New International Reader's Version

Exodus 12:19-37 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

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.

28. They did just what the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron.

29. At midnight the Lord struck down every oldest son in Egypt. He killed the oldest son of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne. He killed all of the oldest sons of prisoners, who were in prison. He also killed all of the male animals that were born first to their mothers among the livestock.

30. Pharaoh and all of his officials got up during the night. So did all of the Egyptians. There was loud crying in Egypt because someone had died in every home.

31. During the night, Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron. He said to them, "Get out of here! You and the Israelites, leave my people! Go. Worship the Lord, just as you have asked.

32. Go. Take your flocks and herds, just as you have said. And also give me your blessing."

33. The Egyptians begged the people of Israel to hurry up and leave the country. "If you don't," they said, "we'll all die!"

34. So the people took their dough before the yeast was added to it. They carried it on their shoulders in bread pans that were wrapped in clothes.

35. They did just as Moses had directed them. They asked the Egyptians for articles that were made out of silver and gold. They also asked them for clothes.

36. The Lord had caused the Egyptians to treat the people of Israel in a kind way. So they gave them what they asked for. The people of Israel took many expensive things that belonged to the Egyptians.

37. The Israelites traveled from Rameses to Succoth. There were about 600,000 men who were old enough to go into battle. The women and children went with them.