Topical Encyclopedia The Paschal Lamb, central to the observance of the Passover, holds significant typological importance in biblical theology. The instructions regarding its preparation and consumption are detailed in the Book of Exodus, where the Israelites are commanded to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and consume it in a specific manner. One of the key stipulations is that the lamb must not be eaten raw.Biblical Instructions In Exodus 12:8-9 , the Israelites are instructed: "They are to eat the meat that night, roasted over the fire, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of the meat raw or cooked in boiling water, but only roasted over the fire—its head and legs and inner parts." This directive underscores the importance of adhering to God's specific commands regarding the Passover meal. Symbolic Significance The prohibition against eating the lamb raw carries deep symbolic meaning. In the context of the Passover, the lamb represents the sacrifice necessary for the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. The roasting of the lamb over fire can be seen as a symbol of purification and judgment, reflecting the consuming fire of God's holiness. Eating the lamb raw would not only violate the divine command but also fail to convey the full typological significance of the sacrifice. Typology of Christ The Paschal Lamb serves as a type of Christ, the ultimate sacrificial Lamb. In 1 Corinthians 5:7 , Paul writes, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." Just as the lamb was to be roasted and fully consumed, Christ's sacrifice was complete and sufficient for the atonement of sin. The prohibition against eating the lamb raw emphasizes the necessity of accepting the full work of Christ's atonement, rather than a partial or incomplete understanding of His sacrifice. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the command not to eat the lamb raw highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions and the recognition of His sovereignty. It serves as a reminder that God's ways are purposeful and that His commands are to be followed with reverence and faithfulness. The preparation and consumption of the Paschal Lamb, in accordance with divine instruction, reflect the believer's commitment to honoring God's covenant and acknowledging His redemptive plan. Practical Observance In the observance of Passover, the careful preparation of the lamb as prescribed in Scripture serves as a tangible expression of faith and obedience. It is a practice that reinforces the community's identity as God's chosen people and their reliance on His deliverance. The meticulous adherence to the command not to eat the lamb raw is a testament to the enduring significance of the Passover and its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 12:9Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the entrails thereof. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 11:28,29 Library The Passover: an Expiation and a Feast, a Memorial and a Prophecy A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ... Resources What is the paschal mystery? | GotQuestions.orgIf Jesus is our atonement, why did He die at Passover instead of the Day of Atonement? | GotQuestions.org What is Pascha? | 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 |