Exodus 12:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Isaiah prophesied both occurrences, urging us not to expect the immediate restoration of Jerusalem, but rather to await the coming of “the Redeemer of Zion, and of the children of Jacob that turn from wickedness” (Isaiah 59:20), who will save the remnant that turns toward Him. In His first advent, the contrary transpired, as highlighted in the words: “He left my house, He wasted my inheritance,” and “He was appointed a grave with the wicked, but He was buried with the rich” (Isaiah 53:9). The mention of ‘the feet and inward parts’ cautions the Jews against separating the Lord's humble arrival from the glorious one, warning that unbelief could lead to estrangement from Him. The reference to the ‘inward parts’ also signifies the need for deeper understanding. It reminds us not to merely judge Him by His physical form but to recognize His divine essence, for true understanding of Christ comes from perceiving the Spirit within Him. Failure to grasp this leads to viewing Him solely as man, neglecting His divine nature. Yet He assures us, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).

Regarding the unfamiliar command of God concerning the lamb's consumption: we are warned against eating it raw. What does it imply? Perhaps it reflects that one shouldn't consume it overcooked either, for time is of the essence. ‘Not to eat raw’ signifies the need for it to be ‘baked on the fire,’ pointing to the importance of preparation. Only the raw meal is prohibited, as that which is never raw needs no restriction. These instructions convey deeper truths. Those with superficial faith consume raw spiritual sustenance; those indulging in pleasure opt for boiled food, allowing their firm belief to simmer down into a careless existence; whereas those with fervent spirits partake in what is baked on the fire. Furthermore, we are instructed to eat the head along with the feet and entrails. The head symbolizes Christ—eternally existent and the cornerstone of the spiritual Church. The feet signify His incarnation, where He descended to our world as man. The mention of the entrails alludes to His power and righteousness concealed within His flesh, stating that true salvation and benefits aren’t merely visible but grounded in deep, spiritual truths.

We must avoid raw meat, for that can render the message unclear and ineffective; likewise, we shouldn't consume boiled food, for it lacks substance and strength. The phrase ‘head with feet and entrails’ suggests a completeness—an invisible assembly beginning, middle, and end. It highlights Christ as the unifying force between God and humanity. The ‘head with feet and inward parts’ signifies the fundamental truths of existence. It embodies law and divine message as divine counsel. To echo the scripture, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news” (Isaiah 52:7).

Such thinking is misguided, as some, driven by their own volition, twist the truths about Him according to God's intentions for humanity, attempting to use this distortion as nourishment for their inherent wickedness. Hence, He declares, "You shall not eat...that which is boiled in water, but only that which is baked with fire," for the reasons previously mentioned, as well as because "the words of the Lord are kindled with fire" (Psalm 11:7). All aspects of His divine nature are fervent; none are lukewarm or cold, as stated in the Psalms, "Thy word is very pure, and Thy servant hath loved it" (Psalm 118:140). The command to consume "the head with the feet and with the womb" signifies that a complete understanding of His mystery should reside in the hearts of the faithful. It is essential to grasp that in the beginning, the Word, who is God, was both in the Father and with the Father—this represents the head, the foundation of the entire sacrament. Additionally, His return as the Judge, tasked with concluding human endeavors, is symbolized by the feet, which complete the body. The inward parts articulate the concealed truth of His humanity, present in the center. Thus, the entirety of faith is encompassed by this knowledge, allowing the complete and perfect Christ to dwell within us. For this reason, John remarked: "is, and was, and is to come" (Rev. 1:8).

We must not neglect the manner of our consumption, for the law has imparted guidance on this, though it veils understanding within its literal meaning. Let us partake of the offering with diligence, consuming ‘unleavened bread’ alongside ‘bitter herbs,’ prepared and ready, girding our loins, donning ‘shoes,’ and, like the elders of Israel, supporting ourselves with ‘staffs’ (Ex. 12:11). With vigilance, let us heed the warning not to do what was forbidden to Lot—“look back, nor stop anywhere in this neighborhood; lest we perish in the fires of Sodom” (Gen. 19:17), and let us avoid becoming like a pillar of salt by turning back to the obstinance that arises from procrastination. We consume ‘bitter herbs’ because living according to God’s will can be challenging and painful, particularly for those just beginning the journey, as it often shuns earthly pleasures. Even if the new ‘yoke is gentle and the burden light,’ as stated (Matt. 11:30), this ease comes from the hope and reward far greater than what our present suffering may merit. Without this perspective, one might easily argue that the gospel poses far greater challenges than the established commandments. The law prohibits the act of adultery (Matthew 5:27), and extends it further, directing us to shun lust and the enticing gaze. The law declares, ‘Thou shalt not kill’ (Matt. 5:21). In this law, one is not merely called to refrain from seeking revenge but is encouraged to surrender oneself to the will of the one who wronged them. Such wisdom surpasses mere legalistic adherence. The law commands, ‘Thou shalt not break an oath’ (Matthew 5:33). Yet, it instructs us to avoid swearing altogether, as even minor oaths can lead to transgression. The Law warns against the accumulation of property, saying ‘Thou shalt not add house to house, nor field to field’ (Isaiah 5:8), and ‘oppressing the needy’ (Ezekiel 22:29). Instead, offer generously and righteously to those in need, allowing you to bear your cross with ease and gain immeasurable riches.

However, the meat of the Lamb should not be consumed raw or merely boiled; for our Savior is not to be viewed simply as a man, nor should we use human reasoning to reconcile how God became flesh. Anyone who perceives our Redeemer merely as a man is left to consume the raw flesh of the Lamb, which he attempts to process by considering His divine nature. Moreover, those who seek to comprehend the mysteries of His incarnation through human intellect wish to “boil the meat of the Lamb in water,” that is, they aspire to delve into the secret of His holy design through exhaustive thought. Thus, to genuinely celebrate the glorious triumph of the Paschal joy, one must neither boil the Lamb in water nor consume it raw, avoiding the inclination to investigate the depths of His incarnation through human understanding or to regard Him merely as a man. Instead, one should partake of the roasted meat of the Lamb, affirming that all things are orchestrated by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is fittingly stated: head with feet and entrails; for our Redeemer is the Alpha and the Omega, both God eternal and man at the end of all times. As we have previously discussed, according to Paul's testimony, we learn that “Christ is the head of God” (1 Cor. 11:3); thus, “to eat the head of the Lamb” signifies believing in His divinity. Conversely, “to eat the feet of the Lamb” represents following His humanity through love and imitation. What do the inner parts signify if not the secret and profound commandments embedded in His teachings? We consume them when we eagerly embrace the words that impart life.

To maintain the lamb whole, it had to be roasted over a fire rather than boiled in water, which would make preservation of its integrity more challenging. The necessity of keeping the lamb in this condition serves a purpose: it visually represents the unity and unbreakable spiritual bond that should exist between the believers and the Lord, similar to those who partake of the one sacramental bread. Communion with the Lord and among one another forms, in their shared ritual, one bread, one body (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).

Furthermore, the requirement for the lamb to be thoroughly roasted—so that nothing 'harsh,' or undercooked, remained—addresses the fact that raw meat is typically unpalatable. The directive in Scripture reveals that the meat of the Passover lamb was to be consumed entirely in one night, with nothing left until the morning. The lamb’s meat was to be eaten alongside unleavened bread and bitter herbs. The unleavened bread, being less soft and less appealing than leavened bread, served as a reminder of the harsh conditions faced by the Hebrews in Egypt and is therefore referred to as the bread of ‘bitterness’ (Deuteronomy 16:3). Additionally, following the Apostolic teaching to commemorate the New Testament Passover ‘not with the leaven of vices and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth’ (1 Cor. 7:8), some interpret that unleavened bread, free from the leaven that corrupts the natural qualities of flour, was meant to remind the participants of the purity of mind that should accompany their eating. The bitter herbs also symbolize the suffering endured by the Hebrews in Egypt.

29, ch. 12-14; 17, 22, vv. 12-14; 17, 22, etc.). Specifically, it stipulates that the lamb must be consumed in its entirety, including the entrails—which, according to tradition, were cleansed and placed back inside, as noted by Rabbi Rashi. Additionally, each head of the household acted in the role of priest during this sacrificial act, thereby elevating the entire nation to the status of a holy people.