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Exodus 12:22 - Blood marks Divine protection's threshold

Exodus 12:22 - שמות 12:22

Hebrew Text

וּלְקַחְתֶּם אֲגֻדַּת אֵזוֹב וּטְבַלְתֶּם בַּדָּם אֲשֶׁר־בַּסַּף וְהִגַּעְתֶּם אֶל־הַמַּשְׁקוֹף וְאֶל־שְׁתֵּי הַמְּזוּזֹת מִן־הַדָּם אֲשֶׁר בַּסָּף וְאַתֶּם לֹא תֵצְאוּ אִישׁ מִפֶּתַח־בֵּיתוֹ עַד־בֹּקֶר׃

English Translation

And take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and touch with it the lintel and the two side posts, with the blood that is in the basin; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.

Transliteration

Ul'kachtem agudat ezov utvaltem badam asher-basaf v'higatem el-hamashkof v'el-shtei ham'zuzot min-hadam asher basaf v'atem lo tetzeu ish mipetach-beito ad-boker.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּלְקַחְתֶּ֞ם אֲגֻדַּ֣ת אֵז֗וֹב וּטְבַלְתֶּם֮ בַּדָּ֣ם אֲשֶׁר־בַּסַּף֒ וְהִגַּעְתֶּ֤ם אֶל־הַמַּשְׁקוֹף֙ וְאֶל־שְׁתֵּ֣י הַמְּזוּזֹ֔ת מִן־הַדָּ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּסָּ֑ף וְאַתֶּ֗ם לֹ֥א תֵצְא֛וּ אִ֥ישׁ מִפֶּֽתַח־בֵּית֖וֹ עַד־בֹּֽקֶר׃
וּלְקַחְתֶּ֞ם אֲגֻדַּ֣ת אֵז֗וֹב וּטְבַלְתֶּם֮ בַּדָּ֣ם אֲשֶׁר־בַּסַּף֒ וְהִגַּעְתֶּ֤ם אֶל־הַמַּשְׁקוֹף֙ וְאֶל־שְׁתֵּ֣י הַמְּזוּזֹ֔ת מִן־הַדָּ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּסָּ֑ף וְאַתֶּ֗ם לֹ֥א תֵצְא֛וּ אִ֥ישׁ מִפֶּֽתַח־בֵּית֖וֹ עַד־בֹּֽקֶר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Mitzvah of the Blood on the Doorposts

This verse describes the commandment given to Bnei Yisrael in Egypt to mark their doorposts with the blood of the Korban Pesach (Paschal lamb) as a sign of protection during the final plague. The act of placing the blood on the lintel and doorposts was both a physical and spiritual marker of Jewish homes, distinguishing them from Egyptian ones.

Symbolism of the Hyssop (אזוב)

Rashi (Shemot 12:22) explains that the hyssop was chosen because it is a lowly plant, symbolizing humility. This teaches that redemption comes through humility and submission to Hashem's will. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 17:2) further notes that hyssop represents the righteous, as it is mentioned in connection with purification (e.g., the purification process of the metzora).

The Blood as a Sign of Covenant

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) suggests that the blood served as a public declaration of faith in Hashem, as it was openly displayed on the doorposts. The blood of the Korban Pesach and the blood of circumcision (which the Jewish people had recently performed) are linked in Midrashic sources (Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 29) as dual signs of Jewish commitment.

Prohibition Against Leaving the House

The command not to leave the house until morning is explained by Ibn Ezra as both a protection from the plague and a demonstration of faith. The Sforno adds that staying indoors showed complete trust in Hashem's protection, as venturing outside would imply doubt in the efficacy of the blood's protective sign.

The Three Applications of Blood

  • Lintel (משקוף): Represents the heavenly protection from above (R' Bachya).
  • Two Doorposts (מזוזות): Symbolize the mitzvot that guard a Jew's coming and going (alluding to the future mitzvah of mezuzah).
  • Basin (סף): The blood was collected in a basin first, teaching the importance of proper preparation before performing a mitzvah (Malbim).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 96a
The verse is discussed in the context of the Passover sacrifice, particularly regarding the use of hyssop and the application of blood on the doorposts and lintel.
📖 Zevachim 22b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper utensils and methods for collecting and sprinkling blood during sacrificial rites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Israelites use hyssop to put blood on their doorposts?
A: According to Rashi, hyssop was used because it is a humble plant, teaching us that humility is essential in serving Hashem. The Midrash also connects hyssop to the idea of purification, as it was later used in the purification process of the Metzora (a person with tzara'at).
Q: What is the significance of putting blood on the doorposts and lintel?
A: The blood on the doorposts and lintel served as a sign for Hashem to 'pass over' the Israelite homes during the final plague in Egypt (Exodus 12:13). The Rambam explains that this act demonstrated the Israelites' faith and commitment to Hashem's commandments, distinguishing them from the Egyptians.
Q: Why were the Israelites commanded not to leave their homes until morning?
A: Rashi explains that staying indoors was a protection measure during the plague, as the night was filled with danger and destruction outside. The Talmud (Pesachim 120b) also suggests that leaving would show a lack of trust in Hashem's protection and the effectiveness of the blood sign.
Q: How does this verse relate to the Passover Seder today?
A: The mitzvah of recounting the Exodus (Haggadah) at the Seder includes remembering this act of faith. The dipping of greens (karpas) and the maror in charoset during the Seder are symbolic reminders of the hyssop and blood mentioned in this verse, connecting us to our ancestors' experience.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites' actions in this verse?
A: The verse teaches the importance of following Hashem's commandments precisely, even when we don't fully understand them. As the Midrash Tanchuma notes, the Israelites showed complete faith by performing this mitzvah exactly as instructed, which led to their redemption. This teaches us that trust in Hashem and obedience to His will bring protection and blessing.