Numbers 28:16

And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the Lord.

Numbers 28:16 (KJV)

Context

The book of Numbers tells of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. In Numbers 28, God gives Moses instructions about offerings and sacrifices at appointed times. This verse begins the section about the Passover, a sacred festival dedicated to the Lord. The instructions cover the whole calendar of worship, showing that God’s people were to honor Him at set seasons throughout the year.

Meaning

The verse sets the exact date for the Passover: the fourteenth day of the first month. In the Jewish calendar, this month is called Nisan, which falls around March or April. The precise timing shows that God cares about order and obedience. The phrase “passover of the LORD” means this is not just a human custom but a holy celebration commanded by God. The Passover commemorates God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, an event instituted during the time of Moses. The specific mention of the fourteenth day highlights the careful timing of this observance, and the phrase “of the Lord” marks it as a sacred festival, not merely a historical reminder.

The Passover remembers how God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt. On the evening of the fourteenth day, each family was to slaughter a lamb without blemish and put its blood on the doorposts. When God saw the blood, He passed over that home and spared the firstborn. This act of faith saved the Israelites from the final plague. The annual celebration was a communal act of worship, reminding every generation of God’s redemption and His faithfulness to His promises. The precise timing also shows the orderliness of God’s redemptive plan, as He set the day long before the event.

Biblical connections

The same date appears in Leviticus 23:5, where the Passover is to begin at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. Together, these verses confirm the timing and importance of the festival. In the New Testament, the Passover finds its deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 5:7 that Christ is our Passover lamb. Jesus died at the time of the Passover, and His blood brings salvation from sin and spiritual death. This typological connection shows how the Old Testament festival points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, fulfilling what the lamb and the blood foreshadowed.

Application

This verse calls believers to remember God’s deliverance. Just as Israel celebrated the Passover each year, Christians are to remember Christ’s sacrifice regularly. The Lord’s Supper, also called Communion or the Eucharist, is a way to do this. It is a time to give thanks for redemption and to renew faith in the Lamb of God. The Passover also teaches the value of obedience. The Israelites had to follow God’s instructions exactly. The lamb had to be without blemish, pointing to the sinless perfection of Jesus. Believers today are called to trust in His finished work and to live in obedience to God’s commands. Faith in Christ brings forgiveness, freedom from sin, and the hope of eternal life.

Reflection

Numbers 28:16 shows that God’s plan of redemption is orderly and purposeful. The precise date of the Passover was not accidental. It prepared the way for the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. As you reflect on this verse, consider how God has delivered you. Let the Passover remind you of His faithfulness and of the greater deliverance found in Christ. Celebrate His work with gratitude, and walk in the freedom He has given.