Introduction
“But the blood will be a sign on the houses where you are. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. Nothing terrible will hurt you when I punish the land of Egypt.” Exodus 12:13
The people of Israel doubted Moses at first, but it soon became clear to them that God was with Moses, for when Moses and Aaron used the rod, all kinds of plagues fell on the Egyptians. None of these plagues fell on the Israelites, even when darkness was on Egypt, they had bright sunshine.
The Lord told Moses that he was ready to send the last plague upon Pharaoh. At midnight, he would pass through the land, and the oldest son in every house would die. To keep the death plague from hurting the Israelites, each family was to kill a lamb like a sacrifice.
They were to take the blood and put it on the doorway of their home on the frame over the door. So, when the Lord came, He would pass over the house where He saw the blood, and no one would die. The lamb was to be cooked for a big dinner for the families. When they ate, they were to be dressed ready to leave Egypt.
This feast was known as the Feast of the Passover, and every year after the Hebrew people kept this Passover Feast. It reminded them of the wonderful God.
Then, at midnight death rushed through the land. All Egyptian houses suffered the plague of death of-the eldest. The Egyptians cried out that their children were taken from them. Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron, and told them to take the people and go, and to take everything that belonged to them, and to pray that their God would harm him no more.
Four hundred thirty years had passed since Jacob took his family down into Egypt where Joseph was, and now the twelve sons and their families had become a great nation. Thousands of people with packs on marched out of Egypt, including cattle and sheep. God was leading them to the promised land.
Quiz
1. Did the plagues bother the Israelites?
2. Tell about the last plague.
3. How were the Israelites to stay safe?
4. What was the name of the special dinner?
5. Was it to be kept?
6. Were there many Israelites leaving Egypt?
7. What did Pharaoh do when the last plague fell upon him?
