Purpose of the Pesach/2

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Purpose of the Pesach

Exegetical Approaches

THIS TOPIC IS CURRENTLY IN PROGRESS!

Apotropaic Blood Rite

The blood of the Pesach protected the Israelites by deterring the destroying angel from entering their homes and killing their firstborns.

Target audience
Meaning of the name "פֶּסַח"
Nature of the משחית
Focal point of the ceremony
Accompanying actions
Purpose of the blood
Inner or outer doorpost?
Biblical parallels
"לֹא תֵצְאוּ אִישׁ מִפֶּתַח בֵּיתוֹ"
"לֵיל שִׁמֻּרִים"
General purpose of sacrifices
פסח דורות
Israelites' Religious identity

Sacrifice to Hashem

The Pesach strengthened the bond between the Children of Israel and Hashem, in preparation for the Exodus.

To Merit Redemption

The Israelites needed to accumulate mitzvot in order to compensate for their sinful behavior in Egypt and be worthy of His deliverance.

Petitionary Offering – The Pesach was brought as a request for Hashem's protection, and the sheep represented the Israelites' dependence on Hashem to be their shepherd.
Redemption of the Firstborn (פדיון בכור) – The Paschal lambs served as an exchange for the lives of the Israelite firstborns, and their blood symbolized the consecration of the Israelites to God's worship.
Target audience
Meaning of the name "פֶּסַח"
Nature of the משחית
Focal point of the ceremony
Accompanying actions
Purpose of the blood
Inner or outer doorpost?
Biblical parallels
"לֹא תֵצְאוּ אִישׁ מִפֶּתַח בֵּיתוֹ"
"לֵיל שִׁמֻּרִים"
General purpose of sacrifices
פסח דורות
Israelites' Religious identity

Thanksgiving Offering

The Pesach was a Korban Todah, a celebratory sacrifice thanking Hashem for the nation's impending salvation.

Target audience
Meaning of the name "פֶּסַח"
Nature of the משחית
Focal point of the ceremony
Accompanying actions
Purpose of the blood
Inner or outer doorpost?
Biblical parallels
"לֹא תֵצְאוּ אִישׁ מִפֶּתַח בֵּיתוֹ"
"לֵיל שִׁמֻּרִים"
General purpose of sacrifices
פסח דורות
Israelites' Religious identity

Demonstrative Act Against Idolatry

The Egyptians worshiped sheep, and the slaughtering of the Pesach proclaimed the sovereignty of Hashem and His supremacy over the Egyptian gods. This approach subdivides regarding the intended audience:

Transforming the Israelites

The Paschal rite facilitated and symbolized the Israelites' rejection of Egyptian idolatry.

Target audience
Meaning of the name "פֶּסַח"
Nature of the משחית
Focal point of the ceremony
Accompanying actions
Purpose of the blood
Inner or outer doorpost?
Biblical parallels
"לֹא תֵצְאוּ אִישׁ מִפֶּתַח בֵּיתוֹ"
"לֵיל שִׁמֻּרִים"
General purpose of sacrifices
פסח דורות
Israelites' Religious identity

Mocking the Egyptians

The public slaughter of the sheep proved to the Egyptians that their gods were powerless.

Target audience
Meaning of the name "פֶּסַח"
Nature of the משחית
Focal point of the ceremony
Accompanying actions
Purpose of the blood
Inner or outer doorpost?
Biblical parallels
"לֹא תֵצְאוּ אִישׁ מִפֶּתַח בֵּיתוֹ"
"לֵיל שִׁמֻּרִים"
General purpose of sacrifices
פסח דורות
Israelites' Religious identity