New International Reader's Version

Exodus 12:16-27 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

16. "On the first and seventh days, come together for a special service. Do not work at all on those days. All you are allowed to do is prepare food for everyone to eat.

17. "Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread. I brought you out of Egypt on this very day like an army on the march. It is a law that will last for all time to come.

18. In the first month eat bread that is made without yeast. Eat it from the evening of the 14th day until the evening of the 21st day.

19. "For seven days do not let any yeast be found in your homes. Anyone who eats anything that has yeast in it must be cut off from the community of Israel. That applies to outsiders and Israelites alike.

20. Do not eat anything that is made with yeast. No matter where you live, eat bread that is made without yeast."

21. Then Moses sent for all of the elders of Israel. He said to them, "Go at once. Choose the animals for your families. Each family must kill a Passover lamb.

22. Get a branch of a hyssop plant. Dip it into the blood in the bowl. Put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you can go out the door of your house until morning.

23. "The Lord will go through the land to strike the Egyptians down. He'll see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe. He will pass over that house. He won't let the destroying angel enter your homes to kill you.

24. "Obey all of these directions. It's a law for you and your children after you for all time to come.

25. The Lord will give you the land, just as he promised. When you enter it, keep this holy day.

26. "Your children will ask you, 'What does this holy day mean to you?'

27. Tell them, 'It's the Passover sacrifice in honor of the Lord. He passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt. He spared our homes when he struck the Egyptians down.' " Then the people of Israel bowed down and worshiped.