In Genesis 14, the Passover theme emerges through Melchizedek, king of Salem, who, as priest of God Most High, brings bread and wine to Abram, blessing him and celebrating God's favor and deliverance. This act parallels Passover observance, marking a timeline of divine promises. The sequence progresses into Genesis 15, with events aligning with Passover timing, from daylight preparations and sacrifices on Abib 14 to nighttime visions under the stars after sunset. This culminates in a covenant ratification as darkness falls, mirroring significant Passover events and establishing a foundational anniversary, 430 years before the Exodus, highlighting God's precise timing and enduring commitment to His promises through Abram.

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

'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe

The timing of Christ's crucifixion on the afternoon of Abib 14 points to significant events centuries before the Passover in Egypt, specifically to the promises God made to Abraham and the preparations for their covenant. In Genesis 14-15, during the daylight portion of the 14th in Abraham's day, a conversation about inheriting the land occurred, followed by Abraham dividing and arranging the animals at God's command in preparation for the covenant. This covenant, made on the very same day as later events tied to the Passover and Exodus, underscores the deep connection between God's promises to Abraham and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on that specific afternoon of Abib 14. Christ's sacrifice, confirming the New Covenant, occurred on the anniversary of God's covenantal promise to Abraham, drawing attention to the eternal inheritance promised to Abraham and his spiritual seed.

Atonement Goats and Passover Lambs

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

In Genesis 14:18-20, the Passover theme emerges through the actions of Melchizedek, king of Salem, who brings out bread and wine as the priest of God Most High. He blesses Abram, emphasizing God's favor and intervention on Abram's behalf, with no mention of sin. Instead, the focus is on the fellowship and relationship between Abram and God, celebrating a state of peace and contentment. In this context, the meal officiated by Melchizedek highlights God's willingness to support Abram, portraying a scene of satisfaction and divine favor, where any acknowledgment of sin remains in the distant background.

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 Wavesheaf and the Selfsame Day

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The events of Passover in Genesis 14 hold a significant place in the timeline of God's covenant with Abraham, marking the beginning of a profound sequence of divine promises and fulfillments. In Genesis 14:18-20, Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine as a priest of the most high God, blessing Abram and acknowledging God's deliverance of his enemies. This act of bringing bread and wine parallels the observance of Passover, initiating a timeline that progresses into the night, as seen in subsequent events. As the narrative moves to Genesis 15, the progression of time aligns with the Passover sequence. After the bread and wine, in Genesis 15:1-6, Abram receives a vision from the Lord at night, under the stars, confirming the promise of numerous descendants. This nighttime setting corresponds to the period following the Passover observance, specifically after sunset on the 14th of Abib, during ben ha arbayim, which translates to twilight or dusk in modern English, a time when light remains briefly after the sun has gone down. Further, in Genesis 15:7-17, the timeline advances through the preparation of a sacrifice during the daylight portion of the 14th, culminating in a deep sleep and a horror of great darkness falling upon Abram as the sun goes down. This moment mirrors the timing of significant events during Passover, reflecting the ratification of the covenant with a sacrifice, much like the events surrounding Christ's crucifixion later in history. By Genesis 15:17, when it is fully dark after sunset, the time shifts into the 15th of Abib, marking the beginning of the First Day of Unleavened Bread and the Night To Be Much Observed, a pivotal moment of God's covenantal faithfulness originating from this very event in Genesis. This sequence in Genesis 14 and 15 establishes a foundational anniversary, occurring exactly 430 years before the Exodus of Israel from Egypt, demonstrating God's precise timing and commitment to His promises. The bread and wine, the nighttime vision, and the sacrificial ratification all tie directly to the Passover observance, underscoring the continuity of God's plan across generations.

The Night to be Much Observed

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The 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.