Ezekiel 45:21

On the fourteenth day of the first month you are to observe the Passover, a feast of seven days, during which unleavened bread shall be eaten.

Study Bible

On the fourteenth day of the first month
This phrase refers to the specific timing of the Passover, which is celebrated on the 14th day of Nisan, the first month of the Jewish religious calendar. This timing is significant as it marks the beginning of the Jewish festival cycle and commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. The date is established in Exodus 12:6 and is a perpetual ordinance for the Israelites. The first month, Nisan, corresponds to March-April in the Gregorian calendar.

you are to observe the Passover
The Passover is a foundational event in Jewish history, instituted in Exodus 12:1-14. It commemorates God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, specifically the night when the Lord passed over the houses of the Israelites marked with lamb's blood, sparing their firstborn sons. This observance is a reminder of God's faithfulness and power. In Christian theology, the Passover is seen as a type of Christ, with Jesus being the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

a feast of seven days
The Passover is immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which lasts for seven days. This is detailed in Exodus 12:15-20 and Leviticus 23:6-8. The seven-day duration signifies completeness and perfection in biblical numerology. The feast is a time of reflection on the haste of the Israelites' departure from Egypt, as they did not have time to let their bread rise.

during which unleavened bread shall be eaten
Unleavened bread, or matzah, is eaten during this period to symbolize the purity and separation from sin, as leaven is often associated with sin in the Bible (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). The absence of leaven also recalls the haste of the Exodus, as the Israelites left Egypt quickly and could not wait for their bread to rise. This practice is a call to holiness and a reminder of God's deliverance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel's messages often focus on the restoration of Israel and the proper worship of God.

2. Passover
An important Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as described in Exodus 12.

3. Unleavened Bread
Bread made without yeast, symbolizing purity and the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt.

4. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were delivered from Egyptian bondage and given the Law, including the observance of Passover.

5. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, during which Ezekiel prophesied.

Teaching Points

Significance of Remembrance
The Passover serves as a powerful reminder of God's deliverance and faithfulness. Christians are called to remember Christ's sacrifice, which fulfills the Passover.

Symbolism of Unleavened Bread
Unleavened bread represents purity and separation from sin. Believers are encouraged to live lives free from the "leaven" of sin.

Continuity of God's Plan
The observance of Passover in Ezekiel's vision points to the continuity of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Jesus Christ.

Community and Worship
The communal aspect of Passover highlights the importance of gathering together in worship and remembrance, a practice continued in Christian fellowship.

Preparation and Readiness
Just as the Israelites prepared for their journey, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared and ready for Christ's return.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the observance of Passover in Ezekiel 45:21 connect to the original Passover in Exodus 12, and what does this teach us about God's faithfulness?

2. In what ways does the symbolism of unleavened bread apply to our lives today, and how can we strive to live "unleavened" lives?

3. How does the Passover foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and what implications does this have for our understanding of redemption?

4. What role does community play in the observance of Passover, and how can we apply this principle to our own worship and fellowship?

5. How can we prepare ourselves spiritually for the return of Christ, drawing parallels from the Israelites' preparation for their exodus from Egypt?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
Provides the original instructions for the Passover, highlighting its significance as a memorial of deliverance.

Leviticus 23
Lists the feasts of the Lord, including Passover, and outlines their observance.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8
Paul connects Christ to the Passover lamb, emphasizing the spiritual significance of unleavened bread as sincerity and truth.

Luke 22:7-20
Describes Jesus' Last Supper, which was a Passover meal, linking the Old Testament feast to the New Covenant.