Topical Encyclopedia The Paschal Lamb, central to the observance of the Passover, holds profound typological significance within the biblical narrative. The instruction to eat the lamb in haste is a critical aspect of its symbolism, reflecting themes of urgency, readiness, and deliverance.Biblical Foundation The command to eat the Paschal Lamb in haste is found in Exodus 12:11: "This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. You must eat it in haste—it is the LORD’s Passover." . This directive was given to the Israelites on the eve of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage, emphasizing the immediacy of their departure and the readiness required for God's redemptive act. Symbolism and Typology 1. Urgency of Deliverance: The haste with which the lamb was to be eaten underscores the urgency of God's deliverance. The Israelites were to be prepared to leave Egypt at a moment's notice, symbolizing the swift and decisive nature of divine intervention. This urgency is mirrored in the Christian understanding of salvation, where believers are called to respond promptly to the call of Christ. 2. Readiness for a New Journey: Eating in haste also signifies readiness for a new beginning. The Israelites were to be fully dressed and equipped for travel, indicating their preparedness to embark on a journey to the Promised Land. In the New Testament, this readiness is echoed in the call for believers to be prepared for the return of Christ, living in a state of spiritual vigilance and expectation. 3. Separation from the Past: The act of eating in haste symbolizes a break from the past and a movement towards a new future. For the Israelites, it marked the end of their slavery in Egypt and the beginning of their identity as a free people under God's covenant. Similarly, in Christian theology, the believer's acceptance of Christ signifies a departure from the bondage of sin and an entry into the freedom of life in Christ. 4. Faith and Obedience: The Israelites' compliance with the command to eat in haste demonstrated their faith and obedience to God's instructions. This act of trust in God's promise of deliverance is a precursor to the faith required of believers in the New Covenant, where trust in Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection is central to salvation. Christological Fulfillment The Paschal Lamb is a type of Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Just as the Israelites were to eat the lamb in haste, Christians are called to partake in the life of Christ with a sense of urgency and readiness. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8, urging believers to "keep the feast" with sincerity and truth, reflecting the purity and readiness expected of those redeemed by Christ's sacrifice. In summary, the instruction to eat the Paschal Lamb in haste is rich with typological meaning, pointing to themes of deliverance, readiness, and faith that find their ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 12:11And thus shall you eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD's passover. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 6:18 Library The Passover: an Expiation and a Feast, a Memorial and a Prophecy Christ Our Passover The Second Oration on Easter. Resources What is an Easter Vigil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the origins of Easter? | GotQuestions.org The Feasts and Festivals of Judaism ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Paschal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb without Blemish Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: A Male of the First Year Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: A Type of Christ Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Blood of, not Sprinkled on Threshold Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Blood of, Sprinkled on Lintel and Door-Posts Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Chosen Before-Hand Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten in Haste Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten With Bitter Herbs Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten With Shoes On Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten With Staff in Hand Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten With the Loins Girt Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten With Unleavened Bread Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Its Blood to be Shed Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Killed at the Place where the Lord Put his Name Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Killed by the People Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Killed in the Evening Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Not a Bone of, Broken Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Not Eaten Raw Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Not Taken out of the House Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Roasted With Fire Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Shut up Four Days That It Might be Closely Examined Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Taken out of the Flock Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: What Remained of It Till Morning to be Burned Related Terms |