More on Passover – [contributed by VAN@S6K]
Some questions and answers – Exodus (Shemoth) Chapters 12 & 13.
- Why was the 7th month (Nissan) designated as the 1st month (Tishrei)?
“This month shall be the beginning of months for you; it is to be the first month of the year for you” (12:2).
The Passover was to be the beginning of a new relationship – a new beginning- a new life. It was just proper to mark it as “first”, a beginning, a start of ‘something’.
- Why eat and kill a lamb and the blood smeared on the two doorposts and lintel of the house in which they eat?
In ancient Egypt the lamb or goat is one of their gods. It was the object of their worship.
“For I will go through the land of Egypt, on that night, and I will strike down all the first-born in the land of Egypt. both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments – I am the LORD (YHVH)” (12:12).
A judgment on the gods! And, also in the ancient world, and the blood is a token or a symbol of confirming to an agreement or proposal. Also, a token on the part of a Sovereign to grant immunity or protection to another.
“And the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; 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” (12:13).
- Why unleavened bread?
According to some commentators, it is a symbol of arrogance, self-centeredness . To obey and to follow YHVH requires humility and purity of heart.
- Why bitter herbs?
Bitterness expresses an unpleasant experience, to the Israelites, slavery. And, to some it is a thing of the past and should be left behind for one to move forward. With a new found relationship with YHVH, or even with anyone, it is something better to be left behind. Under a new relationship, one should move forward.
These questions may be good to ask during Passover meal (as part of the Haggadah).
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