Leviticus 23:5

Leviticus 23:5 introduces the first and arguably most significant of the annual appointed feasts of the LORD for ancient Israel: the Passover. This verse succinctly states the timing of this pivotal celebration.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of Leviticus chapter 23, which meticulously outlines the seven annual festivals, or mo'edim (appointed times), that God commanded the Israelites to observe. The Passover, known in Hebrew as Pesach (פֶּסַח), was not merely a religious observance but a profound national commemoration of God's miraculous deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt. Its institution is detailed in Exodus chapter 12, where the blood of a spotless lamb on the doorposts protected the Israelite firstborn from the plague of death, causing the destroyer to "pass over" their homes.

The "first month" refers to Nisan (or Abib), which typically falls in March or April of the Gregorian calendar, marking the beginning of the religious year for Israel. "At even" (Hebrew: ben ha'arbayim, literally "between the two evenings") signifies the twilight period, usually from sundown until full darkness, which marked the beginning of the 14th day according to the Hebrew reckoning where a day begins at sundown.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Mandate: The phrase "the LORD'S passover" emphasizes that this was a divine institution, not a human tradition, underscoring God's sovereignty over time and His people's worship.
• Remembrance of Deliverance: The Passover served as a perpetual reminder of God's mighty hand in rescuing Israel from bondage, fostering gratitude and faith for future generations.
• Sacrifice and Atonement: Central to the Passover was the sacrifice of an unblemished lamb, whose blood provided protection and symbolized purification. This foreshadowed a greater sacrifice to come.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "Passover," Pesach (פֶּסַח), directly conveys the idea of "passing over" or "sparing," referring to the angel of death bypassing the homes marked with the lamb's blood. The precise timing "at even" (ben ha'arbayim) highlights the careful adherence required for God's commands, emphasizing that the timing was crucial for this redemptive act.

Related Scriptures

The Passover is profoundly significant because it foreshadows the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 5:7, "For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us." Just as the Passover lamb's blood saved Israel from physical death, Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, often occurring during the Passover season, provides spiritual salvation and deliverance from sin and eternal death. John the Baptist's declaration, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world," further solidifies this connection.

Practical Application

For believers today, Leviticus 23:5 reminds us of the importance of remembering God's past acts of salvation and His faithfulness. It points us to the finished work of Christ, the true Passover Lamb, whose blood secures our freedom from the bondage of sin. It encourages us to live lives of gratitude and obedience, recognizing that our salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in His perfect sacrifice. Just as Israel was called to remove leaven (symbolizing sin) before Passover, we are called to pursue holiness and purity, reflecting the redemptive work within us.