The Feast of the Passover, a pivotal observance in the Jewish calendar, commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage as described in the Book of Exodus. This feast, instituted by God, is rich in symbolism and regulations, reflecting the covenantal relationship between God and His people. One of the notable aspects of the Passover is the inclusion of strangers and servants, provided they adhere to specific requirements, namely circumcision.

Biblical Foundation

The Passover is first detailed in Exodus 12, where God commands Moses and Aaron regarding its observance. The Israelites are instructed to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood, signifying their obedience and faith in God's promise of deliverance. This act would spare them from the plague of the firstborn, which God would inflict upon Egypt.

Inclusion of Strangers and Servants

The inclusivity of the Passover is underscored by the provision for strangers and servants to partake in the feast, contingent upon their circumcision. Exodus 12:48-49 states: "If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, all the males in his household must be circumcised; then he may take part, like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it. The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you."

This directive highlights the importance of circumcision as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants (Genesis 17:10-14). By requiring circumcision, the Passover becomes not only a remembrance of deliverance but also an affirmation of faith and inclusion into the community of God's people.

Theological Significance

The requirement for circumcision before participation in the Passover underscores the theological principle of covenantal identity. It signifies a commitment to the God of Israel and an acceptance of His laws and promises. This inclusion of non-Israelites, upon meeting the covenantal sign, foreshadows the broader inclusion of Gentiles into the faith community, a theme that is further developed in the New Testament.

Servants and Household Members

The inclusion of servants, who were often considered part of the household, further emphasizes the communal aspect of the Passover. As members of the household, they were to be circumcised and thus could fully participate in the religious life of the family. This practice reflects the broader biblical principle of household faith, where the head of the household's faith and obedience could extend covenantal blessings to all under his care.

Practical Observance

In practical terms, the observance of the Passover by circumcised strangers and servants would have required a significant commitment to the God of Israel. It was not merely a ritualistic act but a profound declaration of faith and identity. This requirement ensured that those who partook in the Passover were not only physically present but spiritually aligned with the covenantal community.

Conclusion

The Feast of the Passover, with its provision for the inclusion of circumcised strangers and servants, reflects the expansive nature of God's covenantal promises. It serves as a testament to the inclusivity of God's redemptive plan, which, while rooted in the history of Israel, extends its reach to all who would enter into covenant with Him through faith and obedience.Exodus 12:44,48
But every man's servant that is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... to his service through life: sojourning strangers, not Canaanites ... seventh day: the
periodic feast of unleavened ... days, following upon the Passover: the Sabbatic ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ...
... as they were plunged in idolatry, were strangers to the ... was intended for infants,
but the passover, for which ... which God invites to the heavenly feast the lame ...
/.../chapter 16 paedobaptism its accordance.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... then, known or unknown, relatives or strangers, (for you ... in every year in celebrating
the Passover, the feast of Pentecost, and the feast of Tabernacles ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

Concerning the Communion, or Participation of the Body and Blood ...
... the mere shadow, outside, and form, but strangers to the ... made use of unleavened bread
in the passover, that it ... this by some is called a love-feast, [1188] or a ...
/.../proposition xiii concerning the communion.htm

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... ye have brought into my sanctuary strangers, uncircumcised in ... or rule to communion
with saints: servants they are ... him, then shall eat' of the passover (Exodus 12 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... want of grace and want of Spirit will not keep God from ... time of the fruit drew near,
he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... with the worst, he saith to his servants, Go ye ... men far off from God, aliens and
strangers to all ... be worshipped, and that proclaimed a religious feast unto it. ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... deal with the worst, he saith to his servants, Go ye ... men far off from God, aliens
and strangers to all ... Lord Jesus has, as I said, that others might take heart ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... show us how strongly and securely it will keep its inhabitants ... But 'not by might,
nor yet by power,' that is ... the hand of the Lord towards his servants, and his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... if this be done, the heart is circumcised, and spiritual ... the natural; both Christ
and his servants catch mystical ... Christ might have told the tempter, when he ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

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