פֶּסַח

The Hebrew term pesach, from which we derive the English "Passover," refers to the central annual festival in ancient Israelite religion. It commemorates God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, specifically focusing on the tenth and final plague, when the angel of death "passed over" the houses of the Israelites who had marked their doorposts with the blood of a sacrificed lamb. The festival is a rich and multi-faceted celebration, encompassing both the sacrificial lamb itself and the week-long observance.

At its core, pesach celebrates redemption and freedom. The narrative of the Exodus, particularly the events surrounding the original Passover night, forms the theological bedrock of the festival. The blood of the lamb serves as a sign of protection and salvation, while the unleavened bread (matzah) symbolizes the haste with which the Israelites departed Egypt. The festival's various rituals and components all serve to powerfully retell this foundational story, ensuring that future generations would remember God's mighty acts.

Biblical usage of pesach consistently points to the festival's significance. It is a recurring theme in the Pentateuch, especially in the legal codes and historical narratives. Later, in the historical books, kings like Josiah and Hezekiah lead national observances of Passover, indicating its continued importance in Israelite worship and national identity. The festival served as a powerful reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and his role as deliverer. The Passover narrative also laid critical groundwork for later theological developments concerning atonement and sacrifice, foreshadowing a greater deliverance to come.