And you are to keep this commandThis phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's instructions. In the context of
Exodus 12, the command refers to the observance of the Passover, a pivotal event in Israel's history marking their deliverance from Egyptian bondage. The Passover is a type of Christ, symbolizing Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (
John 1:29). The command to keep the Passover highlights the necessity of remembering God's acts of salvation.
as a permanent statute
The term "permanent statute" indicates that this command is not temporary but is to be observed continually. This reflects the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel. The Passover is a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance and faithfulness. In the New Testament, the Lord's Supper is instituted by Jesus as a new covenant, fulfilling the Passover and establishing a lasting ordinance for believers (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
for you and your descendants
This phrase underscores the generational aspect of God's covenant. The command is not only for the immediate recipients but also for future generations, ensuring that the memory of God's deliverance is preserved. This reflects the biblical principle of teaching and passing down faith to subsequent generations (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). It also points to the continuity of God's promises and the inclusion of future believers in the covenant community.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He communicated God's commands to the people.
2.
IsraelitesThe descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were enslaved in Egypt and were the recipients of God's deliverance through the Passover.
3.
EgyptThe land where the Israelites were enslaved and from which God delivered them through a series of plagues, culminating in the Passover.
4.
PassoverThe event where God spared the Israelites' firstborns by passing over their homes marked with the blood of a lamb, leading to their liberation from Egypt.
5.
Perpetual StatuteA command given by God to be observed continually by the Israelites and their descendants, signifying the importance of remembrance and obedience.
Teaching Points
The Importance of RemembranceThe command to keep the Passover as a perpetual statute highlights the importance of remembering God's deliverance and faithfulness. As believers, we are called to remember Christ's sacrifice and live in gratitude.
Generational FaithfulnessThe instruction to observe this command for future generations underscores the responsibility of passing down faith and obedience to our children and grandchildren.
Obedience to God's CommandsThe perpetual nature of the statute reminds us of the importance of obedience to God's commands, which are given for our good and His glory.
Symbolism of the PassoverThe Passover serves as a powerful symbol of redemption and deliverance, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb.
Living in Light of RedemptionJust as the Israelites were called to live in light of their deliverance from Egypt, we are called to live in the freedom and new life provided through Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 12:24?
2.How can we "keep this command as a permanent statute" in our lives today?
3.What does Exodus 12:24 teach about the importance of remembering God's deliverance?
4.How does Exodus 12:24 connect to Jesus as our Passover Lamb?
5.In what ways can families implement the principles of Exodus 12:24 at home?
6.Why is it crucial to pass down God's commands to future generations?
7.How does Exodus 12:24 emphasize the importance of tradition in faith practice?
8.What historical evidence supports the events described in Exodus 12?
9.How does Exodus 12:24 relate to the concept of covenant in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 12?
11.Exodus 6:7–9: If the Israelites still doubt Moses, what empirical proof did he provide to convince them then or later?
12.What is the summary of the Exodus from Egypt?
13.How does Numbers 36:6-9 align with earlier accounts of inter-tribal marriages that appear unregulated or unrestricted?
14.Numbers 15:15-16: How does one law for both Israelites and foreigners reconcile with other passages that treat outsiders differently?What Does Exodus 12:24 Mean
And you• The verse begins by placing the responsibility squarely on the people standing before Moses—real men, women, and families. God is speaking personally, not abstractly (cf.Deuteronomy 30:19 “I have set before you life and death… choose life”).
• Scripture often personalizes obedience: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). Each listener is called to respond.
are to keep• “Keep” is the language of continual guarding, like tending a flame. Obedience is not a one-time act but an ongoing posture (John 14:15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments”;1 Samuel 15:22 “To obey is better than sacrifice”).
• The Passover instructions that precede this command (Exodus 12:1-23) were lifesaving; keeping them would forever remind Israel that salvation and obedience are inseparable.
this command as a permanent statute• “Permanent” means enduring through every season of Israel’s life. A statute is fixed; it does not drift with culture or circumstance (Exodus 12:14 “a lasting ordinance for the generations to come”;Leviticus 23:14 “a permanent statute throughout your generations”).
• The Passover becomes a standing reminder that redemption is anchored in a historical act—God’s deliverance through the blood of the lamb—echoed in the New Covenant as believers “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).
• Practical take-away: truth worth remembering is truth worth rehearsing—God builds permanence into worship so we do not forget.
for you and your descendants• Faith is meant to run downstream into every generation (Psalm 78:4-7 “We will… tell the next generation…”).
• Parents are custodians of God’s story; children are the next custodians (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 “These words… you shall teach them diligently to your children”).
• The New Testament echoes the same heartbeat: “For the promise is for you and your children” (Acts 2:39); Timothy’s faith first lived in his grandmother and mother (2 Timothy 1:5).
• Passing on the Passover meant passing on a worldview—reminding each generation that they, too, are personally rescued people who must personally obey.
summaryExodus 12:24 presses three timeless truths into God’s people: personal responsibility (“And you”), ongoing obedience (“are to keep”), enduring remembrance (“a permanent statute”), and generational discipleship (“for you and your descendants”). The God who literally delivered Israel commands that His saving work be rehearsed and relived so that every generation trusts, obeys, and remembers.
(24)
This thing.--Not the sprinkling of the blood, which was never repeated after the first occasion, but the sacrifice of the lamb, commanded in
Exodus 12:21.
Verse 24.To thee and to thy children. The change from the plural to the singular is curious, Perhaps, we are to understand that Moses insisted on the perpetuity of the ordinance to each of the elders severally.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And you are to keepוּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם(ū·šə·mar·tem)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 8104:To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend tothisהַזֶּ֑ה(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatcommandהַדָּבָ֣ר(had·dā·ḇār)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causeas a perpetualעַד־(‘aḏ-)Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whileordinanceלְחָק־(lə·ḥāq-)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2706:Something prescribed or owed, a statutefor youלְךָ֥(lə·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrewand your descendants.וּלְבָנֶ֖יךָ(ū·lə·ḇā·ne·ḵā)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A son
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 12:24 You shall observe this thing (Exo. Ex) 
