Topical Bible: Passover: Design of

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The Passover, known in Hebrew as "Pesach," is one of the most significant feasts in the Jewish calendar, commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The design of Passover is deeply rooted in the historical and theological narrative of the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Exodus.

Historical Context and Institution

The Passover was instituted by God as a perpetual ordinance for the Israelites, as recorded in Exodus 12. The event marks the final and most devastating of the ten plagues—the death of the firstborn in Egypt. The Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb without blemish, apply its blood to the doorposts and lintels of their homes, and eat the lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. This act of faith and obedience would cause the Lord to "pass over" their homes, sparing them from the plague of death. 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 destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt."

Symbolism and Rituals

The design of Passover is rich with symbolism. The lamb represents innocence and sacrifice, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29). The unleavened bread, or "matzah," symbolizes purity and the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, as there was no time for the dough to rise. Bitter herbs serve as a reminder of the bitterness of slavery.

The Passover meal, or Seder, is a carefully structured ritual that includes the retelling of the Exodus account, the consumption of symbolic foods, and the recitation of specific prayers and blessings. Each element of the Seder is designed to engage participants in a multisensory experience, reinforcing the themes of redemption and divine deliverance.

Theological Significance

Theologically, Passover underscores the themes of redemption, covenant, and divine faithfulness. It is a celebration of God's power to save and His commitment to His promises. The Passover is not only a historical event but also a foreshadowing of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 5:7 , Paul writes, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." This connection highlights the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, with Christ's sacrifice fulfilling the typology of the Passover lamb.

Observance and Legacy

Passover is observed annually in the Jewish tradition, beginning on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. It is a time for families to gather, remember their heritage, and renew their commitment to God. The festival lasts for seven days, during which leaven is removed from homes, and only unleavened bread is consumed.

In the Christian tradition, the Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, is understood to be a Passover meal. This event is foundational to the institution of the Lord's Supper, or Communion, where believers commemorate Christ's sacrifice and anticipate His return.

The design of Passover, with its intricate rituals and profound symbolism, continues to be a powerful testament to God's redemptive plan and His enduring covenant with His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 12:21-28
Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said to them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Five Thousand Fed.
... this miracle tends to confirm the view that the feast of John 5:1 was the passover. ...
to see Jesus." The news of the death of the Baptist, of the design of Herod ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the five thousand fed.htm

"In Remembrance of Me"
... Him. The Passover wine, untouched by fermentation, is on the table. ... and to
whom? Whose heart could give birth to such a design? Surely ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 72 in remembrance of.htm

The Arrest
... governor a division of soldiers,[1] which, at the time of the Passover, was located ...
even come themselves, so eager were they to see that the design should not ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter i the arrest.htm

The Cruse of Ointment
... "After two days the Passover cometh, and ... of the narrative that their plans are
over-ruled, and they are unconscious agents of a mysterious design, which their ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 14 1-9 the cruse of.htm

Thought, Deed, Word
... It was instituted at the Passover and instead of it. It is precisely the same in
design, a memorial feast appointed to keep up the vivid remembrance of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/thought deed word.htm

Jesus at Bethesda.
... The passover was, of all Jewish festivals, that in which Christ showed the greatest ...
that it is possible is that the indefiniteness is the result of design. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus at bethesda.htm

Another Heresy, that of the Sabbatians, is Originated by the ...
... of Valens, and maintained that the feast of the Passover (Easter) ought to ... When,
however, his design of introducing innovations was detected, Marcian expressed ...
/.../chapter xviii another heresy that of.htm

Ephesians vi. 14
... Attend. "Our Passover hath been sacrificed, even Christ," it is said. ... [484] Better
the history first. What then is the design of the history? ...
/.../homily xxiii ephesians vi 14.htm

The Memorable Hymn. "And when they had Sung an Hymn, they Went Out ...
... of which Jesus is the Head and Founder, its object, spirit, and design, are happiness ...
It was customary, when the Passover was held, to sing, and this is the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the memorable hymn and when.htm

Introductory Notice to Remains of the Second and Third Centuries.
... Something is due, however, to the unity of authorship, and to the marked design
of the editors of the ... He took part in the controversy on the Passover question. ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/introductory notice to remains of.htm