The Passover is a pivotal event in the history of Israel, commemorating God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The instructions for observing the Passover are detailed primarily in the book of Exodus, with additional references and elaborations found throughout the Old Testament. These instructions are not only historical but also carry deep theological significance, symbolizing redemption and foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The primary account of the Passover instructions is found in Exodus 12. God commands Moses and Aaron to instruct the Israelites on how to prepare for the final plague—the death of the firstborn—which would lead to their liberation from Egyptian bondage.

Selection of the Lamb

The Passover lamb is central to the observance. According to Exodus 12:3-5 , "Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month, each man must select a lamb for his family, one per household. If the household is too small for a whole lamb, they are to share with their nearest neighbor, taking into account the number of people and the amount of lamb each person will eat. Your lamb must be an unblemished year-old male, and you may take it from the sheep or the goats."

The lamb's selection is significant, as it must be without blemish, symbolizing purity and foreshadowing Christ, the Lamb of God, who is without sin.

The Sacrifice and Application of Blood

The lamb is to be slaughtered at twilight on the fourteenth day of the month. The blood of the lamb plays a crucial role in the Passover ritual. Exodus 12:7 instructs, "They are to take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses where they eat the lambs." This act of applying the blood serves as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" the houses of the Israelites, sparing them from the plague of death.

The Passover Meal

The meal itself is to be eaten in haste, as described in Exodus 12:8-11 : "They are to eat the meat that night, roasted over the fire, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of the meat raw or cooked in boiling water, but only roasted over the fire—its head and legs and inner parts. Do not leave any of it until morning; before the morning you must burn up any part that is left over. This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. You must eat it in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover."

The unleavened bread signifies the haste of their departure, as there was no time for the dough to rise. The bitter herbs are a reminder of the bitterness of slavery in Egypt.

Perpetual Observance

The Passover is established as a lasting ordinance for the Israelites. Exodus 12:14 states, "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD. You are to celebrate it as a perpetual statute for the generations to come." This command underscores the importance of remembering God's deliverance and faithfulness.

Further Instructions and Observances

Additional instructions are provided in subsequent passages. For instance, Exodus 12:43-49 outlines regulations regarding who may partake in the Passover meal, emphasizing that no foreigner may eat of it unless circumcised, highlighting the covenantal nature of the observance.

In Deuteronomy 16:1-8, further instructions are given for the celebration of the Passover once the Israelites are settled in the Promised Land, including the centralization of the sacrifice at the place the Lord chooses.

Theological Significance

The Passover is rich in theological meaning, serving as a type and shadow of the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul refers to Christ as "our Passover lamb" in 1 Corinthians 5:7 , drawing a direct connection between the sacrificial lamb of the Passover and the atoning sacrifice of Jesus.

The Passover instructions, therefore, are not merely historical directives but are imbued with profound spiritual truths that resonate throughout the biblical narrative, pointing to God's plan of salvation for humanity.