Topical Encyclopedia The Passover, a pivotal event in the religious calendar of the Israelites, is observed in the month of Nisan, which is the first month of the Jewish religious year. This observance commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus. The Passover is a time of remembrance and celebration, marked by specific rituals and practices that have been followed for generations.Biblical Foundation The institution of the Passover is detailed in Exodus 12, where God commands Moses and Aaron regarding the observance of this feast. The Berean Standard Bible states: "This month is to be the beginning of months for you; it is the first month of your year" (Exodus 12:2). This directive establishes Nisan as the starting point of the religious calendar, underscoring the significance of the Passover as a foundational event in Israelite history. Timing and Observance The Passover is to be observed on the 14th day of Nisan, as instructed in the Scriptures. Leviticus 23:5 specifies: "The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month." This timing is crucial, as it aligns with the historical events of the Exodus, when the angel of death passed over the homes of the Israelites who had marked their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, sparing them from the final plague. Rituals and Practices The observance of Passover involves several key rituals, including the sacrifice of the Passover lamb, the eating of unleavened bread, and the recounting of the Exodus account. Exodus 12:8 instructs: "They are to eat the meat that night, roasted over the fire, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs." These elements serve as symbols of the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt and the bitterness of their bondage. Significance in the Jewish Calendar Nisan, as the first month, holds a place of prominence in the Jewish calendar. The Passover not only marks the beginning of the religious year but also sets the stage for the subsequent Feast of Unleavened Bread, which lasts for seven days. This period is a time of purification and reflection, as leaven is removed from homes, symbolizing the removal of sin and corruption. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Passover takes on additional significance with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who is identified as the Lamb of God. The timing of His death during the Passover festival is seen as a fulfillment of the sacrificial system, offering redemption and deliverance from sin. The Apostle Paul writes, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7), drawing a direct connection between the Passover lamb and the atoning work of Christ. Conclusion The observance of Passover in the month of Nisan is a deeply rooted tradition that continues to hold spiritual significance for both Jews and Christians. It serves as a reminder of God's deliverance and faithfulness, as well as a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 9:10,11Speak to the children of Israel, saying, If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or be in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover to the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Library Concerning the Festivals; and How Each Day of Such Festival is to ... Fragment v. --That up to the Time of the Destruction of Jerusalem ... Why the Passover is Said to be that of the "Jews. " Its ... The Thirty ??ons are not Typified by the Fact that Christ was ... The Passover: an Expiation and a Feast, a Memorial and a Prophecy The New Temple and Its Worship The Lord's Supper The Ceremonies and Discipline Op the Church as Illustrated by ... The Disagreement in Asia. Polycrates Resources What is the structure of the Jewish calendar? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Ramadan? | GotQuestions.org How can I show appreciation to my pastor? | GotQuestions.org Month: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Month: (Number Only Mentioned): Aaron Died on the First Day of Month: (Number Only Mentioned): Ezra Arrived at Jerusalem In Month: (Number Only Mentioned): Temple Destroyed In Month: (The Number Only Appears in the Bible): Jerusalem Taken by Nebuchadnezzar In Month: Abib (April): After the Captivity Called Nisan Month: Abib (April): Decree to Put the Jews to Death In Month: Abib (April): Israelites Arrive at Zin In Month: Abib (April): Israelites Left Egypt In Month: Abib (April): Passover Instituted and Celebrated In Month: Abib (April): Tabernacle Set up In Month: Abib (April): The Death of Jesus In Month: Abib (April): The Israelites Cross the Jordan River In Month: Abib (April): The Jewish Calendar Began With Month: Abib (April): The Jordan River Overflows In Month: Adar (March): Feast of Purim In Month: Adar (March): Months in Prophecy Month: Adar (March): Second Temple Finished In Month: Bul (November): Jeroboam's Idolatrous Feast In Month: Bul (November): The Temple Finished In Month: Elul (September): The Temple Built In Month: Elul (September): The Wall of Jerusalem Finished In Month: Ethanim (October): Altar Rebuilt and offerings Renewed In Month: Ethanim (October): Feasts Held In Month: Ethanim (October): Jubilee Proclaimed In Month: Ethanim (October): Solomon's Temple Dedicated In Month: Passover to be Observed In Month: Sebat (February): Moses Probably Died In Month: Sivan: (June): Asa Renews the Covenant of Himself and People In Month: Tebeth (January): Nebuchadnezzar Besieges Jerusalem In Month: Twelve Months Reckoned to a Year Month: Zif (May): An Celebrated In Month: Zif (May): Israel Departed from the Wilderness of Zin In Month: Zif (May): Israel Numbered In Month: Zif (May): Rebuilding of the Temple Begun In Month: Zif (May): Temple Begun In Related Terms Twenty-seventh (6 Occurrences) |
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