Between the Two Evenings: Understanding the Timing of the Passover Sacrifice and the Crucifixion

The Timing of the Passover Sacrifice: A Theological Examination of “Between the Two Evenings”

The phrase “between the two evenings” (בֵּין הָעַרְבַּיִם, bein ha’arbayim) in Exodus 12:6 is a central feature of the Passover command, sparking considerable debate among scholars, rabbinic authorities, and sectarian traditions. The timing of the lamb’s sacrifice hinges on this command, and understanding it is essential for grasping the exact fulfillment of the Passover typology in Jesus’ death. This essay will explore the biblical usage of the phrase, the two major interpretations that developed in ancient Judaism, and the theological implications of these interpretations, particularly in relation to the crucifixion of Jesus.

 Biblical Usage of the Phrase

The phrase “between the two evenings” appears in several key texts in the Hebrew Bible, most notably in Exodus 12:6, which states, "And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening [bein ha’arbayim]." This command is foundational for the observance of Passover, as it specifies the timing for the sacrifice of the lamb.

 Other references to the phrase can be found in Exodus 29:39, 41, and Numbers 28:4, 8, which discuss the daily sacrifices made morning and evening. Additionally, Leviticus 23:5 states, "In the fourteenth day of the first month at evening is the Lord’s Passover," while Numbers 9:3, 5, and 11 reiterate the importance of this timing in the context of the Passover observance. The consistent use of the phrase across these texts underscores its significance in the sacrificial system and its implications for understanding the timing of Jesus’ death.

The Two Interpretations

1. The Traditional (Pharisaic/Temple) Interpretation

The first major interpretation of “between the two evenings” is the Pharisaic or Rabbinic view, which was dominant during the Second Temple period. According to this interpretation, the first evening begins when the sun begins to decline from its highest point—around noon—and the second evening begins at sunset. Therefore, “between the two evenings” refers to the time frame between approximately 3:00 p.m. and sunset, as the heat of the day cools.

 This view was foundational for the Temple service in Jerusalem. The Jewish historian Josephus notes, “They slay their sacrifices from the ninth hour to the eleventh hour” (Wars 6.9.3), which corresponds precisely to the timeframe in which Jesus was crucified. Mark 15:34 records that Jesus died at the ninth hour, around 3:00 p.m., just as the Passover lambs were beginning to be slain across Jerusalem.

 The Talmud (Pesachim 58a) further supports this interpretation, explaining that the slaughter of the lamb began in mid-afternoon and continued until evening. This understanding aligns perfectly with the logistics of Temple operations, which could not accommodate the slaughter of thousands of lambs in the short time between sunset and full darkness.

 2. The Literal (Karaite/Samaritan) Interpretation

In contrast, the second interpretation, held by the Samaritans and Karaites, posits that the first evening begins at sunset and the second evening begins at complete darkness. In this view, “between the evenings” refers to the twilight period after sunset but before full nightfall—approximately a 60–90 minute window. Thus, the lamb would be slain immediately after sunset on Nisan 14 and consumed later that evening.

 Proponents of this interpretation argue from Genesis 1:5, where the phrase “evening and morning” defines the day. They insist that sunset marks the beginning of the first evening, and full darkness signifies the second evening. However, this interpretation presents challenges for aligning Jesus’ death with the timing of the Passover lamb’s sacrifice, as it would imply that Jesus died before the lambs were slain.

 Scriptural and Historical Harmony

Given the theological importance of Jesus as the Passover Lamb, slain for the sins of the world (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7), it is critical that the timing of His death aligns with the lawful slaying of the lamb. The traditional interpretation, placing the sacrifice between 3:00 p.m. and sunset, provides that harmony.

·         Exodus 12:6 states that the lamb is to be killed “between the evenings” on the 14th of Nisan.

·         Mark 15:34-37 places Jesus' death at 3:00 p.m., the ninth hour.

·         John 19:14 refers to Jesus’ trial occurring on the “Preparation Day of the Passover,” further emphasizing that He was slain while the lambs were being prepared.

This alignment is significant, as it underscores the prophetic and typological connections between the Passover lamb and Jesus’ sacrificial death. The timing of Jesus’ death at 3:00 p.m. coincides precisely with the moment the Passover lambs were about to be slaughtered in the Temple, fulfilling the typology of the Passover Lamb to the hour.

Theological Implications

Accepting the traditional interpretation of “between the two evenings” as the time frame from 3:00 p.m. to sunset not only aligns with Jewish practice but also strengthens the prophetic and redemptive timeline of Jesus’ death. The implications of this interpretation are profound:

 Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Passover Lamb: By dying at the exact time the Passover lambs were being sacrificed, Jesus embodies the fulfillment of the Passover typology. This connection is emphasized in 1 Corinthians 5:7, where Paul refers to Christ as our Passover Lamb, sacrificed for us. The timing of His death reinforces the theological assertion that Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

 The Preparation for the Sabbath: The urgency to bury Jesus before sunset, as noted in John 19:31, highlights the significance of the timing. The Passover began at sunset on the 14th of Nisan, and dusk closed within ninety minutes which necessitated that Jesus be buried quickly. This urgency further emphasizes the connection between His death and the Passover observance, as the lambs were being prepared for the Passover meal. Jesus death and burial were fulfilling not only traditionally held views that necessitated the slaying of the lambs from the ninth hour, but corresponding to the first Passover, where the lamb was slain, roasted and began to be eaten between sunset and dusk, the time when the lintel and the door posts were required to have blood splashed on them.

Significance of burial between sunset and dusk: beyond the Karaite tradition, this points to the time of Jesus being in the grave and He is to descend into depths of darkness, a seeming endless black hole of a collapsed star.  Now the Paschal lamb is being consumed as He is taken into the lower parts of planet Earth; the place where Hades exists, maybe not as a place of flames, but certainly darkness and a nothing to quench the souls of those there. Jesus spoke of Himself being a seed that had to fall into the ground: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life (John 12:23-25).

The eating of the Passover during the twilight hours—between the two evenings—was an act of obedience of faith. Those who ate the first Passover had to do so with their feet shod with sandals and a staff in their hand, ready to exercise a walk of faith, to begin their journey into the unknown and trust God. When Jesus spoke those words recorded in John about being a grain of wheat, as we read on, John 12:27 states: “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’?  But for this purpose I have come to this hour.”  The Son of Man was to discover whether he would be glorified and declared the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:4).

 Resurrection Timeline: The traditional interpretation also supports the resurrection narrative. Jesus’ death on the afternoon of the 14th of Nisan, followed by His burial before sunset, aligns with the prophecy of being in the grave for three days and three nights. If He was buried before sunset on Wednesday and rose after sunset on Saturday, this timeline fulfills the prophetic expectations surrounding His resurrection.

 Theological Cohesion: The alignment of Jesus’ death with the Passover sacrifice provides a cohesive understanding of God’s redemptive plan. The sacrificial system established in the Old Testament finds its culmination in the New Testament through Jesus’ death, reinforcing the continuity of Scripture and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

 Supporting Sources

The historical and scriptural evidence supporting the traditional interpretation is robust:

Josephus, Wars 6.9.3: “...the priests slew the lambs from the ninth hour to the eleventh,” confirming the timing of the sacrifices.

Talmud, Pesachim 58a: This text affirms the slaughter window, aligning with the Pharisaic interpretation.

Septuagint (LXX): The translation of “between the evenings” as “towards evening” reflects the late-afternoon timing consistent with the traditional view.

 Conclusion

The phrase “between the two evenings” is more than a mere time marker; it serves as a prophetic hinge that connects the Old Testament sacrificial system with the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The traditional interpretation, which places the slaying of the Passover lamb between 3:00 p.m. and sunset, is supported by historical practices, scriptural evidence, and theological implications.

 This understanding not only aligns with Jewish tradition but also reinforces the typological significance of Jesus as the Passover Lamb, sacrificed for the sins of humanity. The synchronization of Jesus’ death with the Passover sacrifice ensures that every element of God’s redemptive plan is meticulously fulfilled, affirming the profound theological truths embedded in the narrative of the crucifixion.

 In summary, the biblical, historical, and theological evidence strongly favors the late afternoon slaying interpretation. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was sacrificed at the very hour the lambs were being killed in the Temple courts, ensuring that not one element of God's redemptive plan was out of place. This profound connection between the Passover and Jesus’ death invites believers to reflect on the depth of God’s love and the fulfillment of His promises through Christ.