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The Selfsame Day
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's precise control over time is evident in the use of the term "selfsame day," which marks significant anniversaries and events within His purpose. In Exodus 12:41 and 51, it is recorded that on the selfsame day, exactly 430 years from a prior event, the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt, emphasizing a specific, appointed date for this deliverance. This same precision is seen in Exodus 12:17, where the feast of Unleavened Bread is to be observed on the selfsame day that the LORD brought the armies of Israel out of Egypt, establishing it as a perpetual ordinance. Further, in Leviticus 23:14, the Wavesheaf offering is tied to the selfsame day, marking a statute to be observed throughout generations. Similarly, Leviticus 23:21 connects Pentecost to the selfsame day, designating it as a holy convocation with no servile work, to be kept forever as a reminder of significant past events. In Joshua 5:10-11, the children of Israel kept the Passover and ate unleavened cakes on the morrow after, on the selfsame day, exactly 40 years after leaving Egypt, highlighting an exactly-dated anniversary. The term "selfsame day" serves as a marker, a signal of God's faithful timing, indicating that there is often much more to an event than meets the eye. It underscores that He is in control of time, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled precisely as appointed, across centuries and into eternity.
The Wavesheaf and the Selfsame Day
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe significance of the "selfsame day" emerges as a powerful marker of God's faithfulness to His promises, tying together pivotal events across centuries. Israel left Egypt on the exact anniversary of the covenant God made with Abraham, precisely 430 years later, right to the selfsame day, which is the 15th of Abib, the First Day of Unleavened Bread. This precise timing is highlighted in Exodus 12:41 and 12:51, where it is recorded that the LORD brought the children of Israel out of Egypt on this very day, underscoring the fulfillment of His covenant. Furthermore, the events in Joshua 5, occurring exactly 40 years to the selfsame day after the Exodus, mark Israel's entry into the Promised Land and their observance of the Night To Be Much Observed on the 15th of Abib. This term "selfsame day" draws attention to the Night To Be Much Observed, memorializing God's covenant with Abraham, Christ's sacrifice and entombment for our sins, Israel's release from physical bondage, and our release from spiritual bondage to this world.
The Very Same Day
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe '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.
The First Day of Unleavened Bread (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe term 'selfsame day' refers to the covenant God made with Abraham 430 years before the Exodus, which occurred on the day after the Passover.
The Lesson of the Night to be Much Observed
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughThe same God who exercised vigilance and care over our forebears does so over us. Israel's leaving Egypt signifies maintaining the relationship with God.
Countdown to Pentecost 2001
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHow 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?
Pentecost, Consistency, and Honesty
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause Pentecost does not have a specific date, God commands us to count from the day after the weekly Sabbath falling within the Days of Unleavened Bread.

Why Was Jesus Not Crucified as Passover Began? (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeThe timing of Christ's crucifixion does not coincide with the Passover, but instead lines up with the covenant God made with Abraham, marking a major fulfillment.

Did Israel Offer the Wavesheaf in Joshua 5?
Article by David C. GrabbeFor decades, the church of God has struggled with counting Pentecost, especially in years when Passover falls on a Sabbath. Does Joshua 5 hold the key or not?
The Night to be Much Observed
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Night Much to be Observed is a memorial of the covenant with Abraham, and God's watchfulness in delivering ancient Israel as well as spiritual Israel.
How God Deals With Conscience (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe have to learn to rely on God to get us out of strait and difficult situations, realizing that God may want to help us to develop a backbone and mature.