What does Passover commemorate?

Definition and Origin

Passover is an annual observance rooted in the events of Israel’s exodus from Egypt. The term “Passover” translates from the Hebrew word פֶּסַח (pesach), denoting the “passing over” of the homes of the Israelites when the firstborn of Egypt were struck down (Exodus 12:13). This festival commemorates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery and their journey toward becoming a distinct people in covenant with God.

Biblical Background

According to the book of Exodus:

• Deliverance from Bondage: In Exodus 12, God commanded the Israelites to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb so that the wrath of the final plague would “pass over” their homes (Exodus 12:7, 12–13).

• Instituted as a Permanent Statute: Scripture proclaims it as an enduring ordinance for all generations: “This day shall be a memorial for you, and you shall celebrate it as a feast to the LORD. You are to celebrate it for the generations to come as a permanent statute” (Exodus 12:14).

• The Central Theme of God’s Power and Redemption: Passover highlights God’s authority over oppressive regimes, as He decisively rescued His people and demonstrated His steadfast love. In Exodus 12:26–27, when children ask about the meaning of Passover, parents are to explain, “It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.”

Key Elements of the Passover Ritual

1. The Lamb

The Passover lamb was selected on the tenth day of the month of Nisan and slaughtered on the fourteenth day at twilight (Exodus 12:3, 6). The blood of the lamb, spread on the doorposts and lintel, was the sign that protected the Israelites’ households.

2. Unleavened Bread

Leaven (yeast) was put away, symbolizing both the haste of departure from Egypt and the separation from the old life of bondage. Scripture instructs, “For seven days you must eat unleavened bread—on the very first day you shall remove the leaven from your houses” (Exodus 12:15). This practice reminds participants of the urgency and purity associated with God’s deliverance.

3. Bitter Herbs

These herbs (maror) represent the bitterness of life endured under cruel bondage in Egypt (Exodus 12:8). The taste provides a tangible reminder of the suffering that preceded the redemption.

4. The Feast of Unleavened Bread

Immediately following Passover is the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:17–20; Deuteronomy 16:1–8). Although often used interchangeably with Passover, strictly speaking, the Feast of Unleavened Bread lasts seven days after the Passover meal and extends the theme of commemoration and separation unto the Lord.

Passover in the New Testament

1. The Last Supper

The Gospels record that the final meal Jesus shared with His disciples was a Passover meal (Luke 22:7–8). This connection underscores the deeper meaning that Jesus Himself is the true Passover Lamb.

2. Christ as the Fulfillment

The Apostle Paul tells believers: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Just as the blood of the lamb shielded the Israelites from judgment, so the sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ provides eternal redemption.

3. Continuing Remembrance

Although instituted under the old covenant, Passover still has spiritual significance by highlighting the scope of God’s merciful deliverance. For many, the festival also points to the ultimate deliverance accomplished through Christ’s sacrifice.

Archaeological and Historical Corroboration

Archaeological findings in the Sinai Peninsula and regions of ancient Egypt continue to spark discussion regarding evidence of Israel’s exodus. While accounts vary, items such as ancient Semitic inscriptions in Egyptian labor camps and Egyptian archival references to Semitic peoples have been presented to support the historicity of a large population of Hebrews in Egypt.

Beyond archaeology, the writings of the first-century Jewish historian Josephus confirm the centrality of Passover for the Jewish people throughout history. Early manuscript evidence, such as portions of the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures), also substantiates the continued accuracy of Exodus 12 across the centuries, supporting the integrity of the biblical narrative.

Contemporary Observance and Reminders

Today, many Jewish families observe Passover with a ceremony known as the Seder, incorporating symbolic foods, blessings, and Scripture readings (often including Exodus 12). For Christians, the commemoration connects to the deliverance found in Christ, who embodies the sacrificial Lamb and fulfills the broader themes of restoration and covenant relationship with God.

Even in modern settings, Passover remains a testimony to deliverance from bondage, faithfulness in divine promise, and the power of sacrifice. As such, it stands as a momentous reminder of God’s redemptive plan throughout history—pointing both to the original exodus event and ultimately to the saving work accomplished by Christ.

Conclusion

Passover commemorates the decisive act of God saving the Israelites from Egyptian slavery and creating a covenant community rooted in faith and obedience. Its rituals—centered on the Passover lamb, unleavened bread, and remembrance of God’s mighty intervention—have carried through millennia, grounding believers in the timeless truth of divine redemption. For many, the festival’s significance extends beyond its ancient Israelite context and unveils a larger, enduring message: God’s plan to rescue His people, culminating in the profound fulfillment found in the Passover Lamb, the Messiah.