The fourteenth day of the month holds significant importance in the biblical calendar, particularly in the context of the Hebrew month of Nisan (also known as Abib). This day is most notably associated with the observance of the Passover, a pivotal event in the history of Israel and a foundational element of Jewish and Christian traditions.

Passover (Pesach): The Passover is instituted in the Book of Exodus as a commemoration of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. On the fourteenth day of the first month, Nisan, the Israelites were commanded to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. This act was a sign for the Lord to "pass over" their homes during the final plague—the death of the firstborn—thus sparing them from judgment. Exodus 12:6-7 states, "You must keep it until the fourteenth day of the month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel will slaughter the animals at twilight. They are to take some of the blood and put it on the two side posts and tops of the doorframes of the houses in which they eat the lambs."

Feast of Unleavened Bread: The Passover also marks the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which lasts for seven days. On the evening of the fourteenth day, the Israelites were to eat unleavened bread, symbolizing the haste with which they left Egypt, as there was no time for the dough to rise. Leviticus 23:5-6 records, "The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread."

Significance in the New Testament: The fourteenth day of Nisan is also significant in the New Testament, as it is the day on which Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, was crucified. This event is seen as the fulfillment of the Passover sacrifice, with Christ's death providing deliverance from sin and death for all who believe. The Apostle Paul draws this parallel in 1 Corinthians 5:7 , "Get rid of the old leaven, so that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed."

Observance and Tradition: In Jewish tradition, the preparation for Passover begins well before the fourteenth day, with the removal of all leaven from the home. The Seder meal, held on the evening of the fourteenth, includes the retelling of the Exodus account, the eating of symbolic foods, and the singing of hymns. For Christians, the Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples on the evening of the fourteenth day, is commemorated as the institution of the Lord's Supper or Communion.

The fourteenth day of the month, particularly in the context of Nisan, is thus a day rich with historical, theological, and liturgical significance, serving as a reminder of God's deliverance and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ.