The commemoration of the deliverance from Egypt is a central theme in the biblical narrative, marking the pivotal event of the Exodus, where God liberated the Israelites from slavery under Pharaoh. This event is foundational to Jewish identity and faith, and it is celebrated annually in the festival of Passover (Hebrew: Pesach).

Biblical Account

The account of the Exodus is primarily found in the Book of Exodus, chapters 1-15. The Israelites, descendants of Jacob, had settled in Egypt during a time of famine. Over time, they became enslaved by a new Pharaoh who did not remember Joseph's contributions to Egypt. God heard the cries of His people and appointed Moses to lead them out of bondage. Through a series of plagues, God demonstrated His power over the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh, culminating in the tenth plague—the death of the firstborn in Egypt.

The Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and mark their doorposts with its blood, so the angel of death would "pass over" their homes. This event is recorded 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" .

Passover Celebration

The Passover festival is a lasting ordinance for the Israelites, 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 permanent statute for the generations to come" . The celebration includes the Seder meal, which features symbolic foods such as unleavened bread (matzah) and bitter herbs, representing the haste of the departure and the bitterness of slavery.

Theological Significance

The deliverance from Egypt is not only a historical event but also a profound theological symbol of God's redemptive power and faithfulness. It underscores themes of liberation, covenant, and divine intervention. The Exodus narrative is frequently referenced throughout the Old Testament as a reminder of God's steadfast love and commitment to His people.

In the New Testament, the Passover is given new significance through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus is identified as the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), and His sacrifice is seen as the ultimate deliverance from sin and death. The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, was a Passover meal, and it is during this meal that He instituted the Lord's Supper, saying, "This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19).

Cultural and Liturgical Observance

For Jewish communities, Passover remains a time of family gathering, storytelling, and reflection on God's deliverance. It is a time to teach the next generation about the mighty acts of God, as instructed in Exodus 13:8: "On that day you are to explain to your son, 'This is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt'" .

In Christian tradition, the themes of Passover are echoed in the celebration of Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus. The deliverance from Egypt serves as a typology for the greater deliverance achieved through Christ, emphasizing the continuity of God's salvation plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

The commemoration of deliverance from Egypt remains a powerful testament to God's sovereignty, mercy, and the enduring hope of redemption for all who trust in Him.