The Jews were in slavery to the Egyptians at the time of the writing of Exodus 12. Pharaoh had threatened the life of Moses. The Lord had told Moses and Aaron that the Angel of Death would pass through Egypt, striking the firstborn of Egypt. God instructed Moses to tell the Israelites that "on the 10th day of the Jewish New Year each man was to choose a lamb, without defect, and care for it until the 14th day, On that day each family was the slaughter the chosen lamb. Thee then to take the blood and place it on both sides of the door and over the top of the door. The blood would symbolizes a sacrifice offered as a substitute, one life laid down for another. As the Angel of Death passed through Egypt, the firstborn child of those Jews who had the blood on the top of the door and door posts would be passed over. This was the institution of the first Passover. The Lord would pass over and not destroy the occupants of the houses that were under the sign of blood. Blood represents redemption. It was also a symbol of the sacrifice Jesus Christ.
Resources:
Barker, K.L, Stek, J.H., Strauss, M.L, and Youngblood, R.F (2008). NIV Study Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
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