The Passover, a pivotal event in the history of Israel, is a feast commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This celebration is rooted in the biblical narrative found in the Book of Exodus, where God commands the observance of this feast as a perpetual reminder of His mighty acts of salvation.

Biblical Foundation

The institution of the Passover is detailed in Exodus 12. God instructs Moses and Aaron regarding the preparation and observance of the Passover meal. Each household is to select an unblemished lamb, a year-old male, and slaughter it at twilight. The blood of the lamb is to be applied to the doorposts and lintels of the houses, serving as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" those homes during the final plague—the death of the firstborn in Egypt. As 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 plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt."

The Passover meal itself includes the roasted lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs, each element symbolizing aspects of the Israelites' affliction and deliverance. The unleavened bread, or matzah, signifies the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, having no time to let their bread rise. The bitter herbs serve as a reminder of the bitterness of slavery.

Historical Observance

The Passover is celebrated annually on the 14th day of the first month, Nisan, according to the Hebrew calendar. This observance is not only a remembrance of the past but also a teaching tool for future generations. As stated in Exodus 12:26-27 , "When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’ you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’"

Throughout the Old Testament, the Passover is observed with varying degrees of faithfulness. Notable celebrations include those under King Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 30) and King Josiah (2 Kings 23:21-23), both of whom sought to restore proper worship and adherence to the Law.

Theological Significance

The Passover holds profound theological significance as it prefigures the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. The New Testament draws a direct connection between the Passover lamb and Christ's sacrificial death. In 1 Corinthians 5:7 , Paul writes, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." This typology underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant.

The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, was a Passover meal. During this meal, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, or Communion, as a new covenant in His blood (Luke 22:19-20). This act signifies the fulfillment of the Passover through His atoning sacrifice, offering eternal deliverance from sin and death.

Cultural and Religious Impact

The Passover remains a central observance in Jewish tradition, rich with liturgical and familial customs. It serves as a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewal of faith in God's promises. For Christians, the Passover is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work, celebrated in the observance of Easter.

In summary, the Passover is a multifaceted celebration that encapsulates themes of liberation, covenant, and divine intervention. It is a testament to God's enduring faithfulness and a cornerstone of biblical history and theology.