Definition: And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 12:6. It’s a pretty dramatic passage about the aftermath of the Israelites fleeing Egypt. Here's a simple explanation: What it means: This verse describes a specific and significant action taken after the Israelites leave Egypt. It says that they are to keep the Passover (a Jewish holiday celebrating freedom) up until the 14th day of the month. And then, they are to kill the lamb – which is symbolic of the Passover sacrifice – in the evening. Let’s unpack it: “And ye shall keep it up…” : This means they need to be vigilant and maintain the Passover ritual. It's a promise to safeguard this important event. “…until the fourteenth day of the same month” : This sets a deadline – they must complete the Passover ritual by the 14th day of the month. “And the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.” : This is the core instruction. The entire group of Israelites, including all the men, women, and children, are to kill the lamb. This isn’t just a casual killing; it's a symbolic act of remembrance and mourning for the lives lost during the Exodus from Egypt. What does this story teach us? This verse is deeply symbolic and carries significant meaning: Remembering the past: It highlights the importance of remembering the Israelites' suffering and freedom. Offering a sacrifice of hope: The Passover lamb represented the promise of God’s protection and future prosperity for Israel. Killing it was a way to acknowledge this promise, even in the midst of hardship. Honoring those who were lost: It serves as a reminder that many people lost their lives during the Exodus and that we should honor their memory by remembering them. In short, this verse is about remembrance, sacrifice, and honoring the past. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about its historical context? Would you like a more detailed explanation of the symbolism?