Two Views

“The fourteenth day of the same month … the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it between the [two] evenings” (Exodus 12:6 ASV with margin).

The question sometimes arises, when exactly were the Passover lambs to be offered. Exodus 12:6 is clear that it was on the 14th day of month one (Abib, today called Nisan). But when on the 14th? The text specifies, “between the [two] evenings,” but what time of day does this refer to? (The word “two” is not in the Hebrew, but is intended by using a dual term for “evenings.”)

When are the two evenings that are referred to? It would not mean between the end of one day, and the end of another, for then the term would not identify any particular time. Two common views respecting “between the two evenings” are either (1) from noon to sunset, or (2) from sunset to dark. In the first case, Passover lambs were to be slain sometime in the afternoon of Nisan 14 — in the latter case, between sunset and dark during Nisan 14. Following are comments respecting each view.

Sunset to Dark

The expression, “between the two evenings” is found eleven times in the Old Testament: Exodus 12:6, 6:12, 29:39, 41, 30:8, Leviticus 23:5, Numbers 9:3, 5, 11, 28:4, 8.

The second instance, Exodus 16:12-13, refers to quails that flew into the camp of Israel. “At even [between the two evenings] ye shall eat flesh … And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp.” Migratory quail fly during the day and settle shortly after sunset, so Israel could not eat the quail before twilight.

Also, Deuteronomy 16:1-7 (ASV) commands, “Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto Jehovah thy God … in the place which Jehovah thy God shall choose … there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun.” If they sacrificed the Passover in the evening, then it would be following the afternoon of day 14.

Noon to Sunset

This view notes the experience of Elijah recorded in 1 Kings 18:29. “It came to pass, when midday was past, and they [priests of Baal] prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.” The “time of the offering of the evening sacrifice” is specified to be “between the two evenings” in Numbers 28:4 (ASV margin).

The narrative following shows that this was well before sunset. For following this Elijah prepared his offering, he had 12 barrels of water poured upon the offering, he prayed and God consumed the offering with fire from heaven, and the priests of Baal were dispatched. Thereafter, while Elijah bowed in earnest prayer, his servant was sent to gaze over the sea for any sign of a cloud. On the seventh effort a cloud the size of man’s hand appeared, whereupon Elijah urged that rain was coming, and all should return to the city quickly.

How is Each Concern Answered?

Respecting the quails, and the term “even” — it is not certain that quail only appear at a set time of day. Even a common pattern of behavior is not without exception.

Respecting the term “even,” language is flexible, and it can also refer to the closing portion of a day. Respecting the experience of Elijah, it may be that by his day the time used for the evening sacrifice had shifted to a time earlier than intended when the Law was given in the days of Moses.