Exodus 12:1-27 introduces the Passover as a ritual act of worship toward God.

The immediate setting of Exodus 12 is not the grand stage of Egyptian history it takes place within the humble homes of the people of Israel on the eve of their departure. The Passover begins as a simple shared meal packed with great meaning not only for Israel but all of mankind.

Here's what we learn about Passover from this section of scripture:

• The Passover is to be observed by each household in the community
• The meal consists of a 1 year old lamb without defect (goats are also ok).
• The lamb is to be selected and set aside for this purpose on the 10th day of the month.
• The community should ensure everyone is included especially those who are poor and cannot afford to host a meal of their own
• The Passover meal occurs on the fourteenth day of the first month of the year
• The lamb is slaughtered at twilight, roasted over fire and eaten that evening
• The blood of the lamb is spread on the doorposts as a sign of coming under the protection of God as He passes through Egypt to strike down the first born in every family. Households with the lamb's blood on their doorposts will not be subject to the destruction of their first born but will be "passed over"
• Bitter herbs and bread without yeast (unleavened bread) are eaten along with the lam