Joshua 5:10 They kept Passover

Two Stages of Sacrifice for the Passover

There are two distinct stages of sacrifice for the Passover. The first stage involves killing and preparing the lamb on the preparation day. The second stage is the main event of the Passover, which occurs between the evenings of the 14th of Aviv.

1. Preparation Stage:

   • The lamb must be kept until before the 14th of Aviv.

   • The lamb is then sacrificed, meaning it must be killed and prepared on the afternoon of the 13th day, before the 14th begins.

2. Main Event:

   • The Passover event takes place between the evenings of the 14th of Aviv.

   • At this time, the already prepared lamb is offered to the Lord.

   • Only after this offering can the people of Israel partake of the lamb.

This careful timing and preparation highlight the significance of the Passover ceremony. It also precisely foreshadows the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the day of preparation for Passover, the 13th of Aviv, aligning with the biblical narrative.

Scriptural Context

Exodus 12:6: The command to keep the lamb until before the 14th day and then sacrifice it "between the evenings" ensures it is prepared properly for the Passover event.

2 Chronicles 35:1: This verse emphasizes the importance of the Passover sacrificial ceremony (14th of Aviv), requiring that the lamb be killed and prepared beforehand(13th of Aviv), aligning with the established biblical procedures and timelines.

Understanding "Shachat"

In Exodus 12:6 and 2 Chronicles 35:1, "shachat" can be interpreted as "kill" or "sacrifice," meaning "offer sacrifice." The traditional interpretation and translation as "kill" are incorrect. It must be translated and understood as "sacrifice" in this context. Believing in this precise scriptural interpretation reinforces the significance of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion occurring on the day of preparation for the Passover as a foundational aspect of faith in the Hebrew Scriptures and the Koine New Testament.

2 Chronicles 35

Verse 1 accurately attests that all procedures up to the second stages of the sacrifice were meticulously carried out. More specifically, it testifies that, because all preparations were completed, the Passover sacrifice was offered as a burnt offering to the Lord God on the evening of the 14th of Aviv. This detailed account underscores the importance of thorough preparation in observing the Passover as prescribed.

To accomplish this, all preparations had to be finished by the 13th of Aviv, known as the preparation day. Additionally, verse 14 notes that, due to the busyness of preparing for the people, further provisions were made later for the priests. It specifically records that the burnt offerings continued into the night past the evening of the 14th, highlighting the extensive efforts made to ensure proper observance.

These meticulous details are recorded throughout verses 2 through 15, which explain all the necessary preparations. Finally, verse 16 provides a clear account that the burnt offerings were indeed offered to the Lord God, completing the sacrificial process.

Exodus 34:25
📚 General translation: Do not offer (sacrifice) “shachat” the blood of a sacrifice to Me along with anything leavened, and do not let any of the sacrifice from the Passover Feast remain until morning.
ℹ️ Note: this verse, "shachat" is universally translated as "offer (action of offering sacrifice)" in most Bible translations worldwide, and Jewish rabbis also interpret it this way, not as "kill."