Leviticus 23:5 King James Version (KJV)

In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord's passover.

The book of Leviticus, the third book of the Bible, provides a detailed account of the laws and regulations given to the Israelites by God through Moses. Leviticus 23 focuses on the appointed feasts that the Israelites were instructed to observe, and verse 5 specifically refers to the feast of Passover.

The Passover is one of the most significant and widely observed Jewish holidays, commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The event is recounted in the book of Exodus, where God sends ten plagues upon the Egyptians to secure the release of His people. The final plague involved the death of the firstborn in every household, but the Israelites were instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a sacrificial lamb, and death would "pass over" their homes. This led to the Pharaoh finally allowing the Israelites to leave Egypt, marking the beginning of their exodus to the Promised Land.

The verse is simple and straightforward, providing the specific date and time for the observance of Passover: "In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord's passover." This precision reflects the meticulous attention to detail and adherence to specific religious observances that characterized the Hebrew people's worship.

One of the central themes of this verse is obedience. The Israelites were expected to follow God's instructions explicitly, down to the precise day and time. This demonstrated their faithfulness and willingness to submit to God's will, even in the smallest details. In doing so, they honored and revered the Lord's commandments, strengthening their relationship with Him.

The verse also emphasizes the importance of remembrance and celebration. The Passover was not only a historical event but also an ongoing memorial that served to connect future generations with their ancestral story. By celebrating the Passover at the appointed time, the Israelites honored their past and reinforced their identity as God's chosen people. This act of remembrance fostered a communal sense of identity and unity, reinforcing their shared history and faith.

Furthermore, the symbolism of the Passover has deep spiritual significance. The sacrificial lamb whose blood marked the Israelites' homes prefigured the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, offered Himself as the sacrificial lamb to atone for the sins of humanity. The Passover thus foreshadowed the redemptive work of Christ, highlighting the interconnectedness of the Old and New Testaments and the continuity of God's plan for salvation throughout history.

In the broader context of Leviticus, the verse also underscores the importance of ritual purity and sanctification. The Israelites were required to prepare themselves spiritually and physically for the observance of Passover, reflecting the inherent holiness of the feast and the need for God's people to approach Him with reverence and awe. This emphasis on purity and sanctification permeates the entire book of Leviticus, delineating the various laws and regulations for maintaining spiritual and moral integrity.

In conclusion, Leviticus 23:5 encapsulates the significance of the Passover feast within the larger framework of Israelite worship and religious observance. It underscores the themes of obedience, remembrance, and spiritual significance, highlighting the interconnectedness of the Old and New Testaments and the continuing relevance of this ancient tradition for believers today. The verse serves as a profound reminder of God's faithfulness and redemptive work in the history of His people, calling for continued observance and celebration of the Passover as a testament to His enduring love and mercy.