Passover, as first observed in Egypt, marks a significant step in God's plan to bring His people into closer communion with Him. God commanded each Israelite family to select an unblemished lamb on the tenth day of the first month, Abib, also known as Nisan. On the fourteenth day at twilight, they were to kill the lamb and place its blood on the doorposts and lintels of their homes. This blood served as a sign to the Death Angel to pass over their houses, sparing their firstborn while the firstborn of the Egyptians perished. They then roasted and ate the lamb as a distinctive meal, symbolizing not forgiveness of sins but the redemption or purchasing of the Israelites from Pharaoh. This act reflects God's gracious initiative in redeeming His people, setting the foundation for an ongoing relationship with Him.

The Passover in Egypt provides a foundational understanding of this significant feast. God gave detailed instructions to ensure that every person had enough of the Passover lamb, but without waste. He specified when it should be eaten, how it should be prepared, what should accompany it, what to do with the remains, and even how the Israelites should be dressed while eating. The emphasis in these instructions is on the eating of the specially prepared lamb, distinguishing it from other offerings. In the context of the Passover in Egypt, there is no mention of forgiveness or atonement. Instead, the focus is on purchase or redemption from Pharaoh, not from sin. God warned through Moses that all firstborn in Egypt would die, including those of Israel, unless they proved their desire to be separate from the Egyptians by marking their doorposts with the lamb's blood. This blood represented the life of the lamb given to redeem those within each participating house, not to symbolize forgiveness. Despite the Israelites' grievous sins and idolatry at that time, God overlooked their transgressions, demonstrating His mercy rather than justice. The Hebrew word for Passover, pesach, means a pretermission or exemption, indicating that God passed over Israel and their sins without addressing them directly. The Passover in Egypt was not about cleansing from sin, as the Israelites were not required to repent of their idolatry. Instead, it served a different purpose, showing God's gracious acceptance of a sinful nation. This exemption, this act of mercy, highlights God's incredible patience, even as He delivered one nation of idolaters from another. The Passover thus stands as a demonstration of God's willingness to initiate fellowship with Israel despite their unworthiness, setting the stage for a relationship marked by His profound grace.