The observance of the Passover by the returned exiles is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Ezra. This event marks a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, as it signifies the restoration of religious practices and the reestablishment of the covenant community following the Babylonian exile.

Historical Context

The Babylonian exile, which began in 586 BC with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, was a period of profound loss and reflection for the Israelites. The exile lasted approximately 70 years, during which the Jewish people were removed from their homeland and lived under foreign rule. The return from exile began under the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king, who allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1-4).

Rebuilding the Temple

Upon their return, the exiles, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, focused on rebuilding the Temple, which was central to their worship and identity as God's chosen people. The foundation of the Temple was laid amid much celebration and weeping, as recorded in Ezra 3:10-13. Despite opposition and delays, the Temple was eventually completed in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius (Ezra 6:15).

The Passover Celebration

The celebration of the Passover by the returned exiles is detailed in Ezra 6:19-22. This event took place on the fourteenth day of the first month, in accordance with the Law of Moses. The Berean Standard Bible states: "On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles kept the Passover" (Ezra 6:19). This observance was significant as it marked the first Passover celebrated in the newly rebuilt Temple, symbolizing a renewal of faith and commitment to God.

The Passover, instituted in Exodus 12, commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It is a time of remembrance and thanksgiving for God's mighty acts of salvation. For the returned exiles, keeping the Passover was an affirmation of their identity as God's people and a reminder of His faithfulness throughout their history.

Purity and Unity

Ezra 6:20 highlights the importance of purity and unity among the people: "All the priests and Levites had purified themselves and were ceremonially clean. And the Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their fellow priests, and for themselves" . This emphasis on purification underscores the need for holiness and obedience to God's commandments as the community sought to reestablish their covenant relationship with Him.

The celebration also included those who had separated themselves from the impurity of the surrounding nations to seek the LORD, the God of Israel (Ezra 6:21). This inclusion reflects the broader theme of repentance and renewal, as the people turned away from idolatry and recommitted themselves to the worship of Yahweh.

Joyful Celebration

The Passover celebration was marked by great joy, as God had given them cause for rejoicing by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria toward them, so that he supported them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel (Ezra 6:22). This joy was not only due to the successful completion of the Temple but also because of the renewed sense of divine favor and protection.

The observance of the Passover by the returned exiles serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring covenant with His people. It highlights themes of restoration, purity, and communal worship, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience in the life of the covenant community.