Ezra 6:19

And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth [day] of the first month.

And the children {H1121} of the captivity {H1473} kept {H6213} the passover {H6453} upon the fourteenth {H702}{H6240} day of the first {H7223} month {H2320}.

The people from the exile kept Pesach on the fourteenth day of the first month.

On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles kept the Passover.

And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month.

Commentary

Ezra 6:19 records a significant moment for the Jewish people who had returned from Babylonian exile: their celebration of the Passover. This verse highlights their commitment to re-establishing proper worship and their adherence to God's ancient commands after the completion and dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

Context

This verse follows the triumphant completion and dedication of the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem, as detailed in Ezra 6:15-18. For generations, the Israelites had been unable to celebrate major feasts like Passover in their homeland with a functioning Temple, especially during the 70 years of captivity in Babylon (see Ezra 1:1-4). The celebration mentioned in Ezra 6:19 marks a profound spiritual restoration and a return to the covenant practices that defined their identity as God's chosen people. The "children of the captivity" refers specifically to these exiles who had returned to Judah under the decrees of Persian kings, signifying their renewed freedom and ability to worship.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to God's Law: The precise observance of Passover "upon the fourteenth [day] of the first month" demonstrates a diligent adherence to the instructions given by God through Moses (see Exodus 12:6). This shows their commitment to living according to the Torah after their return.
  • Restoration and Renewal: The ability to celebrate Passover in Jerusalem, with a dedicated Temple, symbolized a spiritual and national rebirth. It was a tangible sign of God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their land and restoring their worship.
  • Commemoration of Deliverance: Passover always served as a remembrance of God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. For the returned exiles, this celebration likely carried a double significance, also recalling their recent deliverance from Babylonian captivity.
  • Unity and Community: The phrase "the children of the captivity kept the passover" emphasizes a collective act of worship, reinforcing their identity as a unified community dedicated to the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Passover" (Hebrew: Pesach) refers to the annual festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, specifically God's "passing over" the houses of the Israelites when He struck the firstborn of Egypt. The phrase "children of the captivity" (Hebrew: bene haggolah) highlights their identity as those who had been exiled and subsequently returned, emphasizing their unique historical experience and the grace of God in their restoration.

Practical Application

Ezra 6:19 reminds believers of the importance of:

  • Faithful Obedience: Just as the exiles diligently followed God's commands for Passover, we are called to obey God's Word in our lives.
  • Celebrating God's Deliverance: We should regularly remember and celebrate God's past faithfulness and deliverance in our lives, whether from sin, hardship, or despair. This echoes the ultimate deliverance found in Christ, our Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice brings true freedom.
  • Corporate Worship: The communal celebration of Passover underscores the value of gathering together as a community of faith to worship God and remember His mighty acts.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 12:6

    And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

  • Exodus 12:36

    And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them [such things as they required]. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:1

    ¶ And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:27

    Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came [up] to his holy dwelling place, [even] unto heaven.

  • Joshua 5:10

    ¶ And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.
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