Abib is the first month of the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to March-April in the Gregorian calendar. It holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Exodus, when the Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt. The month of Abib is marked by two pivotal events: the institution of the Passover and the departure of the Israelites from Egypt.

Passover Instituted

The Passover, or Pesach, is a foundational event in Jewish history and religious practice, instituted by God as a perpetual ordinance for the Israelites. The instructions for the Passover are detailed in the Book of Exodus. In Exodus 12:1-2 , the Lord speaks to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, "This month is to be the beginning of months for you; it is the first month of your year." This declaration establishes Abib as the starting point of the Hebrew calendar.

The Passover ritual involves the selection of a lamb without blemish on the tenth day of Abib, which is to be slaughtered at twilight on the fourteenth day. The blood of the lamb is to be applied to the doorposts and lintels of the houses where the Israelites eat the lamb. This act serves as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" the houses of the Israelites during the final plague—the death of the firstborn in Egypt. As stated in Exodus 12:13 , "The blood on the houses where you are staying will distinguish them; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt."

The Passover meal includes the lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs, symbolizing the haste of the Israelites' departure and the bitterness of their bondage. The observance of Passover is commanded as a lasting ordinance for generations to come, as noted in Exodus 12:14 : "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 permanent statute for the generations to come."

Israelites Depart from Egypt

The departure of the Israelites from Egypt, also known as the Exodus, occurs in the month of Abib. This event marks the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver His people from bondage and lead them to the Promised Land. After the devastating tenth plague, Pharaoh finally relents and allows the Israelites to leave Egypt. In Exodus 12:31-32 , Pharaoh summons Moses and Aaron by night and says, "Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also."

The Israelites leave in haste, taking with them their unleavened dough, as there was no time to let it rise. They also take the wealth of Egypt, as the Egyptians, eager for them to leave, give them silver, gold, and clothing. This event is recorded in Exodus 12:35-36 : "Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians."

The departure from Egypt is a defining moment in Israelite history, symbolizing liberation and the beginning of a covenant relationship with God. The journey begins on the fifteenth day of Abib, as noted in Numbers 33:3 : "On the fifteenth day of the first month, the day after the Passover, the Israelites set out from Rameses. They marched out defiantly in full view of all the Egyptians."

The month of Abib, therefore, is a time of both commemoration and celebration, marking the beginning of Israel's journey from slavery to freedom and the establishment of their identity as God's chosen people.Exodus 23:15
You shall keep the feast of unleavened bread: (you shall eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded you, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it you came out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)
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Deuteronomy 16:1
Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover to the LORD your God: for in the month of Abib the LORD your God brought you forth out of Egypt by night.
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