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Exodus 12:24 - Eternal Passover commandment for generations

Exodus 12:24 - שמות 12:24

Hebrew Text

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה לְחָק־לְךָ וּלְבָנֶיךָ עַד־עוֹלָם׃

English Translation

And you shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.

Transliteration

Ushmartem et-hadavar hazeh lechok-lecha ulevanekha ad-olam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם אֶת־הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה לְחׇק־לְךָ֥ וּלְבָנֶ֖יךָ עַד־עוֹלָֽם׃
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם אֶת־הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה לְחׇק־לְךָ֥ וּלְבָנֶ֖יךָ עַד־עוֹלָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה לְחָק־לְךָ וּלְבָנֶיךָ עַד־עוֹלָם (Shemot 12:24) appears in the context of the mitzvah of Korban Pesach (the Paschal sacrifice) and the Exodus from Egypt. The Torah commands Bnei Yisrael to observe this commandment as an eternal statute for themselves and their descendants.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה" ("this thing") refers specifically to the mitzvah of the Korban Pesach. He emphasizes that this mitzvah is not a one-time obligation but a "חָק־לְךָ וּלְבָנֶיךָ" ("statute for you and your children")—binding for all future generations. Rashi further notes that the phrase "עַד־עוֹלָם" ("forever") underscores the eternal nature of this commandment, even when the Beit HaMikdash is not standing (as we commemorate it through the Seder and the Afikoman).

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:1-3), the Rambam codifies this verse as the foundation for the ongoing obligation of the Korban Pesach in every generation. He explains that the mitzvah applies when the Beit HaMikdash is standing, but its memory is preserved through the Pesach Seder, including the roasted bone (Zeroa) and matzah, which serve as reminders of the original sacrifice.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Mechilta (a halachic Midrash on Shemot) elaborates that the phrase "לְחָק־לְךָ וּלְבָנֶיךָ" teaches that parents must educate their children in the observance of Pesach. This includes:

  • Reciting the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus) at the Seder (as derived from Shemot 13:8).
  • Ensuring children ask the Mah Nishtanah to engage them in the narrative.
  • Transmitting the mesorah (tradition) of the mitzvot associated with Pesach.

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 472) rules that even in the absence of the Korban Pesach, we fulfill this verse through the Pesach Seder’s rituals, such as:

  • Eating matzah and maror.
  • Discussing the Exodus in detail.
  • Reciting Hallel and other prayers commemorating the redemption.

The Mishna Berura adds that the Seder’s structure ensures the mitzvah remains "עַד־עוֹלָם", as each generation renews its connection to the Exodus.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 96b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the observance of Passover and its perpetual nature for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 12:24 mean when it says 'observe this thing for an ordinance'?
A: The verse refers to the commandment of observing the laws of Passover (Pesach) for all generations. Rashi explains that 'this thing' specifically means the mitzvah of eating the Passover sacrifice (Korban Pesach) with matzah and bitter herbs, as mentioned earlier in the chapter. It is a permanent obligation for Jews to remember and reenact the Exodus from Egypt.
Q: Why is the commandment in Exodus 12:24 important in Judaism?
A: This verse emphasizes the eternal nature of the Passover observance, ensuring that future generations remember the miracles of the Exodus. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches in Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah that retelling the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus) is a fundamental mitzvah, as it strengthens our faith in Hashem and His providence.
Q: How do we fulfill 'observe this thing... to thy sons forever' today?
A: Today, we fulfill this commandment by celebrating Passover (Pesach) each year, conducting the Seder, eating matzah, and recounting the Exodus story (Haggadah). The Talmud (Pesachim 116b) explains that parents must teach their children about the Exodus, as the verse says 'to thy sons,' ensuring the tradition continues through education and practice.
Q: What can we learn from Exodus 12:24 about Jewish tradition?
A: This verse teaches the importance of mesorah (transmission of tradition) from one generation to the next. The Midrash (Mechilta) highlights that 'for ever' means the mitzvah applies in all times and places, showing Judaism's emphasis on preserving divine commandments throughout history.