Passover, known as Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the most significant feasts in the Jewish calendar, commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus. The preparation for Passover is a detailed and spiritually significant process, deeply rooted in biblical instructions and Jewish tradition.

Biblical Foundation

The preparation for Passover is primarily based on the instructions given in Exodus 12. God commanded Moses and Aaron regarding the observance of the Passover, emphasizing the importance of meticulous preparation. "This month is to be the beginning of months for you; it is the first month of your year" (Exodus 12:2). The preparation begins on the 10th day of the first month, Nisan, when each household is to select a lamb without blemish (Exodus 12:3-5).

The Lamb and Its Significance

The lamb, a central element of the Passover, symbolizes purity and sacrifice. It is to be kept until the 14th day of the month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to slaughter it at twilight (Exodus 12:6). The blood of the lamb is to be applied to the doorposts and lintel of each house, serving as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" the homes of the Israelites during the final plague on Egypt (Exodus 12:7, 13).

Unleavened Bread and Bitter Herbs

In preparation for the Passover meal, the Israelites are instructed to eat the lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs (Exodus 12:8). The unleavened bread, or matzah, signifies the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, having no time to let their dough rise. The bitter herbs serve as a reminder of the bitterness of slavery.

Removal of Leaven

A critical aspect of Passover preparation is the removal of leaven from the home. For seven days, no leaven is to be found in the houses, and anyone who eats what is leavened is to be cut off from Israel (Exodus 12:15, 19). This practice symbolizes the removal of sin and corruption, as leaven often represents sin in Scripture (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).

The Passover Meal

The Passover meal, or Seder, is a carefully orchestrated event that includes the retelling of the Exodus account, the consumption of symbolic foods, and the recitation of specific prayers and blessings. Each element of the meal is designed to fulfill the command to remember and teach future generations about God's deliverance (Exodus 12:24-27).

Spiritual Preparation

Beyond the physical preparations, Passover is a time for spiritual reflection and renewal. It is an opportunity for individuals and families to examine their lives, repent of sin, and renew their commitment to God. The Apostle Paul alludes to this spiritual preparation in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 : "Get rid of the old leaven, so that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Passover takes on additional significance as it foreshadows the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, was a Passover meal (Matthew 26:17-19). Jesus' crucifixion during Passover week highlights the fulfillment of the Passover lamb's symbolism, as His blood brings deliverance from sin and death for all who believe.

Passover preparation, therefore, is not only a historical and cultural practice but also a profound spiritual exercise that points to the redemptive work of Christ.