What Symbol Was Used?
When studying the events of the Exodus—particularly the first Passover—one central symbol stands out above all others: the blood of the lamb placed on the doorposts and lintel. This symbol served not only as a physical mark but also as a profound spiritual sign loaded with meaning, protection, and divine instruction.
1. The Blood as the Primary Symbol
The key symbol God commanded the Israelites to use on the night of the final plague was the blood of a spotless lamb. This blood was applied specifically in three places on each household:
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The two doorposts
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The lintel (the beam above the door)
This simple but powerful act transformed the entrance of every obedient home into a visible declaration of trust in God.
2. The Purpose of the Symbol
a. A Sign of Protection
God stated that the blood would be “a sign”. When the Lord passed through Egypt to strike the firstborn, He would see the blood and pass over that home.
Thus, the symbol functioned as:
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A marker of obedience
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A shield from judgment
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A confirmation that the family belonged to God’s covenant people
b. A Sign of Faith
Applying the blood required belief. The Israelites could not rely on status, nationality, or lineage—only on God’s instruction. Their safety was tied directly to whether they honored the symbol God provided.
3. The Symbol’s Qualities
Several characteristics made the blood an especially meaningful symbol:
a. It Came From a Pure, Unblemished Lamb
Only a lamb “without blemish” was acceptable. Purity of the sacrifice enhanced the purity of the symbol.
b. It Required Action
The symbol was not passive. The Israelites had to:
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Select the lamb
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Kill it at twilight
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Drain the blood
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Apply it carefully to the entrance
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Stay inside under its protection
Thus, the symbol was tied to obedience and active participation.
c. It Was Public
The mark on the door was outwardly visible. Every household that believed displayed that belief openly.
4. The Symbol’s Spiritual Message
The use of blood carried deep theological meaning:
a. Life for Life
Scripture teaches that “the life of the flesh is in the blood.”
By marking their doors with blood, the Israelites symbolically declared:
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A life has been given
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A substitute has been offered
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Death has already “visited” this house
Thus, judgment would not strike again.
b. A Pattern of Redemption
The symbol foreshadowed later themes throughout the Bible, especially the idea that deliverance from sin and judgment involves:
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A sacrificial offering
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Substitution
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Faith in God’s provision
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Protection under shed blood
5. The Symbol’s Lasting Significance
The blood on the doorposts became the foundational symbol for the entire Passover tradition. Every future Passover celebration looked back to:
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The night when God delivered His people
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The symbol He commanded them to use
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The salvation that came through obedience to His instructions
Even centuries later, this symbol remained central to Israel’s identity as a redeemed nation.
Conclusion
The symbol used was the blood of a spotless lamb applied to the doorposts and lintel.
It represented protection, faith, obedience, substitution, and deliverance. More than a physical mark, it was a visual proclamation of trust in God’s promise and a sign of participation in His saving work.