The Passover lamb holds a significant place in biblical history and theology, serving as a central element in the observance of Passover, a pivotal event in the narrative of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. The instructions for the Passover lamb are first detailed in the Book of Exodus, where God commands Moses and Aaron regarding the preparation and consumption of the lamb as part of the first Passover celebration.

Biblical Instructions and Symbolism

In Exodus 12:3-6 , God instructs the Israelites: "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. If the household is too small for a whole lamb, they are to share with their nearest neighbor, taking into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. Your lamb must be an unblemished year-old male, and you may take it from the sheep or the goats. You must keep it until the fourteenth day of the month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel will slaughter the animals at twilight."

The lamb was to be without blemish, symbolizing purity and perfection, and its blood was to be applied to the doorposts and lintels of the Israelites' homes. This act served as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" those houses during the final plague on Egypt, the death of the firstborn (Exodus 12:7, 12-13). The blood of the lamb thus became a symbol of divine protection and deliverance.

Theological Significance

The Passover lamb is rich in typology, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "Lamb of God" in the New Testament. In John 1:29 , John the Baptist declares, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" This identification of Jesus with the Passover lamb underscores the belief in His role as the sacrificial atonement for sin, fulfilling the requirements of the Law and providing redemption for humanity.

The Apostle Paul further emphasizes this connection in 1 Corinthians 5:7 , where he writes, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." This statement highlights the continuity between the Old Testament Passover and the New Testament understanding of Christ's sacrificial death, which brings about spiritual liberation from sin and death.

Passover Observance and Christian Reflection

The observance of Passover, as instituted in Exodus, became a lasting ordinance for the Israelites, commemorating their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It is celebrated annually as a reminder of God's faithfulness and power. For Christians, the Passover lamb serves as a profound symbol of Christ's sacrifice, and the themes of redemption and deliverance are central to the celebration of the Lord's Supper, or Communion, which commemorates Jesus' death and resurrection.

In summary, the Passover lamb is a foundational element in biblical theology, representing both the historical deliverance of the Israelites and the spiritual deliverance offered through Jesus Christ. Its significance is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating God's plan of salvation and His covenantal relationship with His people.