Question

Why is the last plague called a Passover?

a) Because it involves passing over a bridge
b) Because it marks the passage of the Israelites through the Red Sea
c) Because it symbolizes God passing over the Israelite houses
d) Because it is a celebration of a successful battle

Answer 1

Passover is named for the event where God 'passed over' the homes of the Israelites, sparing their firstborn from the final plague in Egypt. The story is a significant part of Jewish history and is commemorated during the Passover seder.

Step-by-step explanation:

The last plague is called a Passover because it symbolizes God passing over the Israelite houses. During the last of the series of plagues, as recounted in the book of Exodus, Moses commanded the Jews to mark their doors with lamb's blood. The Angel of Death, seeing these marks, 'passed over' these homes, sparing the firstborn children within from death. This act of divine intervention is commemorated during the Passover festival. Jews worldwide retell this story during a seder, a ritual meal that initiates the week-long holiday. The Exodus from Egypt, which includes the Passover story, marked an important event in Jewish history, fulfilling the divine promise of deliverance and leading to their settlement in Canaan. The narrative also reflects the hardships faced by the Hebrews, such as plagues and a scarcity of water, before their eventual liberation.