Introduction:
Abib, later known as Nisan after the Babylonian captivity, is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. It holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, marking the beginning of the religious year for the Israelites. This month corresponds roughly to March-April in the Gregorian calendar.

Biblical Significance:
The month of Abib is first mentioned in the context of the Exodus, when God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It is during this month that the Passover, a pivotal event in Jewish history, was instituted. In Exodus 12:2 , God commands Moses and Aaron, "This month is to be the beginning of months for you; it is the first month of your year." This establishes Abib as the starting point of the religious calendar.

Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread:
The Passover, observed on the 14th day of Abib, commemorates the night when the Lord passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt, sparing them from the final plague. This event is detailed in Exodus 12. Following Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins on the 15th day and lasts for seven days, as described in Leviticus 23:6 : "On the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread."

Agricultural Context:
Abib is also significant agriculturally, as it marks the time of the barley harvest in Israel. The term "Abib" itself refers to the stage of growth of the barley, indicating that the grain is in the ear. This agricultural aspect is highlighted in Deuteronomy 16:1 : "Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover to the LORD your God, because in the month of Abib the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night."

Transition to Nisan:
After the Babylonian captivity, the name of the month was changed to Nisan, reflecting the influence of the Babylonian calendar. This change is evident in the books of Nehemiah and Esther, which were written after the return from exile. Nehemiah 2:1 states, "In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king."

Conclusion:
Abib, or Nisan, is a month rich in historical and spiritual significance. It marks the beginning of the Israelites' journey to freedom and the establishment of key religious observances that continue to be celebrated by Jews today. The transition from Abib to Nisan reflects the broader historical context of the Jewish people and their interactions with surrounding cultures. Through the observance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the month serves as a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance and faithfulness to His people.Nehemiah 2:1
And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it to the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.
Nave's Topical Index

Esther 3:7
In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.
Nave's Topical Index

The Iranian Conquest
... Adramyttium is attributed to him by Stephen of Byzantium, after Aristotle, who ... his
rule, he built several strongholds, one of which, called Alyatta, commanded ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

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