The Passover lamb is a significant symbol in the Jewish tradition, reflecting the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. A deeper look into the biblical instructions and historical practices surrounding the Passover lamb reveals a rich tapestry of religious observance, foreshadowing, and meticulous care.
Biblical Instructions for the Passover Lamb
The instructions for the Passover lamb are detailed in the book of Exodus. God commanded the Israelites to select a lamb on the tenth day of the first month and keep it until the fourteenth day, at which point it was to be sacrificed. Four days the lamb was to be inspected and gaurded, to maintain it spotless and blemishless state for a perfect offering. This four day process is found at the first passover and the four days leading up to the cross.
“Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household. And if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor shall take according to the number of persons; according to what each can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats, and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs at twilight.”
The key phrase here is “you shall keep it,” which implies a period of careful observation and safeguarding.
The Hebrew Word Study: “You Shall Keep It”
The phrase “you shall keep it” is translated from the Hebrew “וְהָיָה לָכֶם לְמִשְׁמֶרֶת” (vehayah lachem le-mishmeret). Let’s break down this phrase:
- וְהָיָה (vehayah): This is a form of the verb “הָיָה” (hayah), meaning “to be” or “to become.” In this context, it means “and it shall be.”
- לָכֶם (lachem): This preposition means “for you” or “to you,” indicating possession or relation.
- לְמִשְׁמֶרֶת (le-mishmeret): Derived from the root “שָׁמַר” (shamar), meaning “to keep,” “to guard,” “to watch,” or “to observe.”
The term “mishmeret” indicates vigilant guarding or careful observation, denoting a duty to protect and ensure the condition of something valuable.
Biblical and Historical Evidence of Bringing the Lamb into the Home
The Israelites’ Living Conditions in Egypt
The Israelites lived in the land of Goshen, where they were shepherds and herdsmen. Their homes were simple structures made from mud bricks with thatched roofs, which included basic living quarters and areas to keep livestock. In their culture the “Father’s house” was a compound of houses where his children and grandchildren would live. The youngest children where most often assigned the duties of keeping the sheep. We find this evidence most clearly in the choosing of David by Samuel. David was the youngest son of Jesse.
Jewish Tradition and Historical Practices
Rabbinic sources and Midrashic literature suggest that bringing the lamb into the home was a way to protect and closely inspect it. Historical accounts indicate that ancient Near Eastern cultures, including the Israelites, often brought sacrificial animals into close proximity to their dwellings.
Practical Steps for Inspection
- Selection and Observation: On the tenth day of Nisan, each household selected a lamb and began a period of inspection, ensuring it was without blemish.
- Bringing the Lamb into the Home: While not explicitly stated, the context and tradition imply that the lamb was brought into the home or kept in a secure courtyard. This allowed for close observation and protection from harm or imperfection. No chances would be taken. Each group would be sure that the animal was not blemished and pure for sacrifice.
First Passover Narrative
“Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted, its head with its legs and its inner parts. And you shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.”
This passage underscores the sacredness and careful observance required for the Passover lamb. The blood applied to the doorposts symbolized protection and obedience, marking the houses of the faithful. The blood was taken from their own special animal, the best they had. No one would risk offering anything less than perfect. Their lives were at stake. Nothing would be left to chance. In the same way we appropriate the sinless sacrifice of Jesus for our deliverance. Have you considered Jesus? Have you inspected Him? How personal was it when you accepted him, when you took your Lamb home?
New Testament Parallels
The New Testament draws explicit parallels between the Passover lamb and Jesus Christ, highlighting the fulfillment of this ritual in the ultimate sacrifice.
Triumphal Entry and Subsequent Days
Jesus entered Jerusalem around the time of the selection of the Passover lambs and was scrutinized by religious leaders.
“The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!'”
Examination by Religious Leaders
Jesus was questioned by the Pharisees, Sadducees, and other leaders during the days following His entry into Jerusalem.
“And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk.”
“And Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection. And they asked him a question…”
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, ‘Which commandment is the most important of all?'”
Pilate’s Examination
Pontius Pilate examined Jesus and declared Him innocent.
“Pilate went out again and said to them, ‘See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.'”
Herod’s Examination
Herod also questioned Jesus and found no fault in Him.
“When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer.”
The biblical instructions for the Passover lamb, combined with historical Jewish practices, support the understanding that the lamb was kept in close proximity to the household, likely within the home or a secure courtyard area. This ensured the lamb was properly inspected and safeguarded, aligning with the careful observance required for the first Passover. This practice highlights the seriousness with which the Israelites approached their covenant with God, as well as the symbolic foreshadowing of Jesus Christ as the ultimate, perfect sacrificial lamb.
Bringing the Passover lamb into the home for inspection serves as a powerful reminder of the careful preparation and sacredness of the sacrifice, a tradition fulfilled in the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. So the question today is Have you brought the Lamb home? B