The phrase "Observe the Month of Abib" is rooted in the biblical commandment found in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Hebrew calendar and the celebration of Passover. The month of Abib, later known as Nisan, holds significant importance as it marks the beginning of the religious calendar for the Israelites and is associated with the Exodus from Egypt.

Biblical Commandment

The directive to "Observe the Month of Abib" is found in Deuteronomy 16:1, which states: "Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover to the LORD your God, because in the month of Abib the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night" . This commandment underscores the importance of remembering and commemorating the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, a foundational event in Jewish history.

Significance of Abib

Abib, meaning "ear of grain," corresponds to the time of year when barley ripens in Israel, typically around March or April. This agricultural marker is significant as it aligns with the timing of the Passover festival, which is celebrated on the 14th day of Abib (Nisan). The month of Abib is thus a time of renewal and new beginnings, both agriculturally and spiritually.

Passover and the Exodus

The observance of the month of Abib is intrinsically linked to the Passover, a pivotal event in the Jewish faith. Passover commemorates the night when the LORD passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt, sparing them from the final plague that struck down the firstborn of the Egyptians. This event precipitated the Exodus, the liberation of the Israelites from bondage, and their journey towards the Promised Land.

Exodus 12:2-3 provides further context: "This month is to be the beginning of months for you; it is the first month of your year. Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month, each man must select a lamb for his family, one per household" . The selection and sacrifice of the Passover lamb are central to the observance, symbolizing redemption and divine protection.

Covenantal Relationship

Observing the month of Abib and the Passover is not merely a ritualistic practice but a reaffirmation of the covenantal relationship between God and His people. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the deliverance He provided, reinforcing the identity of the Israelites as His chosen people. The observance is a call to remember God's mighty acts and to live in obedience to His commandments.

Christian Perspective

From a Christian perspective, the observance of the month of Abib and the Passover holds typological significance, foreshadowing the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. The Apostle Paul alludes to this in 1 Corinthians 5:7: "Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" . The deliverance from Egypt is seen as a precursor to the ultimate deliverance from sin through Christ's atoning sacrifice.

In summary, the command to "Observe the Month of Abib" is a multifaceted directive that encompasses historical remembrance, agricultural significance, and spiritual renewal. It is a time to reflect on God's deliverance, both in the past and through the redemptive work of Christ.