Topical Encyclopedia The Paschal Lamb, central to the observance of Passover, holds profound typological significance within the biblical narrative, particularly in its prescribed time of sacrifice—"in the evening." This specific timing is not merely a ritualistic detail but is imbued with theological depth, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.Biblical Prescription The commandment regarding the timing of the Paschal Lamb's sacrifice is found in Exodus 12:6: "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" . The term "twilight" or "evening" in Hebrew, "ben ha'arbayim," refers to the period between the decline of the sun and nightfall, a time of transition from light to darkness. Typological Significance The evening sacrifice of the Paschal Lamb prefigures the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Just as the lamb was slain at twilight, marking the beginning of deliverance for the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, so too was Christ crucified as the light of the world began to fade, ushering in the new covenant of salvation. The Gospel of Matthew records, "From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land" (Matthew 27:45), underscoring the parallel between the setting of the sun and the sacrificial death of Christ. Prophetic Fulfillment The timing of the Paschal Lamb's sacrifice is prophetically fulfilled in the death of Jesus. The Apostle Paul explicitly identifies Christ as our Passover Lamb: "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7). The evening sacrifice symbolizes the end of the old covenant and the dawn of a new era of grace and redemption through Christ's atoning work. Historical Context In the historical context of the Exodus, the evening sacrifice of the lamb was a pivotal moment for the Israelites. It marked the beginning of their liberation from slavery and the establishment of their identity as God's chosen people. This act of obedience and faith was a precursor to the greater deliverance achieved through Christ's sacrifice, which liberates believers from the bondage of sin. Theological Implications The evening sacrifice of the Paschal Lamb underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture. It highlights the meticulous fulfillment of divine prophecy and the intricate tapestry of typology woven into the biblical narrative. The timing of the sacrifice serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the precision of His salvific work, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Liturgical Observance In the liturgical observance of Passover, the evening sacrifice of the lamb is a moment of solemn reflection and anticipation. It is a time to remember the faithfulness of God in delivering His people and to look forward to the ultimate deliverance through Christ. This observance is a powerful testament to the continuity of God's covenantal promises and the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes in history. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 12:6And you shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 15:34,37 Library Christ Our Passover The Last Supper. Faustus Fails to Understand Why He Should be Required Either to ... The Second Oration on Easter. The Saints' Privilege and Profit; 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 |
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