Why is Exodus chapter 12 considered a benchmark chapter?
Exodus 12 is a benchmark chapter because it records the introduction and institution of Passover. It stands alongside Genesis 12 as a pivotal chapter, and its observance continues, as Jewish people still practice Passover and cleanse their homes of leaven, tracing the practice back to this chapter.
Les teaches that after finishing with Pharaoh for a little bit, the study comes into Exodus chapter 12, which again is a benchmark chapter, much like Genesis chapter 12, because here we have the introduction of Passover. He notes that the Passover season had just passed and that Orthodox Jews, and some other areas of Judaism, had been making a big ado over Passover. They are still practicing it. They still cleanse their house of leaven from top to bottom, and it all goes back to this institution of Exodus chapter 12. The chapter then opens with the Lord speaking to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying that this month, now called April, shall be unto them the beginning, or the first of months.
And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,