A temporary resident or hired handIn the context of ancient Israel, a temporary resident refers to a foreigner living among the Israelites who has not fully integrated into the covenant community. A hired hand is someone employed for labor, often without the rights and privileges of a family member or citizen. This distinction highlights the exclusivity of the Passover as a covenantal meal, reserved for those who are part of the Israelite community. The concept of a temporary resident is seen in other parts of the Old Testament, such as
Leviticus 19:34, where the Israelites are commanded to treat the foreigner living among them as a native-born. This reflects God's concern for justice and inclusion, yet with boundaries regarding sacred practices.
shall not eat the Passover.
The Passover meal was a sacred observance commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, as described inExodus 12. It was a sign of the covenant between God and His people, requiring full participation in the community of faith. The restriction against temporary residents and hired hands partaking in the Passover underscores the importance of covenant identity and purity. This exclusivity points to the necessity of being part of God's covenant people to fully participate in His redemptive acts. In the New Testament, the Passover is seen as a type of Christ, who is referred to as our Passover lamb in1 Corinthians 5:7. Just as the original Passover required identification with the covenant community, so too does participation in the salvation offered through Christ require faith and identification with His body, the Church.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Temporary ResidentRefers to a foreigner living among the Israelites who has not fully integrated into the covenant community.
2.
Hired HandA worker employed by an Israelite, often a foreigner, who does not share in the religious and cultural identity of the Israelites.
3.
PassoverA significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, marked by the sacrifice of a lamb and a special meal.
4.
IsraelitesThe descendants of Jacob, chosen by God to be His people, who were delivered from Egyptian bondage.
5.
EgyptThe land where the Israelites were enslaved before their deliverance, representing bondage and oppression.
Teaching Points
Covenant CommunityThe Passover meal was reserved for those who were part of the covenant community. This underscores the importance of being in a committed relationship with God and His people.
Spiritual PreparationJust as the Israelites had to be prepared to partake in the Passover, Christians are called to examine their hearts and lives before participating in the Lord's Supper.
Inclusivity through ChristWhile the Old Testament law excluded certain individuals from the Passover, the New Testament reveals that through Christ, all who believe are included in God's family.
Holiness and SeparationThe restriction serves as a reminder of the call to holiness and the distinct identity of God's people, set apart for His purposes.
Symbolism of the PassoverThe Passover points to Christ, our ultimate Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice delivers us from the bondage of sin.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 12:45?
2.How does Exodus 12:45 emphasize the importance of covenant community boundaries?
3.What does "no foreigner or hired servant" teach about God's covenant requirements?
4.How does Exodus 12:45 connect to New Testament teachings on spiritual inclusion?
5.How can we apply the principle of covenant boundaries in our church today?
6.In what ways does Exodus 12:45 challenge us to uphold God's standards in community?
7.Why does Exodus 12:45 exclude foreigners from eating the Passover meal?
8.How does Exodus 12:45 reflect God's covenant with Israel?
9.What is the significance of the "hired worker" in Exodus 12:45?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 12?
11.What is Goshen's biblical significance?
12.Exodus 19:1-2: If a massive camp of Israelites really gathered at Mount Sinai, why is there scant archaeological evidence supporting such an event in that location?
13.Why does the command to release servants (Lev 25:39-46) appear inconsistent with other biblical passages endorsing servitude?
14.Why does the Bible never explicitly condemn slavery?What Does Exodus 12:45 Mean
Temporary resident• “A temporary resident” points to someone living among Israel without becoming part of the covenant community.
•Exodus 12:43 sets the stage: “No foreigner is to eat of it.” The rule guards the meal as a family celebration for those under God’s promises to Abraham.
• An outsider who wishes to share must take the covenant sign of circumcision first (Exodus 12:48)—illustrating that access to God’s redemption is open, yet only through the covenant door.
• Later,Leviticus 22:10 repeats the boundary around holy food, echoing the principle that proximity is not the same as belonging.
• New-covenant fulfillment shines inEphesians 2:12-13, where Gentiles once “excluded from citizenship in Israel” are “brought near by the blood of Christ.” Proximity becomes full membership through faith, not mere residence.
Hired hand• A “hired hand” differs from a bond-servant born in the household (compareExodus 12:44). The hired worker’s tie is economic, not familial.
•Leviticus 25:40-41 shows that hired labor retains outside status even after years of service.
• The Passover is a family meal that celebrates deliverance; hiring someone for wages doesn’t create the heart bond the feast proclaims.
• Jesus later contrasts “the hired hand” with the “good shepherd” who owns the sheep (John 10:11-13), underscoring that covenant love, not contractual duty, marks true belonging.
Shall not• The phrase is categorical. God Himself draws the line; Israel must guard it.
•Numbers 9:13 warns that covenant members who neglect Passover “will bear his sin,” but non-members must not presume to eat. Holiness demands both inclusion and exclusion.
• This “shall not” teaches reverence: sacred signs lose meaning when boundaries blur. First Corinthians 11:27 applies the same seriousness to the Lord’s Supper—partaking “in an unworthy manner” profanes Christ’s sacrifice.
Eat the Passover• Eating is more than nutrition; it is identification with the saving act (Exodus 12:13). By consuming the lamb, participants declare, “The Lord passed over me.”
•Deuteronomy 16:1-3 links the meal to hasty deliverance—unleavened bread of affliction reminding Israel of slavery left behind. Outsiders who remain uncircumcised have no share in that history.
• In the Gospels, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper during Passover (Luke 22:15-20). Only those washed by His blood share the new covenant meal, a truth foreshadowed byExodus 12:45.
summaryExodus 12:45 keeps the Passover table for those who belong to God’s covenant family. A mere resident or employee—close in geography but outside the promises—must not eat. The line protects the holiness of redemption, points to the necessity of covenant commitment, and foreshadows the gospel invitation: come inside through the appointed sign, then celebrate the deliverance God alone provides.
(45)
An hired servant.--It is assumed that the hired servant will be a foreigner; otherwise, of course, he would participate.
Verse 45. -
A foreigner. Literally "a so-journer" -
i.e., a foreigner who is merely passing through the land, or staying for a time, without intending to become a permanent resident. The Septuagint
πάροικος well expresses the meaning.
An hired servant. It is assumed that the "hired servant" will be a foreigner; and intended to guard against any compulsion being put upon him.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
A temporary residentתּוֹשָׁ֥ב(tō·wō·šāḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8453:Resident alienor hired handוְשָׂכִ֖יר(wə·śā·ḵîr)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7916:A man at wagesshall notלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noeat the Passover.יֹ֥אכַל־(yō·ḵal-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 398:To eat
Links
Exodus 12:45 NIVExodus 12:45 NLTExodus 12:45 ESVExodus 12:45 NASBExodus 12:45 KJV
Exodus 12:45 BibleApps.comExodus 12:45 Biblia ParalelaExodus 12:45 Chinese BibleExodus 12:45 French BibleExodus 12:45 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Exodus 12:45 A foreigner and a hired servant shall (Exo. Ex)