Numbers 28:16 – “On the fourteenth day of the first month the Lord’s Passover is to be held.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Numbers 28:16 introduces the observance of the Passover, which is one of the most significant events in the biblical narrative. The Passover was a festival held on the fourteenth day of the first month of the Jewish calendar (Nisan), commemorating the night when God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. On this night, God passed over the homes of the Israelites who had marked their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, sparing them from the final plague that struck down the firstborn of Egypt.
This verse highlights the importance of remembering God’s mighty act of salvation. The Passover wasn’t just a historical event; it was a command to remember and celebrate God’s deliverance and faithfulness. It was a time for the Israelites to reflect on how God saved them from oppression and led them toward freedom, emphasizing that their rescue was solely by God’s power and grace.
Historical Context
The historical context of Numbers 28:16 places us in the wilderness, where the Israelites were receiving detailed instructions from God about how to live and worship as His chosen people. The Passover was first instituted in Exodus 12, during the final days of the Israelites’ captivity in Egypt. God instructed them to sacrifice a spotless lamb, spread its blood on their doorposts, and eat the lamb in a hurried meal, prepared to leave Egypt immediately.
The Passover became an annual observance, reminding the Israelites of their miraculous escape from bondage. It was not only a memorial of the past but also a teaching tool for future generations, helping them understand God’s power, mercy, and the importance of obedience. The celebration of Passover was central to Israel’s identity, constantly reminding them that they were a people saved by God’s direct intervention.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Numbers 28:16 underscores God’s role as a Savior and Deliverer. The Passover is a powerful reminder that God intervenes in human history to save His people. It highlights the themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the importance of obedience to God’s commands. The blood of the lamb that marked the doorposts in Egypt pointed to the need for atonement and God’s provision of a substitute to bear the judgment.
This verse also emphasizes the importance of remembering and celebrating God’s acts of salvation. The command to hold the Passover shows that God values remembrance and wants His people to live in light of what He has done. It’s a call to be grateful and to recognize that our deliverance, whether physical or spiritual, comes from God alone.
Literary Analysis
Numbers 28:16 is concise but powerful, marking the beginning of the Passover celebration in the instructions given to the Israelites. The simplicity of the command—just a single verse—emphasizes the weight and significance of the event. The verse serves as a reminder that some of the most profound acts of God are rooted in simple obedience to His commands.
The positioning of this verse within the broader context of sacrificial instructions shows that the Passover was not just another ritual; it was a defining moment for the people of Israel. The repetition of the observance throughout the Old Testament reflects its central place in Israel’s worship and identity, making this verse a cornerstone of their faith journey.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 12:1-14 – Provides the original instructions for the first Passover in Egypt, highlighting the specifics of the sacrifice and the significance of the blood.
- Leviticus 23:4-5 – Reiterates the command to observe Passover, emphasizing its role as a lasting ordinance for the people of Israel.
- 1 Corinthians 5:7 – Refers to Christ as our Passover Lamb, drawing a direct connection between the Passover sacrifice and Jesus’ atoning death.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Numbers 28:16 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s saving work throughout history. While we don’t observe the Passover in the traditional Jewish sense, the principles of remembrance, gratitude, and reflection on God’s deliverance are still highly relevant. This verse challenges us to consider how we remember and celebrate God’s work in our own lives, particularly the ways He has brought us out of spiritual bondage.
The Passover points us toward the ultimate act of deliverance through Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelites were rescued from slavery in Egypt, we are rescued from the bondage of sin through Christ’s sacrifice. This verse encourages us to live in gratitude for the salvation we have received and to celebrate it regularly, not just as a historical event but as a present reality that shapes our lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Numbers 28:16 reflects God’s deep love for His people by providing a way of escape and deliverance when they were helpless. The Passover was not just about God’s power but also about His compassion and willingness to save those who call on Him. God’s instructions to observe the Passover annually show His desire for His people to remember His love and faithfulness continually.
God’s love is seen in how He acts on behalf of His people, even in the face of impossible circumstances. The Passover wasn’t just a rescue mission; it was an expression of God’s covenant love, demonstrating that He would go to great lengths to protect and preserve those who belong to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly connects to Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate Passover Lamb. In the New Testament, Jesus’ death on the cross is seen as the fulfillment of the Passover. Just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from judgment, Jesus’ blood saves us from the penalty of sin. John 1:29 refers to Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,” making it clear that His sacrifice fulfills the purpose of the Passover.
During the Last Supper, which was a Passover meal, Jesus redefined the symbols of the bread and wine, pointing them to His body and blood given for humanity’s redemption (Luke 22:19-20). This connection shows that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover, providing a once-for-all deliverance that goes beyond physical rescue to eternal salvation.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you regularly remember and celebrate God’s work of salvation in your own life?
- In what ways does the Passover story deepen your understanding of God’s deliverance and faithfulness?
- How does recognizing Jesus as our Passover Lamb affect your view of His sacrifice on the cross?
- How can you live in a way that reflects gratitude for the deliverance you have received through Christ?
This passage invites us to reflect on the powerful acts of God throughout history and to see His deliverance not just as a past event but as a present reality in our lives through Jesus Christ. It calls us to remember, celebrate, and live in light of the freedom we have been given by our loving and faithful God.