The Passover is one of the most significant events in biblical history, rich with theological meaning and a profound foreshadowing of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God. This study will explore the circumstances of the Passover, how God struck the firstborn in Egypt, the role of the Destroyer, why the firstborn of animals were also affected, and how the Passover ultimately points to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of this event.
The Circumstances of the Passover: Deliverance from Egypt
The Passover took place during the final plague in Egypt, when God was about to deliver the Israelites from bondage after 400 years of slavery. Pharaoh had repeatedly hardened his heart despite God sending nine devastating plagues as judgments upon Egypt.
God’s final act of judgment would be the death of the firstborn in every household, a direct strike against Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, including the supposed divine status of Pharaoh’s own son.
Exodus 11:4-6 (NKJV) describes the final warning:
“Then Moses said, ‘Thus says the LORD: About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt, and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the female servant who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the animals.'”
This event was not random but a decisive act of divine judgment against Pharaoh’s defiance and Egypt’s idolatry. It was also a powerful demonstration that God alone has authority over life and death.
How Did God Kill the Firstborn? Was It God or the Destroyer?
A critical point of theological importance is understanding whether it was God Himself or the “Destroyer” who struck down the firstborn.
Exodus 12:12 (NKJV) states:
“For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt… I am the LORD.”
Here, God explicitly claims responsibility for the judgment. However, the “Destroyer” is also mentioned later in the same chapter.
Exodus 12:23 (NKJV) clarifies:
“For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you.”
It seems that God Himself was the ultimate authority behind the plague, but He executed it through an agent called the Destroyer. The Destroyer appears to be a divine agent of judgment, possibly an angel under God’s command.
Theologically, this emphasizes that the judgment was God’s direct will, even if He employed a divine messenger. God was not delegating responsibility but rather using a means consistent with His righteous judgment.
Why Were the Firstborn of Animals Also Killed?
The death of the firstborn was not limited to human beings but extended to livestock as well.
Exodus 12:29 (NKJV) records:
“And it came to pass at midnight that the LORD struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of livestock.”
This seems severe, but it aligns with the broader biblical context of God’s judgment against Egypt’s idolatry and economy. The Egyptians worshiped many deities associated with animals, such as the bull-god Apis and the cow-goddess Hathor. By striking the firstborn of both man and beast, God was dismantling the entire structure of Egypt’s economy, spiritual pride, and false worship.
Exodus 12:12 further clarifies:
“Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.”
Additionally, the death of the firstborn of animals served to highlight the totality of God’s judgment—nothing was untouched, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and rebellion against God.
The Blood of the Lamb and the Passover Ceremony
Central to the Passover event was the provision of a way of escape from judgment through the blood of a lamb. Each household was commanded to sacrifice a spotless lamb and apply its blood to the doorposts and lintel of their homes.
Exodus 12:7 (NKJV)
“And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it.”
The blood acted as a covering and sign of obedience and faith in God’s promise. When the Destroyer saw the blood, the judgment would “pass over” that house, sparing the firstborn.
Exodus 12:13 (NKJV)
“Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you.”
The lamb was to be without blemish, symbolizing purity and innocence, and the entire family was to consume the lamb, participating fully in the deliverance God provided.
The Connection to Jesus Christ: The True Passover Lamb
The entire event of the Passover was a profound foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world.
John 1:29 (NKJV)
“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
Jesus as the Spotless Lamb
The Passover lamb was to be without blemish (Exodus 12:5). Jesus, too, was sinless and perfect.
1 Peter 1:18-19 (NKJV)
“Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things… but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
The Blood Brings Deliverance
Just as the blood of the lamb spared the Israelites from death, the blood of Jesus saves us from eternal judgment.
Romans 5:9 (NKJV)
“Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”
Death Passed Over
Those who trusted in the blood of the lamb were spared. Similarly, those who trust in Christ’s blood are saved from eternal death.
1 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)
“For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.”
The Timing of Christ’s Death
Jesus was crucified during Passover, emphasizing His role as the ultimate fulfillment of this feast.
Matthew 26:2 (NKJV)
“You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”
My Final Thoughts
The Passover stands as a vivid reminder of both the severity of sin and the incredible mercy of God. In the deliverance of Israel, we see a picture of our own deliverance from the bondage of sin through the blood of Jesus Christ. The lamb slain for each household foreshadowed the ultimate Lamb slain for the sins of the world.
God’s justice required the death of the firstborn in Egypt, but His mercy provided a substitute. Likewise, His justice required the penalty for our sin, but His mercy sent His Son to be our perfect sacrifice. Jesus Christ, the true Passover Lamb, has made a way for us to be passed over from eternal death and brought into the freedom of life everlasting.
