Ezra 6:19
And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
kept
H6213
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
kept
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְנֵֽי
And the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַגּוֹלָ֖ה
of the captivity
H1473
הַגּוֹלָ֖ה
of the captivity
Strong's:
H1473
Word #:
3 of 9
exile; concretely and collectively exiles
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַפָּ֑סַח
the passover
H6453
הַפָּ֑סַח
the passover
Strong's:
H6453
Word #:
5 of 9
a pretermission, i.e., exemption; used only techically of the jewish passover (the festival or the victim)
עָשָׂ֖ר
H6240
עָשָׂ֖ר
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
7 of 9
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
Historical Context
This Passover (April 516 BC) occurred one month after temple completion. It was the first proper Passover in the completed temple, paralleling Hezekiah's Passover after temple cleansing (2 Chronicles 30). The timing linked temple dedication with Passover redemption theology. 'Children of the captivity' terminology emphasized shared exile identity and return, creating social cohesion and covenant consciousness among the remnant community.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Passover celebration connecting Egypt's exodus with Babylon's exodus deepen understanding of God's repeated redemptive patterns?
- What does precise calendar observance ('fourteenth day of the first month') teach about biblical authority over worship timing?
Analysis & Commentary
The Passover observance—'the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month'—occurred exactly when Mosaic law prescribed (Exodus 12:6, Leviticus 23:5). The phrase 'children of the captivity' became technical designation for returned exiles, distinguishing them from those who had remained in the land. This Passover marked covenant renewal—celebrating redemption from Egypt while experiencing redemption from exile. The typological connection deepened theological understanding of God's repeated deliverance.