Ezra 6:19

On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles kept the Passover.

Study Bible

On the fourteenth day of the first month
This date corresponds to the 14th of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, which is significant as it marks the beginning of the Passover festival. The timing is crucial as it aligns with the instructions given in Exodus 12:6, where God commanded the Israelites to observe the Passover on this specific day. This observance is a reminder of God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands. The first month, Nisan, is a time of renewal and new beginnings, symbolizing the start of Israel's journey as a redeemed people.

the exiles kept the Passover
The term "exiles" refers to the Jewish people who returned from Babylonian captivity. Their observance of the Passover signifies a restoration of religious practices and a return to covenant faithfulness. This act of keeping the Passover highlights the continuity of Israel's identity and faith despite the exile. It also serves as a type of Christ, as the Passover lamb is a foreshadowing of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who delivers believers from the bondage of sin. The celebration of Passover by the exiles underscores the theme of redemption and God's faithfulness to His promises, as seen in the prophetic writings of Jeremiah and Isaiah regarding the return from exile.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Exiles
These are the Israelites who returned from Babylonian captivity. Their return and restoration are central themes in the book of Ezra.

2. Passover
A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian slavery. It is a time of remembrance and celebration of God's faithfulness and salvation.

3. The Fourteenth Day of the First Month
This date is significant as it marks the beginning of Passover, as prescribed in the Law of Moses (Exodus 12:6).

Teaching Points

The Importance of Remembrance
The celebration of Passover by the exiles underscores the importance of remembering God's past deliverance as a foundation for faith and hope in present circumstances.

Obedience to God's Commands
The exiles' observance of Passover demonstrates their commitment to obeying God's laws, even after a period of exile and disobedience. This serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning our lives with God's Word.

Community and Worship
The communal aspect of Passover highlights the significance of gathering together in worship and celebration, fostering unity and shared faith among believers.

God's Faithfulness
The return of the exiles and their ability to celebrate Passover is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, encouraging believers to trust in His continued faithfulness.

Christ as Our Passover
Understanding the Passover in light of Christ's sacrifice enriches our appreciation of the New Testament's fulfillment of Old Testament promises, encouraging us to live in the reality of Christ's redemptive work.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the celebration of Passover by the exiles in Ezra 6:19 reflect their spiritual renewal and commitment to God?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the principle of remembrance into our own spiritual practices today?

3. How does the observance of Passover in Ezra 6:19 connect to the broader biblical theme of God's deliverance and faithfulness?

4. What lessons can we learn from the exiles' obedience to God's commands, and how can we apply these lessons in our daily lives?

5. How does understanding Christ as our Passover lamb deepen our appreciation for the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
This chapter provides the original instructions for the Passover, highlighting its importance as a perpetual ordinance for the Israelites.

2 Chronicles 30
This passage describes King Hezekiah's celebration of the Passover, emphasizing the importance of returning to God's commands and the joy of communal worship.

1 Corinthians 5:7
Paul refers to Christ as our Passover lamb, drawing a parallel between the Old Testament Passover and the sacrifice of Jesus, highlighting the continuity of God's redemptive plan.