Exodus 12:14

A memorial. The directions thus far given had reference, primarily, to the first celebration of the Passover, the night preceding the Exodus. Now it is announced that the observance should be commemorated annually. In the future certain other features were to be added, such as the removal from the house of all leaven, the eating of unleavened bread for seven days after the Passover, the gathering for worship on the first and last days of the feast, and the observance of these days as days of sabbatic rest.

For ever. From ‘olam, a literal rendering of which would be “perpetually.” Inasmuch as Israel’s deliverance was of perpetual significance, their commemoration of the event was to be perpetual, so long as Israel should continue to be God’s chosen people. As a type, it was to remain in force until the coming of the antitype, Jesus Christ, who was to bring deliverance from sin. The duration of “for ever,” ‘olam, is conditional upon the nature of that to which it is applied. It may refer to that which is without either beginning or end, as, for example, God Himself, or to time which has a beginning but no end, like the eternal life of the redeemed, or it may signify a shorter period of time which has both a beginning and an end. Here, it has the latter meaning. Instituted at the time of the Exodus, the Passover remained in force until the crucifixion.