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Deuteronomy 16, Passover, and the Night to be Much Observed
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughDeuteronomy 16:1-8 has been cited by some as supporting an Abib or Nisan 15 Passover due to its mentions of Passover. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that these instructions do not pertain to Passover, which is assigned to Abib 14. The context and specific commands in this passage align instead with the Days of Unleavened Bread, particularly the Night to be Much Observed. Numbers 33:3 confirms that Israel departed from Rameses on the fifteenth day of the first month, the day after Passover, which is the first day of Unleavened Bread. This indicates that the day to be remembered in Deuteronomy 16 is the 15th, not the 14th. Furthermore, the instructions in Deuteronomy 16, such as the location of the sacrifice and the method of preparation, contradict the requirements for Passover as outlined in Exodus 12, reinforcing that an Abib 15 Passover does not align with the scriptural directives for the 14th.
Deuteronomy 16:1-8
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughDeuteronomy 16:1-8 refers to Unleavened Bread rather than Passover (a scribal error, perhaps referring to the season). Ten clues clear up this misconception.
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.
When Is Passover?
CGG Weekly by Pat HigginsThe observance of Passover is clearly instructed to be on the fourteenth day of the first month, which is Nisan 14, at twilight or evening, as supported by multiple scriptures. God defines the start of a day as beginning with evening, followed by the morning, establishing that evening begins at sunset. In contrast, some advocate for Nisan 15 as the day for Passover, which contradicts the distinct separation of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, as Numbers 28:16-17 and Leviticus 23:5-6 assign these observances to separate days, with the Feast of Unleavened Bread beginning on the fifteenth day. Observing Passover on Nisan 15 causes an overlap that goes against these clear instructions. Furthermore, Exodus 12:5-6 specifies that the Passover lamb is to be kept until the fourteenth day and killed at twilight, reinforcing that Nisan 14 is the correct time for this observance.
The Selfsame Day
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's precise control over time is evident in the significant events tied to Abib/Nisan 15, marking the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Night to be Much Observed. On this very day, exactly 430 years after God's covenant with Abraham, the children of Israel were brought out of Egypt, as recorded in Exodus 12:41 and 51, emphasizing the term "selfsame" to denote an exact anniversary. This date, Abib/Nisan 15, is further highlighted in Numbers 33:3 and Deuteronomy 16:1, confirming that Israel departed Egypt at night, just as this significant day began. Additionally, Joshua 5:10-11 notes that 40 years later, on the selfsame day of Abib/Nisan 15, the Israelites, encamped in Gilgal, ate unleavened cakes and parched corn the day after Passover, observing both Passover and the first day of Unleavened Bread with precise timing. This recurring use of "selfsame" underscores God's faithfulness in scheduling key events in His purpose, demonstrating that He is always in control of time.
Passover (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe 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 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 First Day of Unleavened Bread (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPassover 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.
Passover (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUsing subterfuge, some proponents of the 15th Passover muddle up otherwise clear, day and night issues by surreptitiously inserting modern English language usage.
How Often Should We Partake of the Lord's Supper?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletThe biblical proof that God's people should keep the Passover (the Lord's Supper), explaining that it occurs annually on the evening of Nisan 14.
Should Passover Be Observed for Seven Days?
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe words in Ezekiel's Millennial vision seem to say that the Passover should be observed for seven days. However, this contradicts other clear scriptures.
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.
Passover (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAt the time of Christ, because of historical deviation, some kept Passover at home at the start of the 14th and others kept it at the Temple at the end of the 14th.
Why Wasn't Jesus Christ Crucified at the Start of Passover?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeJesus was crucified late on Abib 14, yet the Passover lambs were to be killed at the beginning of the 14th. The time of Christ's death is highly significant.
The Wavesheaf and the Selfsame Day
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe 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.
Passover (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe proponents of a 15th Passover discount clear scriptural details and instead speculate. One cannot build doctrines on implication, distortion, and traditions.
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.
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?
The Great Escape
CGG Weekly by Mike FordIf the Israelites had kept Passover on the wrong day, they would have died! If we accept error without proving it, we set ourselves up to accept other errors.
Truly Unleavened
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod has imputed righteousness to us as His Children because we are in Christ. Our state before God is unleavened provided we maintain this relationship.
Passover (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe temple Passover commanded by Hezekiah was a very unusual circumstance in which the king centralized worship to keep Baalism from defiling the Passover.
Passover (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Passover is to be kept on the twilight of the 14th, while the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins on the 15th. The Word of God supersedes tradition and heritage.
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.
Chronic Difficulties
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHuman tradition and Bible truth regarding the timing of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection do not square. Here is the overwhelming chronological evidence.
Passover (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMajor reinterpretations have significantly distorted the meaning of Passover and Unleavened Bread, blurring the distinction between the two events.
God's Law in Our Mouths
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Protestant doctrine of grace is antinomian, thinking that justification is a synonym for sanctification and salvation, ruling out any need for works.
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.
God's Promises Are Sure!
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe story of Joseph offers lessons and encouragement regarding God's dealings with men during the time of the Feast of Trumpets.
Escape From Box Canyon
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod 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.
Passover (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe annual reaffirmation of the covenant through the Passover is at the core of an on-going relationship with the Father and Son, beginning the perfecting process.