Topical Encyclopedia The Passover is a significant event and observance in the biblical narrative, serving as a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites and a profound symbol of God's deliverance and covenant faithfulness. It is first instituted in the book of Exodus and is commemorated annually by the Jewish people as a reminder of their liberation from slavery in Egypt.Biblical Origin and Institution The Passover is introduced in Exodus 12, where God commands Moses and Aaron to instruct the Israelites on the observance of this event. The term "Passover" (Hebrew: פֶּסַח, Pesach) refers to the Lord "passing over" the houses of the Israelites during the final plague on Egypt, the death of the firstborn. The Israelites were to sacrifice a lamb without blemish, apply its blood to the doorposts and lintels of their homes, and consume the lamb in a specific manner. The blood served as a "token" or sign for the Lord to pass over their homes, sparing them from the plague. 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." Ritual Observance The Passover is observed on the 14th day of the first month, Nisan, in the Hebrew calendar. The ritual includes the sacrifice of the Passover lamb, the eating of unleavened bread, and the consumption of bitter herbs. These elements symbolize various aspects of the Israelites' experience: the lamb represents the sacrifice and protection, the unleavened bread signifies the haste of their departure from Egypt, and the bitter herbs remind them of the bitterness of slavery. Significance in Israelite History The Passover marks the beginning of the Exodus, the defining moment of Israel's history when God delivered them from Egyptian bondage. It is a foundational event that establishes the identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people and sets the stage for the giving of the Law at Sinai. The Passover is a perpetual ordinance, as commanded 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 perpetual statute for the generations to come." Theological Implications The Passover is rich in theological meaning, emphasizing themes of redemption, sacrifice, and covenant. It prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God," who delivers believers from the bondage of sin. The Apostle Paul draws this parallel in 1 Corinthians 5:7 : "Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." Passover in the New Testament The New Testament records Jesus' observance of the Passover with His disciples, known as the Last Supper, which becomes the basis for the Christian practice of Communion or the Lord's Supper. During this meal, Jesus reinterprets the elements of the Passover, identifying the bread with His body and the wine with His blood, signifying the new covenant (Luke 22:19-20). Cultural and Liturgical Observance In Jewish tradition, the Passover is celebrated with a Seder meal, which includes the retelling of the Exodus account, the singing of hymns, and the recitation of prayers. The Seder is a time of family gathering and religious reflection, reinforcing the themes of freedom and divine deliverance. The Passover remains a central observance in Judaism and a significant point of reflection for Christians, highlighting God's redemptive work throughout history and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 13:9And it shall be for a sign to you on your hand, and for a memorial between your eyes, that the LORD's law may be in your mouth: for with a strong hand has the LORD brought you out of Egypt. Nave's Topical Index Library The New Passover The New Passover The Passover visit Christ Our Passover The Passover: an Expiation and a Feast, a Memorial and a Prophecy The Paschal Meal. Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet. A Secret Rendezvous The Arrest Despised and Rejected by Friend and Foe The Fall of Jerusalem. Resources Is there any sin that God will not forgive? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome sin in my Christian life? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about women's rights? | GotQuestions.org Token: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Token: Blood of the Paschal Lamb Token: Circumcision, of the Covenant of Abraham Token: Consecration of the Firstborn Token: Miracles of Moses, of the Divine Authority of his Missions Token: Prayer for Tokens of Mercy Token: Rainbow, That the Earth Would Never be Destroyed by a Flood Token: Sun and Moon for Time and Seasons Related Terms |
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