Lecture Notes: Understanding the Bible and the Passover

Key Concepts

• Importance of understanding the Bible and knowing one's nationality.
• Emphasis on following the commandments to gain good understanding.
• The significance of the Passover in the Bible.
• The connection between the Passover and the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt.

Scriptural References

Psalms 111:10

• A good understanding comes from doing God's commandments.
• Importance of knowing one's greatness and heritage.

Exodus Chapter 12

• Verses 1-2: Introduction to the Passover; month of Abib as the beginning of the year.
• Verses 3-11: Instructions on selecting and preparing the Passover lamb.
  • Lamb must be without blemish, a male of the first year.
  • Roast the lamb over fire; no other cooking methods.
• Verses 12-15: Significance of the blood on the doorposts; protection from the plague.
  • Eating unleavened bread and removing leaven from the house symbolizes purity and sin removal.

Deuteronomy 16:1

• Observance of the month of Abib and the Passover.

Esther 9:1

• Reference to the 12 months in a year.
• The month of Adar as the 12th month.

Passover Practices

• Verse 10: No leftovers; all uneaten lamb must be burned by morning.
• Verse 11: Eating in haste, symbolizing the need for readiness to leave Egypt.
• Verses 17-20: Observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days.
  • No leaven in the house, representing removal of sin.

Passover Symbolism

• Numbers 9:2-6: Provision for celebrating Passover if unclean or unable to travel.
  • Second chance to observe Passover in the second month.

Connection to Future Deliverance

• Jeremiah 23:7-8: Future deliverance compared to the Exodus from Egypt.
• Wisdom of Solomon 5:1: Righteous standing and the amazement at the strangeness of salvation.
• Psalms 91: Protection and deliverance from danger; imagery of being saved from destruction by chariots.

Additional Points

• Leaven as a Symbol of Sin: Illustrated by 1 Corinthians 5:7-8.
• Importance of Teaching Children: Explaining the significance of the Passover to the next generation.
• Reflection on Historical Deliverance: Understanding the impact of the biblical Exodus and its relevance to future events.

Practical Observance Guidelines

• Ensure no leaven in any habitation (including cars) during Passover.
• Observe Sabbaths during the first and last days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
• Be prepared to explain the symbolism of the Passover to others.

Conclusion

• Understanding the Passover deeply connects to recognizing one's identity and heritage, and preparing for future events prophesied in the scriptures.