Part One of a Five-Part Series on the History of Passover and Its Relevance to Christians Today
The story of Passover is one of the most powerful moments in biblical history. It is a story of deliverance, judgment, and the faithfulness of God in rescuing His people. For Jews, Passover is an annual reminder of their redemption from slavery in Egypt. For Christians, it holds deep theological significance, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ. In this five-part series, we will explore the history of Passover, its significance in Jewish tradition, and how it remains relevant for believers today.
To begin, we must first examine the event that started it all: the plagues of Egypt, culminating in the most devastating of them all—the death of the firstborn. This final plague not only led to Israel’s freedom but also established the very first Passover, a divine moment that would shape history.
The book of Exodus records how God sent Moses to Pharaoh with a clear command: “Let My people go” (Exodus 5:1). Pharaoh’s hardened heart, however, led to a series of ten plagues that progressively demonstrated God’s power over Egypt’s gods and its people. Each time Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go.
The first nine plagues of Egypt were direct judgments against Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, each increasing in severity as Pharaoh hardened his heart against God’s command to let the Israelites go.
1. Water Turned to Blood – The Nile River, Egypt’s life source, was turned to blood, killing fish and making the water undrinkable.
2. Frogs – Swarms of frogs covered the land, invading homes, beds, and kitchens, overwhelming daily life.
3. Gnats (Lice) – The dust of the earth turned into gnats, afflicting both people and animals, leaving them miserable.
4. Flies – Swarms of flies filled the land, contaminating homes and causing destruction.
5. Death of Livestock – A severe plague killed Egypt’s cattle and livestock, crippling their food and economic resources.
6. Boils – Painful sores broke out on the Egyptians and their animals, showing God’s power over their health.
7. Hail – A devastating storm of fire and ice destroyed crops, homes, and livestock left in the fields.
8. Locusts – Swarms of locusts devoured everything the hail had not destroyed, leaving Egypt in ruin.
9. Darkness – A thick, oppressive darkness covered Egypt for three days, a direct challenge to Ra, the Egyptian sun god.
Despite the devastation, Pharaoh refused to release the Israelites, setting the stage for the final and most severe judgment and this judgement would finally break him.
The tenth and final plague struck at the heart of Egyptian society—the firstborn of every household. God declared:
“About midnight I will go throughout Egypt. Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the firstborn son of the female slave, who is at her hand mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well.” (Exodus 11:4-5)
This plague was not just an act of judgment; it was a direct confrontation with Pharaoh himself, who was considered to be a god in Egyptian belief. By taking the firstborn, God demonstrated that He alone was sovereign over life and death.
However, in the midst of this judgment, God provided a way of escape for His people.
To protect the Israelites from the angel of death, God commanded them to take a lamb without blemish, sacrifice it, and apply its blood to the doorposts of their homes:
“The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.” (Exodus 12:13)
The final plague was unlike any that God had sent before. At the stroke of midnight, the angel of death moved through Egypt. There was no warning, no visible sign of his approach only the sudden stillness that gripped the land before devastation struck. In every home unmarked by the blood of the lamb, all the firstborn fell lifeless. From the palace of Pharaoh to the poorest dwelling, no household was spared. The judgment was swift, final, and absolute.
The cries of mourning soon filled the night air, rising like a wave of anguish. Grief overtook Egypt as parents discovered their children lifeless, as families were shattered in an instant. Pharaoh himself was not spared; his own son, the heir to the throne, was gone. What had once been defiance against the God of Israel crumbled into despair.
Yet the homes of the Israelites remained untouched. The blood of the lamb on their doorposts stood as a sign of divine protection. The angel of death passed over them, sparing those who obeyed God’s command. Inside, the Israelites ate the Passover meal in silence, waiting for what would come next. When morning broke, Egypt was a nation undone. Pharaoh had no choice but to let the Israelites go, marking the beginning of their journey to freedom.
The final plague of Egypt was both an act of divine judgment and an act of mercy. While Egypt faced destruction, Israel was given a way of escape through the blood of the lamb. This foreshadowed the greater salvation to come through Jesus Christ, who delivers His people from sin and death.
This moment became the foundation of the Passover feast, an everlasting ordinance for Israel to remember God’s deliverance.
In the next installment of this series, we will explore how the Passover was celebrated in ancient Israel and how its traditions evolved leading up to the time of Jesus. Understanding the roots of this feast deepens our appreciation for God’s redemptive plan—both for Israel and for all who put their faith in Christ.