What Was Passover in the Bible?
Hebrew Name: פֶּסַח (Pesach)
The Origin of Passover
Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the most significant feasts in the Bible. Its origins are found in the book of Exodus, during the dramatic deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. God commanded the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood so that the angel of death would “pass over” their homes, sparing their firstborn from the tenth plague (Exodus 12:11). This event marked the beginning of their journey to freedom and is commemorated annually as Passover.
The First Passover
Exodus 12:1-30
The first Passover was instituted as a memorial of the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt. God provided specific instructions: a lamb without blemish was to be sacrificed, and its blood applied to the doorposts and lintels of each house (Exodus 12:5-7). The lamb was to be roasted and eaten with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, symbolizing the haste and bitterness of their departure (Exodus 12:8). The event was a profound demonstration of God’s power and faithfulness, culminating in the liberation of His people.
Passover in the Old Testament
Continued Observance
The observance of Passover was commanded to be an annual feast, a lasting ordinance for generations (Exodus 12:14). Various passages throughout the Old Testament reiterate its significance and provide additional instructions for its observance. Leviticus 23:5, Numbers 9:2, and Deuteronomy 16:1 emphasize the timing and procedures of the feast. Joshua 5:10 records the Israelites celebrating Passover after entering the Promised Land, signifying a new chapter in their history.
Historical Celebrations
Notable celebrations of Passover are recorded during the reigns of righteous kings and leaders who sought to restore proper worship in Israel. King Hezekiah reestablished Passover in a grand celebration (2 Chronicles 30:1-27), and King Josiah renewed its observance with great devotion (2 Kings 23:21-23). These celebrations served as national revivals, turning the hearts of the people back to God.
The Symbolism of the Passover Lamb
The Sacrificial Lamb
Central to the Passover feast is the lamb, which had to be without blemish (Exodus 12:5). The lamb’s blood symbolized protection and atonement, covering the sins of the people. This sacrificial system pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
Passover in the New Testament
Jesus and the Last Supper
The New Testament highlights the continued significance of Passover in the life of Jesus and the early Christian community. Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples, and this meal, known as the Last Supper, became a pivotal moment in Christian tradition. During the Last Supper, Jesus reinterpreted the elements of Passover, instituting the Lord’s Supper or Communion (Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:12, Luke 22:7, John 13:1). He identified the bread as His body and the wine as His blood, signifying the new covenant through His sacrificial death.
The Fulfillment in Christ
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Jesus Christ is seen as the fulfillment of the Passover lamb. His death on the cross parallels the sacrifice of the Passover lamb, providing redemption from sin and death. The Apostle Paul explicitly connects Jesus to Passover, stating, “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus delivers believers from the bondage of sin, offering eternal life.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Remembering God’s Deliverance
Passover serves as a powerful reminder of God’s deliverance and faithfulness. Just as the Israelites were commanded to remember their deliverance from Egypt, Christians are called to remember Christ’s sacrifice and deliverance from sin. This act of remembrance fosters gratitude and deepens faith.
Living in Holiness
The instructions for celebrating Passover included removing all leaven from the houses (Exodus 12:15), symbolizing the removal of sin. For modern Christians, this underscores the importance of living a holy life, free from the corrupting influence of sin. Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 5:8, urging believers to celebrate with sincerity and truth.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Faithfulness and Protection
Passover highlights God’s faithfulness and protection. The blood of the lamb on the doorposts protected the Israelites from judgment, just as the blood of Christ protects believers. This theme of divine protection and care is a cornerstone of the relationship between God and His people.
The Covenant Relationship
Passover commemorates the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Similarly, through Christ, believers enter into a new covenant with God, marked by His promises and our commitment to live according to His will. Hebrews 8:10 speaks of this covenant: “I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Lamb of God
Jesus is the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice brings redemption and reconciliation with God. His death and resurrection fulfill the prophetic symbolism of Passover, offering a perfect and eternal sacrifice for sin.
The Lord’s Supper
The institution of the Lord’s Supper during Passover redefines the celebration for Christians. It is a time to remember Christ’s sacrifice and to proclaim His death until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26). This practice keeps the central message of the Gospel at the heart of Christian worship.
Conclusion
Passover, with its rich historical and theological significance, continues to be a profound reminder of God’s deliverance, faithfulness, and redemptive plan. From the first Passover in Egypt to its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the feast underscores the continuity of God’s work in history. For modern Christians, Passover teaches the importance of remembering God’s acts of salvation, living in holiness, and celebrating the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. As we reflect on Passover, we are reminded of the depth of God’s love and the powerful redemption available through Jesus, the Lamb of God.