Topical Encyclopedia The Paschal Lamb, central to the observance of Passover, holds profound typological significance within the biblical narrative. The instruction for the selection of the lamb is detailed in Exodus 12:3-5 : "Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month, each man must select a lamb for his family, one per household. If the household is too small for a whole lamb, they are to share with their nearest neighbor, taking into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. Your lamb must be an unblemished year-old male, and you may take it from the sheep or the goats."Selection from the Flock The requirement that the lamb be taken from the flock underscores its representative nature. The lamb was to be a part of the community, symbolizing the identification of the sacrificial offering with the people it was to redeem. This selection process highlights the principle of substitutionary atonement, where the lamb stands in place of the firstborn of Israel, sparing them from the judgment that befell Egypt. Unblemished and Pure The stipulation that the lamb be "unblemished" (Exodus 12:5) is significant, as it prefigures the sinless nature of Christ, the ultimate Paschal Lamb. In 1 Peter 1:19 , Christ is described as "a lamb without blemish or spot," drawing a direct parallel to the requirements set forth in the Passover ordinance. The purity of the lamb is essential, as it points to the necessity of a perfect sacrifice to atone for sin. Typology of Christ The typology of the Paschal Lamb finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is identified as the Lamb of God in the New Testament. John the Baptist declares in John 1:29 , "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" This identification is further reinforced in 1 Corinthians 5:7 , where Paul writes, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." The selection of the lamb from the flock symbolizes Christ's incarnation, as He was taken from among humanity to be the perfect sacrifice. Communal and Familial Aspect The communal aspect of the lamb being taken from the flock and shared among households emphasizes the collective nature of redemption. The Passover was not merely an individual observance but a communal act of deliverance and remembrance. This communal aspect is mirrored in the New Testament understanding of the Church as the body of Christ, united in the shared experience of salvation through His sacrifice. Conclusion The Paschal Lamb, taken from the flock, serves as a profound typological foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work. Its selection, purity, and communal significance are intricately woven into the fabric of biblical theology, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the Lamb of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 12:5Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: you shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 2:14,17 Library Christ Our Passover Blessed be that First Day of Thine, Lord, Wherewith this Day of ... The Lord's Day --The Worship of the Apostolic Church --Its ... The Gospels in General The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. The Saints' Privilege and Profit; [Endnotes] 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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