L.S. Baker Jr
L.S. Baker Jr is assistant to the curator, Horn Archaeological Museum, Institute of Archaeology, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States.
Covered with blood: A better understanding of Exodus 12:7
Egyptian archaeology provides a clear understanding of the events surrounding the Israelite slaves' final night in Egypt-one that delivers a powerful lesson about salvation by faith alone. Have you ever wondered why God asked the children of Israel to paint blood on the lintel and two doorposts of the door to their houses prior to the tenth plague (Exod. 12:7)? Sure, you answer, it was to serve as a sign for the angel of death to pass over their houses (Exod. 12:13). That's true. But why the doorposts? Since no one is kept out of a dwelling by doorposts, why not paint something like a big cross on the door itself? Egyptian archaeology provides an answer; one that can teach us a powerful lesson about salvation by faith alone.