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I. THE PASSOVER THE APPOINTED MEANS OF A GREAT DELIVERANCE. The destruction of the firstborn secured Israel's freedom; the rite itself saved Israel's firstborn.

1. Wrath was averted.

2. Individual faith and action were required.

3. Perfect safety was thus obtained.

II. THE PASSOVER AS ORDAINED FEAST OF REMEMBRANCE.

1. Not a formal service, but gratefully rendered, and intelligently observed; the father instructing the child as to its meaning (vers. 26, 27).

2. To be kept by all the people (ver. 4). The redemption to be celebrated by all the redeemed.

3. In each successive generation. A perpetual witness of Jehovah's delivering mercy; an unfailing type; a constant test and measure of religious life. Kept by Moses (Numbers 9.); by Joshua (chap. Joshua 5.); revived by Josiah; in Nehemiah's time (Ezra 6.); in our Lord's time widely observed.

4. Every detail was divinely ordered.

5. The lamb was eaten with special accompaniments Bitter herbs denoted penitence; unleavened bread, sincerity. Godly sorrow chastens Christian joy. True consecration marks the believer's praise.

6. In a pilgrim spirit. Loins girded, shoes on feet, staff in hand. Christ's service here is not the Christian's rest. His eye is fixed on heaven; and, while he works and praises, his true cry ever is, "Come, Lord Jesus."

(W. S. Bruce, M. A.)

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KJV: It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.

WEB: It is a night to be much observed to Yahweh for bringing them out from the land of Egypt. This is that night of Yahweh, to be much observed of all the children of Israel throughout their generations.