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Exodus 12:21 - Elders prepare Passover sacrifice

Exodus 12:21 - שמות 12:21

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא מֹשֶׁה לְכָל־זִקְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם מִשְׁכוּ וּקְחוּ לָכֶם צֹאן לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתֵיכֶם וְשַׁחֲטוּ הַפָּסַח׃

English Translation

Then Moshe called for all the elders of Yisra᾽el, and said to them, Draw out and take you lambs according to your families, and kill the passover.

Transliteration

Va'yikra Moshe le'kol ziknei Yisra'el va'yomer alehem mish'chu u'k'chu lachem tzon le'mishp'choteichem v'shachatu ha'pesach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָ֥א מֹשֶׁ֛ה לְכׇל־זִקְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֑ם מִֽשְׁכ֗וּ וּקְח֨וּ לָכֶ֥ם צֹ֛אן לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתֵיכֶ֖ם וְשַׁחֲט֥וּ הַפָּֽסַח׃
וַיִּקְרָ֥א מֹשֶׁ֛ה לְכׇל־זִקְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֑ם מִֽשְׁכ֗וּ וּקְח֨וּ לָכֶ֥ם צֹ֛אן לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתֵיכֶ֖ם וְשַׁחֲט֥וּ הַפָּֽסַח׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 12:21) occurs during the preparations for the first Pesach in Egypt, just before the final plague—the death of the firstborn. Moshe instructs the elders of Yisrael to take a lamb for their families and slaughter it as the Korban Pesach (Passover offering). This act was revolutionary, as sheep were considered sacred in Egyptian culture, and slaughtering them publicly demonstrated the Israelites' faith in Hashem and rejection of Egyptian idolatry.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains the phrase "מִשְׁכוּ וּקְחוּ לָכֶם צֹאן" ("Draw out and take you lambs") as follows:

  • "מִשְׁכוּ" (Draw out) – This implies withdrawing from idolatry. The Israelites had to separate themselves from Egyptian practices and take sheep specifically for the mitzvah of Pesach.
  • "וּקְחוּ לָכֶם צֹאן" (and take you lambs) – They were to acquire the sheep four days before slaughtering (as mentioned in Shemot 12:3-6) to inspect them for blemishes, ensuring they were fit for the offering.

Rambam's Perspective

The Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Korban Pesach (1:3) emphasizes that the mitzvah was performed by families, as the verse states "לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתֵיכֶם". This highlights the communal and familial nature of the Pesach sacrifice, ensuring that each household actively participated in the redemption process.

Midrashic Insights

The Mechilta (a halachic Midrash on Shemot) elaborates:

  • The elders were called first because leadership was essential in organizing the people for this monumental act of faith.
  • The public slaughter of the sheep was a bold defiance of Egyptian beliefs, showing complete trust in Hashem's command.

Halachic Significance

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 16) explains that the Korban Pesach served as a foundational mitzvah, symbolizing:

  • Emunah (Faith) – Trust in Hashem's promise of redemption.
  • Unity – Families gathered together to partake in the offering.
  • Rejection of Avodah Zarah (Idolatry) – The lamb, an Egyptian deity, was slaughtered for a divine purpose.

Practical Lessons

From this verse, we learn:

  • The importance of leadership (Moshe instructing the elders) in guiding the nation toward mitzvot.
  • The need for active participation in divine service ("Draw out and take").
  • The power of public commitment to Torah values, even in the face of societal opposition.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 96a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the laws of the Passover sacrifice, particularly regarding the role of the elders of Israel in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Draw out and take you lambs' mean in Exodus 12:21?
A: Rashi explains that 'Draw out' (מִשְׁכוּ) means to separate the lambs from the flock and designate them for the Passover sacrifice. 'Take you lambs' (וּקְחוּ לָכֶם צֹאן) refers to actually acquiring the lambs for this holy purpose. This was done four days before the sacrifice to ensure the lambs were without blemish, as required by halacha (Jewish law).
Q: Why did Moshe specifically call the elders of Israel in this verse?
A: The Midrash teaches that Moshe addressed the elders because they were the leaders and representatives of the people. By instructing them first, the mitzvah (commandment) of the Passover sacrifice would be properly transmitted to all of Israel. The elders also played a key role in ensuring the community fulfilled this important commandment correctly.
Q: What is the significance of slaughtering the Passover lamb 'according to your families'?
A: The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:3) explains that the Passover lamb was to be offered in family groups to strengthen family unity and shared responsibility in fulfilling the mitzvah. This also ensured that the sacrifice was eaten in its entirety, as required, since a single family could consume a whole lamb together.
Q: How does the commandment of the Passover sacrifice apply to Jews today?
A: While we no longer bring the Passover sacrifice without the Holy Temple, the Torah's commandments related to Passover still apply. Today, we commemorate the Exodus through the Seder, which includes retelling the story, eating matzah and maror, and remembering the Passover sacrifice. The Rambam writes that these practices help us connect to this foundational event in Jewish history.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites preparing the Passover lamb before leaving Egypt?
A: The Talmud (Pesachim 96a) teaches that this act demonstrated the Israelites' faith in Hashem. Even while still in slavery, they followed Moshe's instructions to prepare for redemption. This teaches us the importance of taking active steps in serving Hashem, even when the ultimate redemption seems distant. Their actions showed trust in divine promises.