The third Passover

The Israelites had their first Passover in the land of Canaan while camping at Gilgal. It was the 14th day of the month of Nisan, and this was the third Passover. (1) The first Passover occurred just before exiting Egypt (Ex. 12:1-28). (2) The second time was at the foot of Mount Sinai (Num. 9:1-15). (3) Since then, for 39 years, Passover was not observed. The third Passover took place at Gilgal. This time, the feast signified the completion of the exodus and that the Israelites had entered the promised land.

The manna ceased

The Passover is followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread. On the first day of the feast, the Israelites ate “unleavened bread” and roasted grain. These were products of the land of Canaan. The manna had ceased on the day after the people had the produce of Canaan. (1) Manna was food given in the desert. The produce of the land was food in the promised land. (2) This transition from manna to the produce of the land signified the completion of the exodus and symbolized the entrance into the promised land. In summary, the events after the crossing of the Jordan River began with (1) the renewal of circumcision. With this, the promise of the land, according to the Abrahamic covenant, was restored. (2) Then, the Passover was observed. With the circumcision, the Israelites were ritually prepared to participate in the Passover. (3) There was a transition from the manna to the produce of the land. This confirmed that the Israelites were in the promised land. As the Israelites entered the promised land, a time will come for us to enter the “Heavenly Canaan.” Blessed are those who walk in obedience to the Lord, finding joy in the day to come.