Keraia
Numbers 28

Numbers 28:17

Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread · Numbers 28:16–25
Read Numbers 28

Translations

Modern
On the fifteenth day of this month, there shall be a feast; for seven days unleavened bread is to be eaten.
Traditional
And in the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten.
Literal
And on the fifteenth day of this month is the feast; for seven days unleavened bread shall be eaten.
Latin
…et quintadecima die solemnitas: septem diebus vescentur azymis.

Original

Hebrew
English
On the fifteenth day of this month, there shall be a feast; for seven days unleavened bread is to be eaten.

Notes

Numbers 28:16–25

The Passover, followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, was the first of five major annual feasts. It took place in early spring (March or April). The Passover did not require public sacrifices. It was a family event celebrated at home (see also 9:1–4; Exodus 12:1–13:10; Leviticus 23:5–8; Deuteronomy 16:1–8).

This festival is important in the background of the Last Supper (see Matthew 26:17–19, 26–27; Mark 14:12; John 11:55; 12:1; 13:1; 18:28, 39; 19:14, 31; compare 1 Corinthians 5:7).

Numbers 28:1–29:40

  • These two chapters describe Israel's ceremonial calendar. It listed daily, weekly, and monthly offerings, along with annual religious events. God instructed Israel to worship him "in a proper and orderly manner" (1 Corinthians 14:40).

    The annual sacrifices required many animals, grain, oil, and wine. On these special days, Israel stopped their usual work. This was a sacrifice that emphasized the importance of these holy days.

    The annual cycle included eight different occasions for worship, each reflecting Israel's relationship with the Lord. Each event involved different combinations of burnt, grain, liquid, or sin offerings.

  • For details on grain and liquid offerings, see Numbers 15:1–16. For explanations of different offerings, see Leviticus 1:1–7:38. For a description of Israel's festivals, see Leviticus 23:1–44. For the New Testament view on the Old Testament sacrificial system, see John 1:29; Romans 12:1; Hebrews 9:9–15; 10:1–2; 1 Peter 2:5.

Theme notes and profiles

The Passover

Parallels

Exodus 12:14–28 Leviticus 23:4–8 Deuteronomy 16:1–8

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of Moses Numbers, Book of Offerings and Sacrifices Weights and Measures

Topics

Bullock: Uses of for Sacrifice Passover: Institution of Passover: Observed with Unleavened Bread (No Yeast) Sanitation: Rest Commanded