The Night To Be Much Observed, occurring on the 15th of Nisan, marks the exodus of Israel from Egypt, distinct from the Passover on the 14th. Referenced in Exodus 12:40-42, Numbers 33:3, and Deuteronomy 16:1-8, it commemorates the departure from bondage and God's watchful care, as Israel left without resistance. This night, starting the Days of Unleavened Bread, aligns with the covenant made with Abraham 430 years prior on the same day. It initiates a journey out of sin, celebrated with joy, specific sacrifices like the hagigah, and communal feasting, emphasizing God's deliverance, providence, and ongoing guidance in the pilgrimage of His people.

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Deuteronomy 16, Passover, and the Night to be Much Observed

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Night to be Much Observed is specifically mentioned within the context of Deuteronomy 16:1-8, which primarily deals with the Days of Unleavened Bread. This passage does not apply to the Passover observation but is focused on the Night to be Much Observed and the meal eaten on that night. The instructions in Deuteronomy 16:1-8 are for the Days of Unleavened Bread, and they most specifically apply to the Night to be Much Observed.

The Lesson of the Night to be Much Observed

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

The same God who exercised vigilance and care over our forebears does so over us. Israel's leaving Egypt signifies maintaining the relationship with God.

The Night to be Much Observed

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Night To Be Much Observed holds profound significance in God's plan, marking a pivotal moment in the history of Israel. This night, occurring on the 15th of Nisan, is distinct from the Passover on the 14th, as it commemorates the exodus from Egypt, when the children of Israel left their bondage. Exodus 12:40-42 clearly refers to this night, not the Passover night, emphasizing the event of their departure. It is a night of God's watchful care, as seen when not even a dog barked as Israel left Egypt, and the Egyptians, though grieving, stood numbly by without resisting. The Night To Be Much Observed is tied to a broader historical context, linked to the covenant God made with Abraham 430 years prior, on the very same day. This date signifies not only the physical departure from Egypt but also the beginning of a journey out of sin, requiring action to maintain and grow the relationship with God. It is a commanded observance at the start of the Days of Unleavened Bread, initiating the festival with joy and focusing on God's oversight and providence as He removes His people from bondage. Additionally, this night is associated with specific sacrifices, distinct from the Passover lamb, such as the hagigah, a festivity offering made on the first day of Unleavened Bread. These sacrifices, meant for communal feasting, underscore the celebratory nature of the night and the importance of maintaining purity to partake in them. The Night To Be Much Observed thus stands as a powerful reminder of God's deliverance and continued guidance throughout the pilgrimage of His people.

The Night to be Much Observed (2011)

Sermonette by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

God wants to call into remembrance the liberty He has given us, as well as to use our freedom responsibly in order to grow a relationship with Him.

Why Was Jesus Not Crucified as Passover Began? (Part Two)

'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe

The night of solemn observance, marking the beginning of the 15th day just after sunset, holds profound significance as it aligns with the Exodus of Israel from Egypt. This event, recorded in Numbers 33:3 and Deuteronomy 16:1, is the very same day, 430 years to the exact day, as the initial covenant God made with Abraham, as referenced in Exodus 12:41-42. On this night, the Israelites departed Rameses, initiating their journey out of bondage, a moment that echoes the promises and preparations tied to God's covenant with Abraham centuries earlier.

The Night of God's Vigil

CGG Weekly by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Night to Be Much Observed, as mentioned in Exodus 12:40-42, is the official recognition of God's watchful care over His people. It is fitting to celebrate what God did and continues to do for His people, as this portion of the holy day holds great significance. A whole nation of slaves walked away from their captors without having to fight for their liberty, losing neither lives nor wealth, while the Egyptians were restrained by God and rendered helpless. Through this Feast, God reminds us that we have been able to walk away from satanic slavery only because He keeps vigil, watching over us, guarding and protecting us, while satan stands helplessly by. God wants us to remember and observe that we came out of bondage because He keeps vigil.

Remember: Truth and the Real Torch of Freedom

Sermon by Mark Schindler

As we draw toward the close of this Day of Remembrance and into the Night to Be Much Observed, we are called to remember the profound cost of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. This evening holds significant meaning as we reflect on His sacrificial work, commemorating the events that unfolded 1,994 years ago. The Night to Be Much Observed, occurring after sunset on the 15th day of the first month, connects directly to the historical and spiritual journey of God's people, echoing the covenantal promises made to Abraham as recorded in Genesis 15, where a burning torch symbolized God's presence and guarantee of the covenant. This night also ties into the broader narrative of salvation and freedom, as we keep in the forefront of our minds Christ's watchful care over us. Jesus Christ is the true torch of freedom, liberating us from the deceits of satan and guaranteeing the New Covenant for all mankind. We are admonished to hold this remembrance close, ensuring that His sacrifice remains a central focus as we observe this sacred time, reflecting on His role as our Creator and the foundation of all loving relationships.

The Selfsame Day

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Exodus 12:41-42 declares that on the selfsame day after 430 years, the hosts of the LORD went out from Egypt, marking it as a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out of the land of Egypt. This night, designated for observation by all the children of Israel in their generations, holds profound significance in God's precise timing of events. Numbers 33:3 and Deuteronomy 16:1 confirm that Israel left Egypt at night, just as the 15th, known as the Night to Be Much Observed, was beginning. Genesis 15:17 further illustrates this timing, noting that when the sun went down and it was dark, the first holy day, the Night to Be Much Observed, had begun. On this day, God made a significant oath to Abraham, ensuring His word could be trusted, impressing upon him the certainty of His promise through a maledictory oath. This event underscores the importance of the Night to Be Much Observed as a memorial of God's faithfulness and His control over time within His purpose.

The First Day of Unleavened Bread (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Night To Be Much Observed holds a significant place within the context of the first day of Unleavened Bread, marking a distinct and vital observance for the children of Israel and their generations. As recorded in Exodus 12:41-42, it commemorates the night when the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt after 430 years of sojourning, precisely on the selfsame day. This night, occurring at the beginning of the 15th of Abib, is a night of vigil unto the Lord, a time to remember His watchful care in delivering His people from bondage. This observance is not to be confused with Passover, which occurs on the 14th of Abib, as the events of each day are separated by 24 hours and carry distinct spiritual significance. The Night To Be Much Observed specifically recalls the moment of departure from Egypt, an unprecedented event where a nation of slaves walked away from captivity without resistance, under the protective watch of God. It emphasizes liberty from bondage, the precise fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham 430 years to the day, and His ongoing providence and care for His people. God's vigilance during this night is evident as He ensured the safety of Israel, restraining the Egyptians and providing for their needs as they left. This watchful care continued through their journey, symbolized by the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, guiding and protecting them. The Night To Be Much Observed thus serves as a reminder of God's active involvement, ensuring that nothing went wrong as Israel transitioned from slavery to freedom. Furthermore, this night draws attention to the foundational covenant made with Abraham in Genesis 15, which began at night and culminated in significant promises on the 15th of Abib, aligning with the exact timing of Israel's exodus. It is a night of watchful vigil, calling for careful attention to the historical events and their symbolism, commemorating the liberty that it portends. As such, it remains a vital observance for all who align with this covenant, highlighting God's enduring promise and protection.

Deuteronomy 16:1-8

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

Deuteronomy 16:1-8 refers to Unleavened Bread rather than Passover (a scribal error, perhaps referring to the season). Ten clues clear up this misconception.

Passover (Part Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The context of Deuteronomy 16:1-3 indicates the focus of these verses is on the Night to be Observed and the Days of Unleavened Bread rather than the Passover.

The First Day of Unleavened Bread (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Passover takes place at twilight as the 14th of Abib begins. Unleavened Bread begins 24 hours later on the 15th of Abib. The Passover is a preparation day.

Keeping Godly Traditions (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by Mark Schindler

The Night to be Much Observed is not manmade, but a commanded tradition, an instruction straight out of the pages of Scripture to bring honor to God.

The Way, The Truth, and the Life

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a remembrance of the release from bondage. We eat unleavened bread as a sign that the Lord's law may be in our mouths.

The Wavesheaf and the Selfsame Day

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The wavesheaf offering is reckoned from the weekly Sabbath within the Days of Unleavened Bread. It had specific requirements that were not met in Joshua 5.

The Very Same Day

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

The 'very same' or 'selfsame' day is a memorial of a past event, typically on the same date, including several of God's appointed times and pronouncements.

How Do We Keep God's Festivals?

'Ready Answer' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Here are the foundational principles to keep in mind in observing the Feasts of God throughout the year.

Countdown to Pentecost 2001

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

How does one count to Pentecost when Passover is on a weekly Sabbath, making the Last Day of Unleavened Bread the only other available Sabbath to begin the count?

Escape From Box Canyon

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God forced Israel either to trust Him completely for deliverance or to return to their slavery. One of the greatest miracles in history has a lesson for us.