Covered by the Blood
“On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. …”
Exodus 12:12-13a (NIV)
The tenth plague was tragic. The first nine had been painful and disruptive, but the tenth was devastating. From Pharaoh’s palace to the lowliest servant’s home, even among the animals, every firstborn died that night in Egypt. Yet as judgment fell on the stubborn Egyptians, God extended mercy to His people—a mercy that pointed to an even greater deliverance.
Each family was told to take a spotless lamb, sacrifice it and mark their doorframes with its blood. The blood would be the sign. When the Angel of the Lord passed through Egypt, striking down the firstborn, He would pass over every home covered by the blood of the lamb.
It was a night of both judgment and mercy. The book of Exodus says that on that night, a great wail rose from the people of Egypt. God’s wrath fell, but His people were spared—not because the Israelites were better or more deserving, but because they were covered by the blood of a substitute. This final plague broke Pharaoh’s hardened heart, and he finally relented.
Passover became a defining moment in Israel’s story. Each year, they celebrated it to remember how God had delivered them from slavery and spared them from death through the blood of the lamb. Yet this yearly remembrance was more than a look back—it was also a foreshadowing of something greater still to come. It pointed ahead to Christ. As Paul writes, … Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed for us (1 Corinthians 5:7b NLT). Just as the lamb’s blood on the doorposts saved Israel, the blood of Jesus covers and saves us today.
From beginning to end, God’s plan has always been to bring His children home. Salvation is not a new idea. It has always flowed from the heart of the Father, revealed continually through His love for His people.
APPLICATION: The story of Exodus ultimately points to Jesus, the true Passover Lamb. Take time to reflect on how His sacrifice has covered and delivered you, and let that reality shape how you live each day.
PRAYER: Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice and the gift of Your blood. Because of Your sacrifice, I am saved, healed, protected and restored. My hope rests fully in You, and You alone. You are truly amazing. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?