Ezekiel 45:21

On the fourteenth day of the first month you are to observe the Passover, a feast of seven days, during which unleavened bread shall be eaten.

Study Bible

On the fourteenth day of the first month
This phrase refers to the specific timing of the Passover celebration, which is deeply rooted in the Hebrew calendar. The "first month" is Nisan (or Abib), marking the beginning of the religious year for the Israelites. Historically, this timing is significant as it commemorates the Exodus from Egypt, a pivotal event in Jewish history. The "fourteenth day" is when the Passover lamb was traditionally slaughtered, symbolizing the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery. This precise timing underscores God's sovereignty and the importance of obedience to His commands.

you are to celebrate the Passover
The Passover is a foundational feast in Jewish tradition, instituted by God in Exodus 12. The Hebrew word for Passover, "Pesach," means to "pass over," referring to the angel of death passing over the homes of the Israelites marked with the blood of the lamb. This celebration is a profound reminder of God's deliverance and protection. For Christians, the Passover also foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who delivers believers from the bondage of sin.

a feast lasting seven days
The seven-day duration of the feast is significant, as the number seven often represents completeness or perfection in the Bible. This period is known as the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately follows the Passover. The extended celebration emphasizes the importance of remembering God's deliverance and the call to holiness, as leaven often symbolizes sin. The seven days of observance encourage believers to reflect on their spiritual journey and commitment to living a life set apart for God.

during which you shall eat unleavened bread
Unleavened bread, or "matzah," is bread made without yeast, symbolizing purity and the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt. In the Hebrew context, leaven is often associated with sin and corruption. Eating unleavened bread during this feast serves as a reminder to remove sin from one's life and to live in sincerity and truth. For Christians, this practice points to the sinless life of Christ and the call to live a life free from the corruption of sin, relying on the righteousness of Jesus.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel's messages often focus on the restoration of Israel and the proper worship of God.

2. Passover
An important Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as described in Exodus 12.

3. Unleavened Bread
Bread made without yeast, symbolizing purity and the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt.

4. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were delivered from Egyptian bondage and given the Law, including the observance of Passover.

5. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, during which Ezekiel prophesied.

Teaching Points

Significance of Remembrance
The Passover serves as a powerful reminder of God's deliverance and faithfulness. Christians are called to remember Christ's sacrifice, which fulfills the Passover.

Symbolism of Unleavened Bread
Unleavened bread represents purity and separation from sin. Believers are encouraged to live lives free from the "leaven" of sin.

Continuity of God's Plan
The observance of Passover in Ezekiel's vision points to the continuity of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Jesus Christ.

Community and Worship
The communal aspect of Passover highlights the importance of gathering together in worship and remembrance, a practice continued in Christian fellowship.

Preparation and Readiness
Just as the Israelites prepared for their journey, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared and ready for Christ's return.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the observance of Passover in Ezekiel 45:21 connect to the original Passover in Exodus 12, and what does this teach us about God's faithfulness?

2. In what ways does the symbolism of unleavened bread apply to our lives today, and how can we strive to live "unleavened" lives?

3. How does the Passover foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and what implications does this have for our understanding of redemption?

4. What role does community play in the observance of Passover, and how can we apply this principle to our own worship and fellowship?

5. How can we prepare ourselves spiritually for the return of Christ, drawing parallels from the Israelites' preparation for their exodus from Egypt?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
Provides the original instructions for the Passover, highlighting its significance as a memorial of deliverance.

Leviticus 23
Lists the feasts of the Lord, including Passover, and outlines their observance.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8
Paul connects Christ to the Passover lamb, emphasizing the spiritual significance of unleavened bread as sincerity and truth.

Luke 22:7-20
Describes Jesus' Last Supper, which was a Passover meal, linking the Old Testament feast to the New Covenant.