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Exodus 12:13 - Divine protection through blood covenant

Exodus 12:13 - שמות 12:13

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה הַדָּם לָכֶם לְאֹת עַל הַבָּתִּים אֲשֶׁר אַתֶּם שָׁם וְרָאִיתִי אֶת־הַדָּם וּפָסַחְתִּי עֲלֵכֶם וְלֹא־יִהְיֶה בָכֶם נֶגֶף לְמַשְׁחִית בְּהַכֹּתִי בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where you are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Vehaya hadam lakhem le'ot al habatim asher atem sham vera'iti et-hadam upasachti alekhem velo-yihyeh vakhem negef lemashchit behakoti be'eretz mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָה֩ הַדָּ֨ם לָכֶ֜ם לְאֹ֗ת עַ֤ל הַבָּתִּים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אַתֶּ֣ם שָׁ֔ם וְרָאִ֙יתִי֙ אֶת־הַדָּ֔ם וּפָסַחְתִּ֖י עֲלֵכֶ֑ם וְלֹֽא־יִֽהְיֶ֨ה בָכֶ֥ם נֶ֙גֶף֙ לְמַשְׁחִ֔ית בְּהַכֹּתִ֖י בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃
וְהָיָה֩ הַדָּ֨ם לָכֶ֜ם לְאֹ֗ת עַ֤ל הַבָּתִּים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אַתֶּ֣ם שָׁ֔ם וְרָאִ֙יתִי֙ אֶת־הַדָּ֔ם וּפָסַחְתִּ֖י עֲלֵכֶ֑ם וְלֹֽא־יִֽהְיֶ֨ה בָכֶ֥ם נֶ֙גֶף֙ לְמַשְׁחִ֔ית בְּהַכֹּתִ֖י בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Significance of the Blood as a Sign

The verse (Shemot 12:13) describes the blood of the Korban Pesach (Paschal lamb) as a protective sign for Bnei Yisrael during the plague of the firstborn. Rashi explains that the blood served as a siman (sign) to distinguish Jewish homes from Egyptian ones, ensuring that the plague would not affect them. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 17:3) elaborates that this act demonstrated the Jews' commitment to Hashem's commandments, as they risked Egyptian retaliation by publicly marking their doorposts.

The Meaning of "וּפָסַחְתִּי עֲלֵכֶם" (I Will Pass Over You)

The term pasachti (I will pass over) is interpreted in multiple ways by our Sages:

  • Rashi explains it literally—Hashem "skipped over" the Jewish homes, sparing them from the plague.
  • Ibn Ezra suggests it means "protection," as in Hashem guarded the houses of Bnei Yisrael.
  • Ramban connects it to the concept of rachamim (mercy), emphasizing that this was an act of divine compassion.

The Role of Human Effort and Divine Intervention

The Mechilta (Bo 11) highlights that the blood was not a magical charm but a demonstration of hishtadlut (human effort) coupled with emunah (faith). Bnei Yisrael had to actively apply the blood to their doorposts, showing their willingness to perform a mitzvah despite danger. Only then did Hashem intervene to protect them. This teaches that salvation requires both human action and divine assistance.

The Deeper Symbolism of the Blood

The blood represented two key ideas, as discussed in the Zohar (Bo 36a):

  • Covenantal Commitment: Blood is a symbol of life and dedication, recalling the blood of the Brit Bein HaBetarim (Covenant Between the Parts) and the blood of circumcision.
  • Judgment and Mercy: While the Egyptians suffered the plague, the same blood that symbolized judgment for them became a sign of mercy for the Jews.

The Lesson for Future Generations

The Rambam (Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 7:6) emphasizes that this event established the foundation of zechirat yetziat Mitzrayim (remembering the Exodus). The blood on the doorposts was not just a one-time act but a perpetual reminder of Hashem's deliverance, reinforcing the obligation to recount the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim for all generations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 96a
The verse is discussed in the context of the Passover sacrifice and the significance of the blood as a sign for protection during the plague in Egypt.
📖 Mekhilta d'Rabbi Yishmael Bo, Parsha 7
The verse is cited in the Midrashic commentary on Exodus, discussing the details of the Passover observance and the protective power of the blood on the doorposts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the blood on the doorposts symbolize in Exodus 12:13?
A: The blood on the doorposts was a sign of faith and obedience to Hashem's command. According to Rashi, it demonstrated the Israelites' commitment to follow divine instructions, marking their homes for protection during the final plague in Egypt.
Q: Why was the plague 'passed over' the Israelite homes?
A: The plague passed over the Israelite homes because of the blood on their doorposts, which served as a sign of their covenant with Hashem. The Midrash explains that this act of faith distinguished them from the Egyptians, sparing them from the destruction.
Q: How does Exodus 12:13 relate to the holiday of Passover (Pesach)?
A: Exodus 12:13 is the foundation of Passover (Pesach), commemorating when Hashem 'passed over' Jewish homes in Egypt. The Rambam teaches that this verse reminds us of divine protection and the importance of fulfilling mitzvot, as symbolized by the original Passover sacrifice.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the blood as a 'token' in this verse?
A: The blood as a 'token' teaches that visible acts of faith invite divine protection. The Talmud (Pesachim 96a) discusses how the Israelites' public display of loyalty to Hashem—despite Egyptian persecution—earned them salvation, emphasizing the power of commitment to Torah values.
Q: Does the concept of divine protection in Exodus 12:13 apply today?
A: Yes, Orthodox Judaism sees this verse as a timeless lesson in trusting Hashem's protection when we uphold mitzvot. The Sforno notes that just as the blood symbolized active devotion then, our observance of Torah and mitzvot today connects us to divine safeguarding.