Topical Encyclopedia The Passover is a foundational observance in the Judeo-Christian tradition, commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus. It is a time of remembrance, reflection, and renewal of faith, serving as a powerful symbol of God's redemptive power and covenantal faithfulness. The neglect of this sacred observance is met with stern warnings throughout Scripture, emphasizing its significance in the life of God's people.Biblical Foundation The institution of the Passover is detailed in Exodus 12, where God commands the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and mark their doorposts with its blood. This act would spare them from the plague of the firstborn, which God sent upon Egypt. The Lord instructed, "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" (Exodus 12:14). The Passover was to be observed annually, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance and the covenant He established with His people. Neglect and Its Consequences The neglect of the Passover is addressed in several biblical passages, highlighting the spiritual and communal consequences of failing to observe this sacred feast. In Numbers 9:13, the Lord warns, "But if anyone who is ceremonially clean and not on a journey fails to celebrate the Passover, that person must be cut off from his people because he did not present the LORD’s offering at |