1. The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in Egypt.
2. He said, "From now on, this month will be your first month. Each of your years will begin with it.
3. "Speak to the whole community of Israel. Tell them that on the tenth day of this month each man must get a lamb from his flock. A lamb should be chosen for each family and home.
4. "Suppose there are not enough people in your family to eat a whole lamb. Then you must share some of it with your nearest neighbor. You must add up the total number of people there are. You must decide how much lamb is needed for each person.
5. "The animals you choose must be males that are a year old. They must not have any flaws. You may choose either sheep or goats.
6. Take care of them until the 14th day of the month. Then the whole community of Israel must kill them when the sun goes down.
7. Take some of the blood. Put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where you eat the lambs.
8. "That same night eat the meat cooked over the fire. Also eat bitter plants. And eat bread that is made without yeast.
9. Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water. Instead, cook it over the fire. Cook the head, legs and inside parts.
10. Do not leave any of it until morning. If some is left over until morning, burn it.
11. "Eat the meat while your coat is tucked into your belt. Put your sandals on your feet. Take your walking stick in your hand. Eat the food quickly. It is the Lord's Passover.
12. "That same night I will pass through Egypt. I will strike down every oldest son. I will also kill all of the male animals that were born first to their mothers. And I will judge all of the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord.