance of His people, a theme consistent throughout the Exodus narrative.
to Moses and Aaron
Moses and Aaron are central figures in the Exodus story. Moses, chosen by God as the leader of the Israelites, and Aaron, his brother and spokesperson, are instrumental in the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Their partnership is significant, as it demonstrates God's provision of leadership and support. This also prefigures the New Testament concept of apostleship, where leaders are sent with divine authority.
in the land of Egypt
The setting in Egypt is crucial, as it represents the place of Israel's bondage and suffering. Egypt, a powerful and advanced civilization, is often symbolic of worldly power and oppression in biblical literature. The historical context of the Israelites' enslavement sets the stage for God's redemptive acts. This location also foreshadows the greater deliverance from sin and death through Jesus Christ, as Egypt is a type of the world from which believers are delivered.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is about to deliver His people from slavery in Egypt. His communication with Moses and Aaron marks a significant moment in the history of Israel.
2.
MosesThe chosen leader of the Israelites, who has been called by God to lead His people out of Egypt. Moses is a central figure in the account of the Exodus.
3.
AaronMoses' brother and spokesperson, who assists Moses in communicating God's commands to Pharaoh and the Israelites.
4.
The Land of EgyptThe place where the Israelites are enslaved. Egypt represents both a physical location and a symbol of bondage from which God is about to deliver His people.
5.
The Event of PassoverAlthough not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context is the institution of the Passover, a pivotal event in Israel's history that signifies God's deliverance and the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and TimingGod initiates His plan of deliverance at the appointed time. Trust in God's perfect timing in your life.
Leadership and ObedienceMoses and Aaron are examples of leaders who listen to and obey God's instructions. Reflect on how you can be attentive and obedient to God's calling in your life.
The Significance of PlaceEgypt represents a place of bondage. Consider what "Egypt" might symbolize in your life and how God is calling you to freedom.
The Importance of RemembranceThe Passover is a reminder of God's deliverance. Establish practices in your life that help you remember and celebrate God's faithfulness.
Preparation for DeliveranceJust as God prepared the Israelites for deliverance, prepare your heart for the work God wants to do in your life.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 12:1?
2.How does Exodus 12:1 establish the importance of God's timing in our lives?
3.What role does obedience play in following God's instructions in Exodus 12:1?
4.How does Exodus 12:1 connect to the concept of new beginnings in Christ?
5.How can we apply the principle of divine timing from Exodus 12:1 today?
6.What does Exodus 12:1 teach about God's authority in setting spiritual seasons?
7.Why did God choose to start the calendar with Exodus 12:1?
8.How does Exodus 12:1 reflect God's sovereignty over time?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Exodus 12?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 12?
11.Numbers 9:1–2: How can we verify historically the timing of the second Passover in the second year after leaving Egypt when there is limited supporting evidence?
12.What is the Paschal Mystery?
13.How do ceremonial, moral, and judicial laws differ?
14.How does the portrayal of Aaron's role in Exodus 32 align with other biblical depictions of him, and does it reveal inconsistencies across different texts?What Does Exodus 12:1 Mean
Now• “Now” signals a decisive moment. After nine crushing plagues (Exodus 7–11), the narrative pivots to the climactic Passover instructions.
• Scripture often marks turning points with similar words—“Now the word of the LORD came” (1 Kings 17:1), “Now after John was arrested” (Mark 1:14). God’s timing is exact; He moves at the perfect instant (cf.Galatians 4:4).
• The adverb confirms historical sequence, grounding the event in real time. We can trust the Bible’s chronology because “the word of the LORD is flawless” (Psalm 18:30).
the LORD• The Berean Standard Bible renders the covenant name YHWH as “the LORD.” This is the same “I AM WHO I AM” who spoke from the burning bush (Exodus 3:14).
• His unchanging character undergirds the entire Passover story (Malachi 3:6). What He promises, He performs (Numbers 23:19).
• By using His covenant name, the text reminds Israel—and us—of His faithfulness already displayed inGenesis 15:13–14 and being fulfilled here.
said• God speaks verbally; this is not myth or inner impression. “God said, ‘Let there be light’” (Genesis 1:3), and His voice still carries creative, authoritative power.
• Scripture’s reliability rests on this divine speech: “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16).
• When the LORD speaks, obedience is the only logical response (Deuteronomy 5:24–27;John 2:5). The coming instructions on the Passover lamb will demand prompt, literal obedience for salvation (Exodus 12:7, 13).
to Moses and Aaron• God addresses both brothers, underscoring shared leadership. Moses is the prophet (Exodus 7:1), Aaron the spokesman (Exodus 4:14–16).
• By pairing them, God models cooperative ministry: Moses’ rod and Aaron’s words worked together through the plagues (Psalm 77:20).
• Their joint commission shows that spiritual and priestly functions converge in the coming deliverance, foreshadowing Christ as both Prophet and High Priest (Hebrews 3:1–2).
in the land of Egypt• The message comes while Israel is still in bondage. God meets His people where they are, not where they wish they were (Exodus 3:7–8).
• Egypt, emblem of sin’s oppression (Deuteronomy 4:34; Jude 5), becomes the stage for God’s glory (Romans 9:17).
• Deliverance is announced before deliverance is experienced, encouraging faith amid darkness (2 Corinthians 5:7).
• God’s sovereignty extends even over enemy territory; He is “Lord of all the earth” (Psalm 24:1).
summaryExodus 12:1 is more than a heading; every word is loaded with meaning. Precisely “now,” the covenant LORD verbally initiates the final act of redemption, addressing His chosen leaders while they are still in enemy land. The verse showcases God’s impeccable timing, His unchanging name, His authoritative speech, His ordained leadership, and His sovereign presence. Each element prepares us for the Passover—history’s vivid preview of the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
XII.
INSTITUTION OF THE PASSOVER.
(1)In the land of Egypt.--This section (Exodus 12:1-28) has the appearance of having been written independently of the previous narrative--earlier, probably, and as a part of the Law rather than of the history. It throws together instructions on the subject of the Passover which must have been given at different times (comp.Exodus 12:3;Exodus 12:12;Exodus 12:17), some before the tenth of Abib. some on the day preceding the departure from Egypt, some on the day following. As far asExodus 12:20 it is wholly legal, and would suit Leviticus as well as Exodus. FromExodus 12:20 it has a more historical character, since it relates the action taken by Moses. . . .
Verse 1. -
The Lord spake. - According to the Biblical record, neither Moses nor Aaron introduced any legislation of their own, either at this time or later. The whole system, religious, political, and ecclesiastical, was received by Divine Revelation, commanded by God, and merely established by the agency of the two brothers.
In the land of Egypt. The introduction of these words seems to show that we have here a separate document on the subject of the Passover, written independently of what has preceded, some time after the exodus, and placed here without alteration, when Moses gathered together his various writings into a single work.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Now the LORDיְהוָה֙(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelsaidוַיֹּ֤אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, saytoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toMosesמֹשֶׁ֣ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiverand Aaronאַהֲרֹ֔ן(’a·hă·rōn)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175:Aaron -- an elder brother of Mosesin the landבְּאֶ֥רֶץ(bə·’e·reṣ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776:Earth, landof Egypt,מִצְרַ֖יִם(miṣ·ra·yim)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714:Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa
Links
Exodus 12:1 NIVExodus 12:1 NLTExodus 12:1 ESVExodus 12:1 NASBExodus 12:1 KJV
Exodus 12:1 BibleApps.comExodus 12:1 Biblia ParalelaExodus 12:1 Chinese BibleExodus 12:1 French BibleExodus 12:1 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Exodus 12:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron (Exo. Ex) 
