Pesach

Pesach, commonly called Passover because the “destroyer” literally passed over all homes whose doorposts were painted with blood, is an appointed feast of Adonai, a holy convocation, an eternal ordinance. The appointed season for Pesach in accordance with Leviticus 23:5 is “the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening.” The Biblical “first month” is the month of Nisan. This lunar month occurs between March and April. 

Exodus 12:1-14 provides the instruction as to when and how Pesach is to be remembered. On the 10th of Nisan, each family was to choose a lamb for the household (it could be shared if the household was small). On the 14th of Nisan at twilight the lamb was to be slaughtered. The meal was to be eaten fully in haste, clothed prepared to leave, and with matzot and bitter herbs. The blood of the lamb was to be placed on the doorposts of the house.

Following Pesach is the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Often the 7 days of this feast will be included with Pesach and the entire 7 days will be referred to as Pesach. In Numbers 9:6-12, G-D makes provision for a second Pesach, Pesach Sheni, for those unable (due to uncleanness or travel) to attend the first Pesach. The second Pesach is to occur in the second month, Iyar, on the 14th day in the afternoon.

The sacrifice of the Lamb for Believers in Yeshua Messiah is a foreshadow of the ultimate sacrificial redemptive work Yeshua would provide through execution on a stake and rising from his tomb to sit at the right hand of the Father. 

Interested in hosting your own Passover seder this year? Check out our helpful video: