THE LAMB

“Moshe said, ‘Here is what Adonai says: “About midnight I will go out into Egypt, and all the firstborn in the land f Egypt will dies, from the firstborn of Pharaoh sitting on his throne to the firstborn of the slave-girl at the handmill, and all the firstborn of the livestock.”’”
Exodus 11:4

The end of the plagues was about to come. Moshe had just been warned of the final plague, the death of all firstborns in Egypt, from Pharaoh himself to the firstborn of the animals. Adonai had already spoken this day would come back in Exodus 4:22 when He said, “’Then you are to tell Pharaoh: “ADONAI says, ‘Isra’el is my firstborn son. I have told you to let my son go in order to worship me, but you have refused to let him go. Well, then, I will kill your firstborn!”’” The deliverance of Adonai’s people was close at hand, but only if they obeyed Adonai’s commands concerning the blood of the lamb.
Adonai knew that this plague would cause great distress, but in it His people would not only be released from slavery, but be pushed out of Egypt. But first, Adonai had instructions for Moshe and Aharon. This would be a red letter, calendar day. In fact, it would be this day when their calendar would ring the day month of the year for them. On this night those who followed after Adonai were to take a lamb without defect for his family, and use it as a sacrifice. Although selected, it was not to be killed for another few days when all the Hebrews would slaughter together. The blood from the lamb then would be smeared on the two sides and a top the door frame. That night the meat was to be roasted in fire and eaten with matzah. Anything left over was to be burned completely.
The people of Isra’el were also instructed on how to eat, with their belt fastened, shoes on, staff in hand, and in haste. They were to be ready because once the death angel passed, judgment would be served and deliverance had. The blood smeared around the door was a sign for the follower of Adonai, and prevented death from coming into the home of that person.
For seven days matzah alone was allowed, ridding the home of any leaven. Anyone eating leaven was to be cut off from Isra’el. Adonai was serious. And it is this same instruction that many Jews follow today during Pesach. The lamb is cooked, the home free of flour or yeast, and the remembrance of Adonai’s deliverance the topic of conversation.

Exodus 11:4 – 12:20