Topical Encyclopedia The fourteenth day of the month holds significant importance in the biblical calendar, particularly in the context of the Hebrew month of Nisan (also known as Abib). This day is most notably associated with the observance of the Passover, a pivotal event in the history of Israel and a foundational element of Jewish religious practice.Passover (Pesach): The Passover is instituted on the fourteenth day of Nisan, as described in the Book of Exodus. This day marks the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The Lord commanded Moses and Aaron regarding the Passover: "On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the LORD’s Passover" (Exodus 12:6). The Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and apply its blood to the doorposts and lintels of their homes. This act served as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" their houses during the final plague, the death of the firstborn, sparing them from judgment (Exodus 12:12-13). Significance in the Hebrew Calendar: The fourteenth day of Nisan is a day of preparation and solemnity. It is the day when the Passover lamb is slaughtered, and the meal is prepared. The observance of Passover is a perpetual ordinance for the Israelites, as stated 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 perpetual statute for the generations to come" . The Fourteenth Day in Other Months: While the fourteenth day of Nisan is the most prominent, the fourteenth day of other months also holds significance in various contexts. For example, in the Book of Esther, the fourteenth day of the month of Adar is celebrated as Purim, commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot to annihilate them (Esther 9:17-19). New Testament Context: In the New Testament, the fourteenth day of Nisan is significant in the context of the Last Supper, which is believed to have been a Passover meal. Jesus Christ, referred to as the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), is seen as the fulfillment of the Passover sacrifice. The Apostle Paul writes, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7), drawing a parallel between the sacrificial lamb of the Passover and the atoning death of Jesus. Symbolism and Typology: The events of the fourteenth day of Nisan are rich in symbolism and typology. The Passover lamb is a type of Christ, whose blood brings deliverance from sin and death. The timing of the crucifixion of Jesus during Passover underscores the continuity between the Old and New Covenants, highlighting the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in the person and work of Christ. In summary, the fourteenth day of the month, particularly in Nisan, is a day of profound theological and historical significance, marking key events in the narrative of redemption as recorded in the Scriptures. |