Exodus 12:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Likewise, when the Jewish people partook, they quickly sought liberation from their bondage, and you, as a Christian, upon partaking should hasten to be delivered from worldly ties. Paul advocates, “Put on the armor of righteousness, and have your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:14-15).

How many wish today to see the face of Christ, to envision His garments and sandals! Look, you can see Him, feel Him, and taste Him. You yearn for a glimpse of His attire, but He gives you His very essence—enabling you not only to behold but also to touch, embrace, and welcome Him within. Therefore, approach with diligence, not with indifference or timidity, but rather with fervent love, zeal, and strength. If the Jews stood ready, eating the lamb with urgency—sandals on and staffs in hand—how much more should you remain vigilant? They were preparing to enter the Promised Land, while you are preparing to ascend to heaven.

“Let your waist be girded,” says Christ, “with lamps burning” (Luke 12:36), to keep a flame of unwavering light. This was also commanded during the exodus from Egypt—this call to be girded foreshadows the Passover. You may wonder why this was so; would you like to know the reasons drawn from both history and spiritual understanding? I offer you both. Recall that they were girded, holding staffs, and ready as they partook of the Passover. This sacred act carries weight and profound meaning. If the prefigurement was so solemn, how much more is the truth itself! They emerged from Egypt while partaking of the Passover. Take notice: this symbolizes the life of wanderers. Wearing sandals and holding staffs while standing indicates readiness for the journey ahead. What do you want to hear first—the account or the implications? I suggest the account. Historically, the Jews often exhibited ingratitude, frequently forgetting the kindnesses of God. Thus, in an effort to engrain remembrance into their hearts, God instructed them to observe the Passover in this manner. Why? So that by observing it annually, they could recall the divine deliverance from bondage. It was not only during Passover that God wished to remind them of His mercy but in the very mode of their participation. Therefore, they ate while girded and shod, readying themselves to depart from Egypt to the Promised Land. Such is the historical significance; but here is the spiritual truth: we participate in the true Passover, Christ, “our Passover” as it is written, “Christ, sacrificed for us” (1 Cor. 5:7). Therefore, it follows that we partake of this Passover, far superior to the Old Covenant observance, necessitating us to be girded and shod. Why? So that we, too, may be prepared for the journey, the exit from this life. Those who partake of this Passover must not dwell on Egypt but earnestly strive for heaven, for the heavenly Jerusalem. Thus, we partake of the Passover ready and shod, reminding ourselves that when we begin to partake, we are obligated to set forth on the road—this signifies two responsibilities: first, to depart from Egypt and live as if earth were a foreign land—“But our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil. 3:20); and secondly, to remain ever prepared, so that when we are called, we may promptly respond, “Our hearts are ready” (Ps. 107:2). Yet, Paul, with a clear conscience, could proclaim this. I, however, find myself in need of much time for repentance. To be girded is to possess an awakened spirit; listen to God’s words to a righteous man: “Gird up your loins like a man: I will question you, and you shall answer Me” (Job 38:3). This is the same message for all saints, the same for Moses. Even He appears girded in Ezekiel’s vision, and angels too are depicted as girded, resembling true warriors. To stand firm, one must be prepared. On the contrary, it is possible to wrap oneself for combat in ways other than simply standing erect. Let us also prepare ourselves.

The Jews commemorate the Passover of the earthly, having rejected the heavenly; yet we, honoring the heavenly Passover, have renounced the earthly. As their observance reminded them of the salvation of their firstborn, spared through the mysterious blood of the paschal offering, our observance signifies the salvation of all humanity. The accomplished and temporal foreshadowed the eternal yet, upon the manifestation of the truth, the shadow lost its significance, much like when a king appears among his people—none would forsake the living monarch to bow before an image. It becomes evident how the image pales in the presence of the truth: the image commemorates the temporal preservation of the Jewish firstborn; the truth, however, brings forth eternal life for all. To evade death momentarily is slight comfort for one destined to die eventually; but to escape death entirely is monumental. This is our reality, for whom the Passover—Christ—was offered up. The very name of the feast, when understood in the light of truth, carries far greater weight. Passover translates to “to pass over”—when the destroyer struck the Egyptians and overlooked the homes of the Jews. For us, the destroyer has indeed passed over, leaving us untouched, for we have been raised by Christ to eternal life. Thus, we understand the institution of the Old Testament Passover spiritually, reflecting on it through faith in alignment with Apostolic interpretations. Naturally, the faithful strive for a full comprehension of this imagery, seeking to perceive in clarity how it corresponds to reality, allowing them to visually behold the spiritual truths. They desire that all aspects of the law reflect the Christ, so through the spiritual the physical may be elucidated, and the unseen may become apparent in vivid imagery.

Moreover, it is essential to understand what those who participated in the Passover were mandated to embody, so that we may know how to engage with Christ: “Eat it in this manner: let your loins be girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staffs in hand.” The attire of the traveler—well-secured garments—symbolizes an eager readiness to embark toward God’s promises, akin to how Israel left for the Promised Land. Observe, then, the spiritual traveler: the advantage he possesses over others does not lie in racing toward a distant promised land, nor in seeking temporal rewards, nor in shifting lands, from Egypt to Judah, but what does such a traveler proclaim as he journeys? “Forgetting what is behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call” (Phil. 3:13-14). These are the loins girded with truth, as the Apostle stated (Eph. 6:14)! Thus, you shall move briskly on your righteous path, departing from all fleeting distractions—false and empty, as King David articulated (Ps. 38:7)—and yearning for eternal truths. With your feet covered, you are dressed in readiness for the gospel of peace, equipped for every good work through which peace with God is fortified in us, as the Apostle declares: “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). He also states, “Let us run with endurance the race set before us” (Heb. 12:1), and yet again: “I run to win the prize” (1 Cor. 9:24). The staffs in their hands symbolize hope—an anchor for the soul in God, providing steadfastness amid trials, as Paul affirmed (1 Thess. 3:3). “Eat it with haste: it is the Passover of the Lord.” This meal is for those with intent, not for the idle or complacent, but for those filled with fervent spirit, for it leads us past the devastating wrath that the Lord issues. Thus, it is declared “the Passover of the Lord,” a phrase that one translator of Aquila explicitly rendered as “the passing over to the Lord.”

Passover is commemorated by the Jews in reflection of their liberation from Egypt and the preservation of their firstborn during death. The term “Easter” signifies the passage away from death; this is how it is understood in Hebrew. We, too, celebrate the Passover, yet not as an escape from temporal death nor from earthly enslavement, but rather as our complete deliverance from death and from bondage to the evil one. The attire of those who partook in the Passover reflects readiness for departure—garments gathered at the waist, sandals on their feet, and staffs in hand—images of travelers prepared for haste. Yet for us, this readiness speaks to the preparation of the soul for the transition from this world. Thus, well-prepared souls, centered in purpose, evade worldly distractions, poised for the divine journey to heaven. “Our citizenship is in heaven,” states the Apostle (Phil. 3:20). Our reliance rests on faith and hope in Christ as our support. A lamp is lit for our souls, just as the physical lamp was for them. The lamp for our spirits is the teachings of Christ: “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (Psalm 118:105). And this Lord Himself says, “Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning, that you may be like men awaiting your lord’s return” (Luke 12:35-36).

Lastly, we must unveil the spiritual essence reflected in the outward appearance of those who enjoyed the Passover, encouraging you to emulate it, as the spiritual unfolds alongside the physical. You ought not to gird your waist with mere cloth but with acts that bring salvation; not your physical waist with a belt, but your spiritual being with readiness of heart. Girding your feet denotes—as the Apostle states—the eagerness to proclaim the gospel of peace (Eph. 6:15). Hold in your hand a staff, not of wood but of hope, which affirms your faith, reminiscent of how the Israelites hastily left Egypt, fleeing the corruption of this world. Be vigilant, but not inattentive in your spiritual observance of the Passover. Your zeal should reflect not the gluttony of the hasty eater but the fervent love for God that drives you to flee worldly distractions in pursuit of Him.

Likewise, the prophet Jeremiah reveals: “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? But to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways” (Deut. 10:12; cf. Micah 6:8). The staff in hand symbolizes the hope that strengthens and sustains us through patience, as conveyed by the prophets: “Trust in the Lord and stay upon your God” (Isaiah 50:10).

Thus, He commands the lamb to be eaten “with diligence,” making it clear that one who has received communion with Christ should not be lazy or negligent in good works; rather, they must be eager and devoted to what is beneficial. Blessed Paul again reminds us in his letters: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (1 Cor. 9:24). Moreover, recognizing that we ought to draw insights from all around us, I will move on to another thought. The law does not desire to see Christ's chosen one indulged in any manner or inattentive; instead, it urges him to wear the attire suited for travelers, perhaps indicating either that what has been accomplished in the image and shadow will someday be transformed into truth or that one who has partaken of Christ must, with active and nimble feet, strive toward every virtue while turning away from base worldly pleasures. He provides the reasoning for why a Christian, as we have recently described, should appear in this manner, stating, “The Passover is the Lord’s,” meaning the transition. For we are moving from a worldly existence to a life directed by God.

It is essential to recognize that wise Moses prescribes a similar practice for Israel when he instructs them to sacrifice a lamb, foreshadowing Christ, as the blessed Paul affirmed when he stated, “For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us” (1 Cor. 5:7). Addressing those who consume His flesh, the high priest Moses (and through him God Himself) commanded: “Let your loins be girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staffs in your hands.” It is imperative that those who are partakers of Christ are prepared to engage in the righteous labor suited for the saints and to promptly follow wherever the divine law directs us. This is how the path is laid out for them.

Passover is inherently a Hebrew term, not Greek as some might assert, though it carries meanings from both tongues. The Greek word for suffering, pashein, led to the belief that Passover connoted suffering, as if derived from the Greek term. In the Hebrew context, Passover signifies 'transition,' as God’s people first observed it during their crossing of the Red Sea in their escape from Egypt. This prophetic representation finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who was led as a lamb to His sacrifice (Isaiah 53:7). His blood marked our doorposts, symbolizing the sign of the cross on our foreheads, ensuring our deliverance from the ruin of this age, akin to liberation from Egyptian bondage. We experience a salvific transition as we shift from the dominion of evil to that of Christ, from this fleeting life to His everlasting kingdom. In this way, we cross over to the eternal God, so as not to be swept away with the transient world.

From this, it becomes evident that the literal actions suggest a deeper significance; this ordinance does not instruct us on the act of eating—such instincts stem from nature itself, which instills within us the craving for nourishment—but rather implies something else entirely. For what does it matter for morality if food is consumed in one manner or another? Is the eater's belt loose or taut? Are their feet shod or bare? Is the staff held firmly or set aside? It's clear that this specific travel attire holds a profound symbolism. It calls us to recognize that we are sojourners in this temporary life, propelled by the necessity of our journey, requiring our hands and feet to be equipped, along with all necessities for the path ahead. To shield our unprotected feet from the thorns of life—representing sin—we don sturdier footwear; this disciplined life ensures that the thorns are crushed before they can take root within us. The garment, extending to cover the feet, acts as a safeguard for the cautious traveler; and beneath this garment, we find the restrained enjoyment of life's treasures, guided by a chaste spirit—the belt of the traveler. The concept of chastity is reflected in how we conduct our lives. Moreover, the staff that protects against wild beasts symbolizes hope, which fortifies our weary souls and repels adversities.

For some, understanding this term as indicative of salvific suffering and then adapting it into the Greek language by substituting F for P and K for X, this day became known as Pascha, deriving from πάσχω, meaning to suffer. The adaptation of this term gained popularity because it resonated more piously with the people.

Let those who are unrestrained and indulgent lack the adornment of a girdle, as they possess no reason that transcends their cravings. In contrast, you, by means of your girdle and virtue, subdue desire and the 'roaring' within you, as Divine Scripture asserts (Jer. 5:8), denouncing the filth of passion, so that you may partake of the Passover in purity, ‘putting to death your earthly members’ (Col. 3:5) and emulating the girdle of John the Baptist, the forerunner and great proclaimer of truth. I recognize another girdle, one of a military nature, symbolizing bravery, by which some are labeled ‘girdle-bearers’ (prepared for battle). In fact, a ‘girdle-bearer’ signifies someone heavily armed, while ‘one girdle-bearer’ refers to someone lightly armed (Num. 4:13), including ‘the uniquely girded men of Syria’ (4 Sam. 24:2). God also instructs Job, saying, ‘Gird up thy loins like a man’ (Job 40:2), encouraging him to respond courageously. The divine David expresses that God will ‘gird him with strength’ (Psalm 17:33), depicting God Himself as ‘clothed with might and girded’ (Psalm 92:1), clearly in opposition to the wicked, while some may interpret this as a demonstration of boundless power illuminated by divine light, in which regard God ‘clothes Himself with light as with a garment’ (Psalm 103:2). For who can withstand His infinite power and light?

What connection exists between loins and truth? What does St. Paul convey when he instructs, ‘Gird up your loins with truth’ (Eph. 6:14)? Does this not imply that contemplation curtails the grip of lust within us, preventing it from seeking fulfillment elsewhere? The desire for any single thing often restricts our ability to pursue other pleasures with equal fervor. Anyone wishing to enter the sacred land marked by God should ‘take off his shoes,’ as Moses did at the mount (Exodus 3:5), to avoid bringing anything profane that could obstruct the relationship between God and humanity. Likewise, any disciple sent to proclaim the gospel, embodying integrity and free from excess, ought to carry little—no brass, staff, or more than one garment—and should also be unshod, to reveal the ‘beautiful feet of those who preach peace’ (Isaiah 52:7) and all that is good. However, one who escapes Egypt and its myriad temptations must wear boots, safeguarding against the threats posed by scorpions and serpents found there, to protect themselves from those who lie in ambush, whom we are instructed to trample (Luke 10:19). Regarding the rod and its concealed meaning, I perceive it as both a support and a shepherd's tool, guiding those who seek wisdom. Yet, the law instructs you to carry a rod for support until you overcome any stumbling thoughts when confronted with the blood, suffering, and death of God, lest you mistakenly assume the role of a defender of God and veer into ungodliness. Instead, approach His body and drink of His blood resolutely and without hesitation, if you desire life. With faith, heed the teachings of the Flesh, and without wavering, remain steadfast in suffering, unwavering before adversaries, undistracted by conflicting philosophies, maintaining your footing, placing ‘your feet in the gates of Jerusalem’ (Psalm 121:2), standing firm on the rock, ‘that your feet may not waver’ (Psalm 16:5), and pressing onward toward God. Truly, it delighted ‘God’ that you emerged ‘from Egypt, from the furnace of iron’ (Deuteronomy 4:20), renouncing the polytheism of that land under the guidance of Moses, the lawgiver and military leader.

The righteous act swiftly to fulfill their vows. Consequently, our ancestors observed the Passover in urgency, with their loins girded and their shoes still on, as if they had set aside the burdens of the flesh, preparing for their journey. The Passover of the Lord signifies a transition from sinful passions to the practice of virtue. It is referred to as the Passover of the Lord because, at that time, the truth of the Lord's Passion was foreshadowed in the likeness of the lamb, and its grace is now commemorated.

If one wonders why the Israelites in Egypt were commanded to eat the lamb with their shoes on, while the apostles were sent out to preach without shoes, it is important to recognize that those in Egypt must be cautious of snakebites—there are many perils in that land. The one celebrating Passover is at risk of harm, yet the minister of truth is fortified against such threats and remains unafraid.

Therefore, anyone wishing to partake in the Sacred and True Passover must embrace thoroughness and cultivate a love for virtue. This understanding resonates with those who have been made partakers of the sacramental truth as dictated by the spiritual law of the Lawgiver.

Thus, one who consumes the Passover must have their loins girded, ensuring that those who celebrate the victory of the resurrection and incorruption are not harmed by vice, but rather conquer their passions and curb the desires of the flesh. Without an understanding of the victory over corruption, one succumbs to it due to lack of self-control. While this path may pose challenges, the gate leading to life is indeed narrow (Mt. 7:13). We have countless examples of those who practice abstinence.

It is also essential to note: your shoes are on your feet. Our feet symbolize our actions, and the shoes represent the skins of slain creatures. These shoes shield our feet. What are these deceased beings, whose skins serve as protection, if not our forebearers in faith who have journeyed toward the Eternal Homeland? By reflecting on their lives, we safeguard our steps amidst our toil. Consequently, wearing shoes signifies looking to the virtuous lives of those who have gone before us and shielding our paths from the wounds of sin.

And your staffs are in your hands. What does Scripture convey with the rod if not the shepherd’s protection? It is noteworthy that we are first commanded to gird our loins and then to grasp the rods, implying that pastoral duty should be undertaken by those capable of mastering their own lustful impulses, ensuring they do not fall prey to desires when guiding others in difficult matters.

Additionally, it is said: and eat with diligence (with haste). Beloved brethren, pay attention to the phrase: “with care” (with haste). With haste, we should learn the commands of God, the mysteries of our Redeemer, and the joys of our heavenly Homeland, striving diligently to fulfill life’s commandments. Today we can do good, but we cannot guarantee our ability to do so tomorrow. Hence, partake of the Passover with urgency—actively pursue the victory in the Heavenly Homeland. None should linger in this life’s journey, lest they forfeit their place in the eternal realm. Let us not allow procrastination to hinder our noble aspirations, but rather let each person diligently complete what they have begun. If we remain zealous in our love for God, our cherished Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns alongside the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, will aid us, God for all eternity. Amen.

The Passover is termed ‘the Lord's.’ The entire practice described, including the ritual slaughter of the lamb and the sacred meal, is commanded by the Lord to be recognized as ‘the Passover of the Lord.’ The term ‘Passover’ derives from the Hebrew, meaning passing over, recalling the night when the Hebrews consumed the lamb and the angel of death ‘passed over’ their homes marked with the lamb's blood, sparing those inside while striking the firstborn of the Egyptians. The next two verses elucidate this meaning of ‘Passover.’ The passage regarding the establishment of the Passover sacrifice is intended to be read on the eve of the first day of the Christian Passover feast, as the Old Testament Passover has been fulfilled in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this transformative nature when he states, ‘our Passover was sacrificed for us, Christ’ (1 Corinthians 5:7). It is evident that when the apostle refers to Christ as our Passover, he highlights the significant parallel between Him and the lamb of the Old Testament.

The Passover lamb was to be selected in advance, isolated from the flock for sacrifice, just as Christ was foreordained from eternity to atone for humanity and was sacrificed by the will of the Father before the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8). A male sheep was designated for the Passover sacrifice, symbolizing the God-Man, the Son of God, who assumed human nature. The lamb chosen for the Paschal offering was to be young, not exceeding one year in age, representing one who embodies eternal life and knows no weakness or contempt found in created beings. The Passover lamb was required to be spotless, symbolizing Christ's immaculate nature. Scripture describes Christ as the Lamb without blemish, untainted, distinct from sinners (1 Peter 1:19; Hebrews 7:26), embodying the fullness of spiritual perfection in both His divine and human essences. The Passover lamb was slain in the evening, paralleling how Jesus Christ experienced death in the flesh on the cross in the evening as well.

The care of the lamb over the fire transforms into the symbolism of Christ's cross, as noted by the martyr Justin, who explained that the lamb was positioned on the fire akin to a cross, with one rod aligned vertically from the lower to the upper part and another horizontally across its back. The completion of this fulfillment is evident in that it was commanded that none of the lamb's bones should be broken, a prophecy manifested in Christ. Through the lamb's blood, the homes of the Hebrews were spared from the angel of destruction, just as the blood of the Lamb of God on the cross redeemed the sins of the entire world, protecting believers from the divine wrath. Consuming the Paschal offering fostered an intimate spiritual connection with the Lord, transitioning the Israelites from their bleak state under the Egyptians to a joyful communion with God. Similarly, participating in the body and blood of Christ leads us into deep fellowship with Him, becoming the source of eternal blessedness.

The Paschal lamb was to be eaten alongside unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Consequently, our fellowship with Christ requires that we live in sincerity and truth, devoid of the leaven of malice and wickedness (1 Corinthians 5:7-8), and be prepared to embrace the bitterness of self-denial while resisting temptations from the flesh, the world, and the devil. Those who partook of the Paschal lamb were to reflect those prepared for a journey, and all who enter into fellowship with Christ by faith must remember that they are pilgrims in this world, striving for their heavenly home, and are called to relinquish attachments to earthly matters.

This latter interpretation is poignantly illustrated in the words of the prophet Isaiah (31:5), which convey that "as a bird hovers, so the Lord of Hosts will defend Jerusalem; He will protect it and deliver it, passing over it to safeguard it."