TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES

FEAST OF PASSOVER

Passover (Pesach): A Biblical Perspective

I. Introduction to Passover (Pesach)

Definition and Significance:
Passover is oneof the most important biblical feasts, commemorating the Israelites'liberation from slavery in Egypt. It also symbolizes redemption anddeliverance from the curse of sin and death (the seconddeath).
Exodus 12:14 – "This day shall befor you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to YHVH."

II. Origins of PassoverThe First Passover in Egypt:

YHVH instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and mark theirdoorposts with its blood to protect them from the final plague. Thisact allowed the angel of death to "pass over" theirhomes.
Exodus 12:1-13 – The instructions forthe first Passover and the marking of the doorposts.

Deliverance from Egypt:

After the Passover night, Pharaoh finally allowed the Israelitesto leave Egypt, marking their exodus from slavery.
Exodus12:29-42 – The death of Egypt's firstborn and theIsraelites' departure.

III. Passover as a Commanded ObservanceAnnual Commemoration:

YHVH commanded that Passover be observed every year on the 14th ofNisan, as a perpetual reminder of deliverance.
Exodus12:24-27 – "You shall observe this rite as a statutefor you and for your sons forever."

Detailed Instructions for Observance:

Specific instructions included the removal of leaven and eatingunleavened bread, symbolizing the haste of the departure from Egypt.Leaven in our modern days represents the doctrine of men, and we areto remove the leaven of men and turn back to YHVH's Torah.
Leviticus23:4-8 – "On the fourteenth day of the first month attwilight is YHVH's Passover."
Deuteronomy 16:1-8– Additional instructions for Passover observance in the PromisedLand.

IV. Passover Symbolism and ForeshadowingThe Passover Lamb:

The lamb sacrificed for Passover foreshadows the coming of aperfect sacrifice for sins, later associated with Y'shua.
Exodus12:5 – The lamb without blemish.
Isaiah 53:7– "He was led like a lamb to the slaughter."

The Blood as Protection:

The blood of the lamb protected Israelite households fromjudgment, foreshadowing the atoning power of Y'shua's blood in theRenewal Covenant as writing YHVH's laws on the hearts of Hispeople.
Hebrews 9:22 – "Without theshedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins."
1Corinthians 5:7 – "For Y'shua, our Passover lamb, hasbeen sacrificed."

V. Passover in the Life of Y'shuaThe Last Supper:

Y'shua observed Passover with His disciples, instituting whatbelievers now call the Last Supper. He used the bread and wine tosymbolize His body and blood, introducing the Renewal Covenant offorgiveness.
Luke 22:7-20 – The Last Supper andinstitution of the Renewal Covenant .
Matthew 26:17-30– Y'shua celebrates Passover and foretells His sacrifice.

Y'shua as the Passover Lamb:

The crucifixion of Y'shua during Passover fulfills the symbolismof the sacrificial lamb, marking Him as the ultimate Passoversacrifice for the redemption of sin and death.
John 1:29– "Behold, the Lamb of Yah, who takes away the sin of thenations!"
John 19:14-16 – Y'shua wascrucified on the Day of Preparation, the time of the Passover lambsacrifices.

VI. Passover Observance in EarlyChristian PracticeThe Apostles and Early Believers:

Early believers, including the apostles, observed Passover,reflecting its continued significance within the faith.
Acts12:3-4 – The timing of Peter's imprisonment "duringthe Feast of Unleavened Bread."
1 Corinthians 5:7-8– Paul encourages believers to keep the feast with sincerity andtruth.

VII. Modern Passover ObservanceMessianic Hebrew Passover Observance:

Many Messianic Hebrews incorporate the recognition of Y'shua asthe Passover Lamb in their observance, celebrating both physical andspiritual deliverance.

VIII. Passover's Spiritual Significanceand Future FulfillmentRemembering Deliverance:

Passover serves as a reminder of YHVH's deliverance, both fromphysical slavery in Egypt and from spiritual bondage through ourMessiah Y'shua who delivers us.
Exodus 13:8-10 –"You shall tell your son on that day, 'It is because of whatYHVH did for me when I came out of Egypt.'"

Prophetic Fulfillment in the MessianicAge:

Passover points to ultimate redemption and the fulfillment ofYHVH's promises to Israel and all believers who are grafted intoY'shua.
Revelation 5:9-10 – Honor the Lamb whowas slain, who has redeemed YHVH's people from every tribe andnation.
Revelation 21:3-4 – The finaldeliverance and ultimate fulfillment of YHVH's promise to dwell withHis people.

IX. Warning: Passover is for BelieversOnly

Scripture warns that the Passover is a sacred observance meantonly for those in covenant with YHVH. Those who do not believe or arenot circumcised in heart and obedience to YHVH's commandments arenot to partake.
Exodus 12:43-49 – "Nouncircumcised person shall eat of it... One law shall be for thenative-born and for the stranger who dwells among you."
1Corinthians 11:27-29 – "Whoever eats the bread ordrinks the cup of YHVH in an unworthy manner will be guilty ofsinning against the body and blood of Y'shua."

Conclusion: The Importance of PassoverTodayHonoring YHVH's Deliverance:

Observing Passover is an opportunity to reflect on YHVH'sfaithfulness and deliverance throughout history, with a special focuson His work through Y'shua, the ultimate Passover Lamb.
1Peter 1:18-19 – "You were redeemed... with theprecious blood of Y'shua, a lamb without blemish or defect."

A Call to Personal Reflection andRenewal:

Passover encourages believers to remember the cost of redemption,to live in gratitude, and to renew their commitment to YHVH.
2Corinthians 5:17 – "If anyone is in Y'shua, he is anew creation; the old has gone, the new is here!"

X. How to Partake of Passover Accordingto Scripture

Remove Leaven from Your Home – Exodus 12:15 – "Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven from your houses."

Observe on the Appointed Time – Leviticus 23:5 – "On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is YHVH's Passover."

Eat Unleavened Bread and Bitter Herbs – Exodus 12:8 – "They shall eat the lamb's flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it."

Teach Your Children – Exodus 13:8 – "You shall tell your children on that day, 'It is because of what YHVH did for me when I came out of Egypt.'"

Celebrate with Rejoicing – Deuteronomy 16:14 – "And you shall rejoice in your feast."

Keep it as a Lasting Ordinance – Exodus 12:24 – "You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and for your children forever."

1 Peter 1:18-19 – "You were redeemed...with the precious blood of Y'shua, a lamb without blemish or defect."