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Begin wherever your curiosity leads. The studies will be here when you’re ready. When I shared my first Matthew study on Facebook today, I mentioned that I planned to post daily, though I might not share every post on Facebook. As I continue setting up this blog, I’ve realized that what matters most to me is making my past studies available for anyone who wants to explore them. For now, I’ll be adding posts to my heart’s content as I work through those studies. Some days that may mean one post; other days it may mean several. I’ll continue reading through and preparing each one before sharing it. There is no need to keep up with everything as it appears. This blog is becoming a place you can browse at your own pace—begin with a book, a question, or a study that interests you, and follow from there. The Bible Books page gathers studies by book, while Study Threads helps connect topics that travel through more than one book. The labels on individual posts also bring related material to...
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4. Torn Curtain: What Follows the Darkness?

God’s Image • Torn Curtain Study

The darkness in Exodus does not stand alone. The account continues toward the death of the firstborn, Passover, and departure from bondage.

That progression gives us more to examine beside the darkness surrounding Jesus’ death.

The Firstborn and a Distinction

After the account of three days of darkness, Exodus announces another plague: the death of the firstborn. The announcement includes both people and cattle, while also declaring that YHWH (יהוה) will distinguish between Egypt and Israel. Read Exodus 11:1–7.

We must preserve who dies, who is protected, and what instruction accompanies that protection.

Blood upon the Houses

Exodus 12 gives instructions concerning a lamb without blemish, its slaughter, the meal, and blood placed on the doorposts and lintel of the houses.

YHWH (יהוה) declares:

“when I see the blood, I will pass over you”

— Exodus 12:13, ASV, excerpt

The people are also instructed to remain within their houses until morning. The account joins blood, the doorway, those within, and preservation from destruction. Read Exodus 12:21–28.

The house is therefore more than scenery. Its place in the instruction matters, as does the response of those dwelling within it.

Christ and Passover

Paul explicitly brings Passover into his instruction concerning Christ:

“For Christ, our Passover lamb, also was sacrificed.”

— 1 Corinthians 5:7, LSB, excerpt

He then connects removing leaven with putting away malice and wickedness, directing attention toward sincerity and truth. Read 1 Corinthians 5:6–8.

Here Scripture itself carries the comparison beyond the physical meal. The earlier account supplies language through which Paul addresses the life and conduct of those receiving his instruction.

Firstborn from the Dead

Matthew records darkness, Jesus’ death, and the torn curtain. Colossians identifies Christ as the head of the body and the firstborn from the dead, connecting this with his having first place in everything. Read Matthew 27:45–53 and Colossians 1:18.

The word firstborn deserves careful attention across these accounts. The firstborn who die in Egypt, those protected at Passover, and Christ as firstborn from the dead occupy distinct places in the comparison.

We follow the relationships and sequence rather than making every occurrence interchangeable.

Departure and Those Who Follow

After the deaths in Egypt, Pharaoh tells Moses and Aaron to take Israel and go. Exodus also names a mixed multitude departing with them. Read Exodus 12:29–38.

The account moves through judgment and preservation into departure.

As we continue, we will place this beside Jesus’ resurrection and the later outpouring of the Spirit: what happens first, who receives, and what follows for others.

Questions to Carry Forward

  • Have I noticed what follows the darkness, or considered it in isolation?

  • What distinguishes the households in Exodus?

  • How does Paul connect Passover with the conduct of believers?

  • What does Christ’s place as firstborn require us to preserve about sequence?

Threads to Follow

  • Resurrection and Pentecost: Compare Matthew 27:52–53 with Acts 2:32–33.

  • The intact tunic: Return to John 19:23–24 alongside the torn curtain.

  • Lots and what belongs to God: Examine Joel 3:2–3, retaining the boy, girl, harlot, and wine.

The books were opened…

🌿Studies by Maria Emilia ~ 🗺️Continue exploring: Visit Bible Books to find studies organized by book of the Bible, along with related studies and links.

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