Exodus 12: 49 Commentary

Ex. 12:43-49
#464: Not to give the flesh of the Paschal lamb to an Israelite who had become an apostate (Ex. 12:43).
#402: That an uncircumcised person shall not eat of the t’rumah (heave offering), and the same applies to other holy things. This rule is inferred from the law of the Paschal offering, by similarity of phrase (Ex. 12:44-45 and Lev. 22:10) but it is not explicitly set forth in the Torah. Traditionally, it has been learnt that the rule that the uncircumcised must not eat holy things is an essential principle of the Torah and not an enactment of the Scribes.
#465: Not to give flesh of the Paschal lamb to a stranger who lives among you to eat (Ex. 12:45).
#466: Not to take any of the flesh of the Paschal lamb from the company’s place of assembly (Ex. 12:46).
#467: Not to break a bone of the Paschal lamb (Ex. 12:46).
#468: That the uncircumcised shall not eat of the flesh of the Paschal lamb (Ex. 12:48).

After discussing leavened (chametz) & unleavened (matzah) in verses 15-20, the lamb is revisited picking up where verses 6-10 left off (refer to comment 1 at http://www.vbvbc.org/bible-verse/Exodus12-10).
These commands, like the earlier ones regarding the Paschal lamb, are not applicable because there is no temple. However there is debate regarding #402. It seems that, even without a temple, some things are still considered holy. Actually, I had some direct experience with this. I wanted to attend a Seder hosted by a Jewish synagogue, but I wasn’t allowed since I’m a gentile. But another year I was able to attend a Seder hosted by an Orthodox Jew in his home. According to Exodus 12:48-49, there was one law for the child of Israel as well as a stranger, but only if that stranger was circumcised.
Finally, there is a great type of Christ in Ex. 12:46. Compare that with John 19:31-37.

By Terik Q (wrote 65 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 7/31/2010 14:39 pm