What Is the Passover in the Bible — In Biblical Context
The Passover commemorates God sparing the Israelite firstborn in Egypt when the blood of a lamb was applied to their doorposts—a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice.
The Passover commemorates God sparing the Israelite firstborn in Egypt when the blood of a lamb was applied to their doorposts—a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice.
"When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you." — Exodus 12:13 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
The Passover was instituted in Exodus 12 on the night of the tenth plague. Each Israelite household was to select a lamb without blemish, kill it at twilight, and apply its blood to the doorposts. When the angel of death passed through Egypt, he 'passed over' homes marked with blood. The Israelites ate the lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, dressed and ready to leave Egypt. God commanded this to be an annual remembrance forever. In the New Testament, Paul identifies Christ as 'our passover' sacrificed for us (1 Corinthians 5:7). Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper during a Passover meal, connecting His death directly to this foundational act of redemption.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Exodus 12:13, sits inside Exodus 12. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you."
Supporting Passages
"For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us."
"And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations."
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