Leviticus 23:5

The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month.

Study Bible

The Passover
The term "Passover" comes from the Hebrew word "Pesach," which means "to pass over" or "to spare." This festival commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as described in Exodus 12. The Passover is a profound symbol of redemption and salvation, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). For Christians, the Passover is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises through Christ.

to the LORD
This phrase emphasizes that the Passover is not merely a cultural or historical event but a sacred observance dedicated to Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. It is an act of worship and obedience, acknowledging God's sovereignty and His mighty acts of deliverance. The Passover is a time to reflect on God's holiness and His desire for His people to be set apart for His purposes.

begins at twilight
The Hebrew word for "twilight" is "ereb," which refers to the time between sunset and complete darkness. This specific timing underscores the precision and orderliness of God's instructions. Twilight marks the transition from day to night, symbolizing the transition from bondage to freedom for the Israelites. It also foreshadows the darkness that covered the land during Christ's crucifixion, highlighting the gravity and significance of His sacrifice.

on the fourteenth day
The fourteenth day of the first month, Nisan, is significant in the Jewish calendar. It is a divinely appointed time, illustrating God's perfect timing in His redemptive plan. The precision of this date points to God's sovereignty over history and His meticulous orchestration of events leading to the ultimate Passover sacrifice—Jesus Christ. For believers, it is a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises at the appointed time.

of the first month
The first month, known as Nisan or Abib, marks the beginning of the religious calendar for the Israelites. It signifies a new beginning, a fresh start for God's people as they remember their deliverance from Egypt. This new beginning is mirrored in the Christian experience of being born again through faith in Christ. The first month is a time of renewal and reflection on God's grace and mercy, calling believers to live in the light of their redemption.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who instituted the Passover as a perpetual ordinance for His people.

2. Passover (Pesach)
A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, marked by the sacrifice of a lamb.

3. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were commanded to observe the Passover as a remembrance of their liberation.

4. Egypt
The land of bondage from which the Israelites were delivered, symbolizing sin and oppression.

5. The First Month (Nisan/Abib)
The beginning of the Jewish religious calendar, marking the time of the Passover celebration.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Deliverance
The Passover is a powerful reminder of God's deliverance from bondage. Just as the Israelites were freed from Egypt, believers are delivered from sin through Christ.

The Significance of Obedience
The precise timing and manner of the Passover observance underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands. Our faith is demonstrated through our willingness to follow God's instructions.

Christ as Our Passover Lamb
The Passover lamb foreshadows Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice brings ultimate deliverance from sin. Reflect on the depth of God's love and the cost of our redemption.

The Importance of Remembrance
Just as the Israelites were to remember their deliverance annually, Christians are called to remember Christ's sacrifice through communion, keeping the significance of His death and resurrection central in our lives.

Living in the Light of Redemption
The Passover marks a new beginning for the Israelites. Similarly, believers are called to live as new creations, leaving behind the old life of sin and embracing the freedom found in Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the observance of Passover in Leviticus 23:5 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways does the Passover foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and how can this deepen our understanding of salvation?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in the Passover instructions to our daily walk with God?

4. What are some practical ways we can remember and celebrate our deliverance through Christ in our personal and communal worship?

5. How does understanding the historical and spiritual significance of Passover enhance our appreciation for the Lord's Supper?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
Provides the original instructions for the Passover, detailing the significance of the lamb and the blood as a sign of protection.

1 Corinthians 5:7
Paul refers to Christ as our Passover lamb, drawing a parallel between the Passover sacrifice and Jesus' sacrificial death.

John 1:29
John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the "Lamb of God," connecting the Passover lamb to Jesus' role in salvation.

Hebrews 11:28
Highlights the faith of Moses in instituting the Passover, emphasizing obedience to God's commands.

Matthew 26:17-19
Describes Jesus' observance of the Passover with His disciples, leading to the institution of the Lord's Supper.