Thus did all the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.
EXODUS 12:50KJVWhat does Exodus 12:50 mean?
Exodus 12:50 states that all the Israelites did exactly what the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron. This verse highlights the obedience of the people in following God’s instructions for the Passover.
In this part of Exodus, Moses and Aaron are leading the Israelites out of Egypt. God has just given detailed instructions about the first Passover, and Exodus 12:50 records that the entire community followed these commands. The verse emphasizes the collective response and careful obedience of the Israelites at a crucial moment in their history.
The Hebrew behind Exodus 12:50
- "Did" (עָשָׂה, ʿasah) is used twice in this verse, stressing the action of carrying out God’s instructions. The repetition underlines the importance of actually doing what was commanded, not just hearing it.
- "Children" (בֵּן, ben) refers to the descendants or people of Israel, making it clear that the whole group was involved, not just a select few.
- "Commanded" (צָוָה, tsavah) means to give a directive or order. This word shows that what Moses and Aaron passed on to the people was not a suggestion but a direct order from God.
Why Exodus 12:50 matters
- This verse clears up any question about whether the Israelites hesitated or only partially obeyed; it says plainly that they did everything as instructed.
- The emphasis on obedience connects to the larger theme of Exodus, where following God’s commands leads to deliverance and blessing.
- By mentioning both Moses and Aaron, the verse highlights the leadership structure God set up and the importance of passing down God’s words faithfully to the people.