Exodus 12:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What is the significance of this celebration? Consider this: the Israelites showed ingratitude towards their Divine Benefactor and quickly overlooked His grace. The evidence of this is clear; they left Egypt, traversed the Red Sea, witnessed its miraculous division and restoration, yet shortly thereafter they demanded of Aaron, ‘Make us gods to lead us’ (Ex. 32:1). What do you say, O ungrateful Israelite? You have witnessed such divine wonders, yet you have forgotten the God who sustains you and neglected to honor your Benefactor? In response to their forgetfulness, God instituted commemorative feasts to ensure that they would remember His blessings continuously, whether they intended to or not. Thus they celebrated the Passover. Why is this important?

The Lord's teachings during the Passover have been handed down among the people of Israel, known as 'Hagaddah', which signifies transmission or explanation. During this sacred observance, the family patriarch conveys the significance of the symbols: unleavened bread, lamb, and bitter herbs to his children, using genuine biblical language. The term Passover itself reflects the grace of God, as it refers to the divine protection over the households of Israel. In an act of submission, Moses humbled himself before the Lord, who delivered him, prostrating on the ground in reverence.