Ezra 6:19 – “On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles celebrated the Passover.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Ezra 6:19 marks the moment when the Jewish exiles, after returning to Jerusalem and completing the rebuilding of the temple, celebrated the Passover. This festival commemorates God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, as recorded in the book of Exodus. By celebrating the Passover, the people were not only honoring their past but also recognizing God’s faithfulness in bringing them back from exile and restoring their ability to worship in the temple.
The timing of the celebration—the fourteenth day of the first month—follows the instructions given in the Law of Moses for when the Passover should be observed. The fact that the exiles were able to celebrate the Passover in their homeland, in a newly rebuilt temple, was a powerful symbol of God’s restoration and faithfulness. This verse highlights the importance of remembering God’s past acts of deliverance and applying that memory to their present circumstances.
Historical Context
The historical background of this verse is the period after the Jewish people had returned from exile in Babylon. For decades, they had been living in a foreign land after their temple and city were destroyed by the Babylonians. But through the decree of King Cyrus of Persia, they were allowed to return and rebuild their temple in Jerusalem. After years of labor and overcoming opposition, the temple was finally completed.
The celebration of the Passover in Ezra 6:19 is significant because it marked the first time in many years that the Jewish people were able to celebrate this important festival in their own land and in the temple. Passover was a foundational event in Israel’s history, reminding them of God’s power to deliver them from slavery and His ongoing protection and care. Celebrating Passover in their newly restored homeland was a powerful expression of their renewed covenant relationship with God.
Theological Implications
Ezra 6:19 highlights the importance of remembering God’s acts of salvation. For the Jewish people, Passover was more than just a ritual; it was a reminder of God’s power, mercy, and faithfulness in rescuing them from Egypt. By celebrating Passover after their return from exile, the Jews were acknowledging that the same God who delivered them from Egypt had now delivered them from Babylon.
This celebration also points to the central place of worship and obedience in the life of God’s people. The fact that the exiles observed the Passover in accordance with the Law of Moses shows their commitment to follow God’s commands and restore their worship life. It’s a reminder that worship is rooted in God’s actions and our response to His grace.
Literary Analysis
Ezra 6:19 is a brief but significant verse that connects the historical past of Israel with their present situation. The reference to the “fourteenth day of the first month” emphasizes the precise timing of the Passover celebration, following the instructions given in the Torah (Exodus 12:6). The mention of “the exiles” highlights the fact that these were people who had experienced God’s judgment and mercy—first through their exile, then through their return.
This verse serves as a bridge between the rebuilding of the temple, described earlier in Ezra, and the restored practice of worship that follows. The simplicity of the verse belies its deep significance: the exiles were not just returning to a physical land, but to a restored relationship with God, symbolized by their observance of Passover.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 12:14 – “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance.” This verse from the original Passover instructions emphasizes the ongoing importance of celebrating this event.
- Leviticus 23:5 – “The Lord’s Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month.” This verse gives the specific timing for when the Passover should be observed, showing that the exiles in Ezra’s time were following the Law of Moses.
- 2 Chronicles 30:1-5 – King Hezekiah, like the exiles in Ezra, reinstituted the celebration of the Passover after a period of neglect, showing the significance of returning to proper worship after a time of distance from God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, Ezra 6:19 serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and celebrating God’s acts of deliverance in our own lives. Just as the Jews celebrated Passover to commemorate their deliverance from Egypt, we are called to remember how God has worked in our own lives, delivering us from sin and death through Jesus Christ. Regularly remembering God’s work keeps our hearts aligned with Him and encourages us in our faith journey.
The restoration of Passover also reminds us of the importance of worshiping God as He has commanded. The exiles didn’t celebrate in any way they wanted; they followed the instructions laid out in Scripture. Similarly, our worship today is not about personal preferences but about honoring God according to His Word.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Ezra 6:19 reflects God’s love for His people by showing His desire to restore them after their time of exile. Even though they had experienced judgment for their disobedience, God did not abandon them. Instead, He brought them back to their land and enabled them to worship Him again, beginning with the celebration of Passover.
God’s love is also seen in the way He invites His people to remember His past acts of salvation. He wants His people to continually recall His faithfulness, so they can live in light of His grace. The fact that God gave the Israelites the Passover as a lasting ordinance is a sign of His enduring care and covenant relationship with them.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Passover, as described in Ezra 6:19, points forward to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover. In the Old Testament, the Passover lamb was sacrificed so that the Israelites could be spared from death in Egypt. In the New Testament, Jesus is identified as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). His sacrifice on the cross delivers us from the judgment of sin, just as the Passover lamb delivered the Israelites from death.
In fact, Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper (also called Communion) during a Passover meal, showing that His death would be the fulfillment of the Passover sacrifice (Luke 22:14-20). As Christians, we don’t celebrate the Old Testament Passover in the same way, but we do regularly remember Christ’s sacrifice through Communion, which reminds us of His death and resurrection, and the salvation He provides.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Ezra 6:19 remind you of the importance of remembering God’s past works of deliverance in your own life?
- What are some ways that you can celebrate and reflect on God’s faithfulness in your own walk with Him?
- How does this verse encourage you to approach worship with a heart of gratitude and obedience to God’s Word?
- In what ways does the Passover celebration in Ezra 6 point forward to Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice for our sins?
- How can you use celebrations like Communion as opportunities to reflect on and give thanks for God’s saving work through Jesus Christ?