Introduction

The Passover, a pivotal event in the history of Israel, marks the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Instituted by God through Moses, the Passover is both a historical event and a perpetual ordinance for the Jewish people. It is celebrated annually as a reminder of God's mighty acts of salvation and His covenant faithfulness.

Biblical Account

The institution of the Passover is recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in chapters 12 and 13. The narrative unfolds as God prepares to execute the final plague upon Egypt—the death of the firstborn. This decisive act would compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery.

Exodus 12:1-14

The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, instructing them on the specifics of the Passover. The month of Nisan was to be the first month of the year for the Israelites. On the tenth day of this month, each household was to select a lamb without blemish, a male a year old, either from the sheep or the goats. The lamb was to be kept until the fourteenth day, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel would slaughter it at twilight.

The blood of the lamb was to be applied to the doorposts and lintel of each house where the lamb was eaten. The Lord declared, "The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt" (Exodus 12:13).

The meal was to be eaten in haste, with loins girded, sandals on feet, and staff in hand, signifying readiness for departure. The Passover was to be a lasting ordinance, commemorated throughout generations.

Exodus 12:15-20

The Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately follows the Passover, lasting seven days. During this time, no leavened bread is to be eaten, symbolizing the haste of the Israelites' departure from Egypt and the purity required by God. The first and seventh days are to be sacred assemblies, with no work done except for food preparation.

Theological Significance

The Passover is rich in theological meaning. It underscores God's sovereignty, His power to save, and His faithfulness to His promises. The blood of the lamb, a central element of the Passover, prefigures the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The Apostle Paul explicitly connects Christ to the Passover, stating, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Covenantal Aspect

The Passover is a covenantal sign, reinforcing the special relationship between God and Israel. It serves as a reminder of God's deliverance and the call to holiness and obedience. The annual observance of the Passover is a means of teaching future generations about God's mighty acts and His enduring covenant with His people.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the Passover stands out as a unique festival. While other cultures had springtime rituals, the Passover's specific historical and theological dimensions set it apart. It is deeply rooted in the historical experience of the Israelites and their identity as God's chosen people.

Contemporary Observance

Today, the Passover continues to be observed by Jewish communities worldwide. It is a time of family gatherings, storytelling, and reflection on God's deliverance. The Seder meal, with its symbolic foods and recitation of the Haggadah, keeps the memory of the Exodus alive.

For Christians, the Passover is seen as a foreshadowing of the Lord's Supper, instituted by Jesus during the Passover meal with His disciples. This connection highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant in Christ.