The journey of the Israelites through the desert to Mount Sinai is a pivotal event in biblical history, marking the transition from slavery in Egypt to the establishment of a covenantal relationship with God. This journey is intricately linked with the commemoration of the Passover, a foundational event for the Israelite identity and faith.

The Exodus and the Institution of Passover

The narrative begins with the Israelites' miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. The final plague, the death of the firstborn, prompted Pharaoh to release the Israelites. In preparation for this event, God instituted the Passover as a perpetual ordinance for the Israelites. Exodus 12:14 states, "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD; as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come."

The Passover involved the sacrifice of a lamb, the application of its blood on the doorposts, and the consumption of the lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. This act of obedience and faith was a sign of God's protection, as He passed over the houses of the Israelites, sparing them from the plague.

The Journey Begins

Following their release, the Israelites embarked on their journey through the desert, guided by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22). This divine guidance underscored God's presence and faithfulness to His people. The journey to Mount Sinai was not merely a physical relocation but a spiritual pilgrimage, shaping the identity and faith of the nascent nation.

Commemoration of the First Passover

The first commemoration of the Passover took place in the wilderness, as the Israelites journeyed towards Mount Sinai. This observance was a reaffirmation of God's deliverance and a reminder of His covenant promises. The Passover was to be celebrated annually, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's mighty acts and His call for Israel to be a holy nation.

Exodus 12:24-27 emphasizes the importance of this observance: "And you are to keep this command as a permanent statute for you and your descendants. When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as He promised, you are to keep this service. 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.’"

Significance in the Wilderness Journey

The commemoration of the Passover during the journey to Mount Sinai served multiple purposes. It was a time of reflection on God's past deliverance, a reinforcement of communal identity, and a preparation for receiving the Law at Sinai. The Passover was a tangible expression of faith and obedience, reminding the Israelites of their unique relationship with God and their calling to be His people.

As the Israelites journeyed through the desert, the Passover became a symbol of hope and divine provision. It was a reminder that the same God who delivered them from Egypt would sustain them in the wilderness and fulfill His promises. The journey to Mount Sinai, marked by the commemoration of the Passover, was a formative period in Israel's history, laying the foundation for their covenantal relationship with God.Numbers 9:1-5
And the LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Book of Jubilees
... the new creation Zion shall be sanctified, and through it shall ... the notion of the
superiority of Israel, the author ... even by speaking of taking a journey, or of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

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