Exodus 12:11
And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’s passover.
Exodus 12:11
Exodus 12:11 describes the mode of eating the Passover: with belts fastened, sandals on feet, staff in hand, eating in haste. This posture communicates readiness, alertness, and urgency—God’s deliverance requires immediate action and constant preparedness. It also marks a turning point from bondage to liberation; the people must depart Egypt at once when the moment comes. The mention of haste underscores that salvation is not a slow, easy process but a decisive act of God that compels a swift response from His people. The Passover itself then becomes a ritual of pilgrimage—a journey from slavery toward a promised future.
The exhortation to eat in haste captures the eschatological sense of living in anticipation of God’s redemptive work. It hints at the urgency of aligning life with God’s purposes and trusting His timing. It also foreshadows the Christian call to readiness for the return of Christ and the ongoing immersion in God’s mission.
Today, this verse encourages believers to cultivate spiritual alertness: be prepared for God’s leading, respond promptly to His voice, and avoid complacency. Practically, this can mean keeping a daily rhythm of prayer, Scripture, and discernment so you’re ready to act when God speaks, whether it’s a sudden opportunity to serve, a call to forgive, or a chance to share good news with someone. It also invites a missional mindset—like travelers leaving behind the old life and seeking a new land with purpose. A personal exercise: keep a ready-to-go pace in life—an “emergency bag” of spiritual disciplines, a list of prayer requests, and a habit of quick obedience.
Cross-References: Luke 12:35-40; 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6; Ephesians 6:15; James 4:13-15