Saving The Firstborns

Saving the Firstborns

Q: What were the Israelites to do to save their firstborn males?

• a. put blood on the tops and sides of the doorframes
• b. keep all doors and windows closed all night
• c. wrap the firstborn children in linen

God used a series of plagues to get Pharaoh’s attention. He sent frogs, flies, gnats, darkness, and more to convince Pharaoh to let the slaves go free (see Exodus 7:14–10:29). God could have just forced Pharaoh to let the Israelites go free, but that’s not how he works.

God told Moses that he, the Lord, was going to kill every firstborn male child and animal in the land. God gave instructions about what the Israelites had to do in order for their firstborns to be spared. They were to kill a one-year-old male goat or lamb and smear the blood on the sides and tops of the doorframes of their houses. They were also given instructions on how to prepare the animal for their meal.

The angel of death would pass by any home with blood on the doorframe, and that family would be spared. But without the blood, the firstborn male would die. There was great sorrow in Egypt that night as families discovered their firstborn sons had died.

Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron during the night. “Get out!” he ordered. “Leave my people—and take the rest of the Israelites with you!”

No family without the blood of the lamb or goat on their doorframe was spared. This was a symbol of what Jesus would do later. His blood was shed on the cross so we might be spared the penalty of sin.

For You

Jesus has already paid the penalty for sin so you don’t have to. If you haven’t yet accepted Jesus as your Savior, now is a good time to talk to someone about it. If Jesus is already your Savior, share the Good News with someone today.

Answer: a

The LORD will pass through the land to strike down the Egyptians. But when he sees the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe, the LORD will pass over your home. He will not permit his death angel to enter your house and strike you down.   Exodus 12:23

(The Whole Story: Exodus 11:4-5; 12:1-42)