The tenth day of the first month holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, particularly within the context of the Old Testament. This day is primarily noted for its role in the preparation for the Passover, a pivotal event in the history of Israel.

Biblical References and Significance

1. Exodus 12:3-6 : The first mention of the tenth day of the first month is found in the instructions given to Moses and Aaron regarding the Passover. The LORD commands, "Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man must select a lamb for his family, one per household." This day marks the beginning of the preparations for the Passover, where each household was to choose a lamb without blemish, which would later be sacrificed on the fourteenth day of the month. This selection process was crucial as it symbolized the Israelites' obedience and faith in God's deliverance from Egypt.

2. Joshua 4:19 : The tenth day of the first month is also significant in the book of Joshua, where it marks the day the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land. "On the tenth day of the first month, the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho." This event signifies a new beginning for the Israelites as they enter the land promised to their forefathers, fulfilling God's covenant with Abraham.

Theological Implications

The tenth day of the first month serves as a day of preparation and anticipation. In the context of the Passover, it underscores the importance of readiness and obedience to God's commands. The selection of the lamb is a foreshadowing of Christ, the Lamb of God, who would be sacrificed for the sins of the world. This typology is central to Christian theology, highlighting the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.

In the crossing of the Jordan, the day symbolizes transition and fulfillment. It marks the end of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings and the beginning of their life in the land flowing with milk and honey. This event is a testament to God's faithfulness and the realization of His promises.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the Hebrew calendar, the first month is Nisan (or Abib), which typically falls in March or April. The tenth day of this month, therefore, occurs in early spring, a time of renewal and new beginnings. The agricultural context of this period, with the onset of the barley harvest, aligns with the themes of liberation and new life inherent in the Passover and the entry into Canaan.

Liturgical Observance

While the specific observance of the tenth day of the first month is not a major focus in contemporary Christian liturgy, its significance is inherently tied to the celebration of Passover and, by extension, Easter. The preparation and anticipation embodied in this day are reflected in the Lenten season, a time of reflection and readiness for the commemoration of Christ's death and resurrection.

In summary, the tenth day of the first month is a day rich with theological and historical significance, marking key moments of preparation and fulfillment in the biblical narrative. Its themes of obedience, deliverance, and new beginnings resonate throughout the Scriptures, offering profound insights into God's redemptive plan for His people.