Exodus 12:45 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof. A foreigner - תושב toshab, from ישב yashab, to sit down or dwell; one who is a mere sojourner, for the purpose of traffic, merchandise, etc., but who is neither a proselyte of the gate nor of the covenant.

And a hired servant - Who, though he be bought with money, or has indented himself for a certain term to serve a Jew, yet has not become either a proselyte of the gate or of the covenant. None of these shall eat of it, because not circumcised - not brought under the bond of the covenant; and not being under obligation to observe the Mosaic law, had no right to its privileges and blessings. Even under the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, he is the author of eternal salvation only to them who Obey him, Hebrews 5:9; and those who become Christians are chosen to salvation through Sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth, 2 Thessalonians 2:13; for the grace of God, that bringeth salvation to all men, hath appeared, teaching us that, Denying Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts we should live Soberly, Righteously, and Godly, in this present world; Titus 2:11, Titus 2:12. Such persons only walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they are called.

Exodus 12:45

45 A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof.