Evenings, Between The
What Does 'Between the Evenings' Mean?
The Hebrew phrase ben ha'arbayim, translated as 'between the evenings' or 'at twilight,' refers to a specific, liminal time of day. It is not a broad term for 'evening' but denotes the period of fading light as day transitions into night. This precise timing was divinely mandated for crucial rituals, embedding sacred observance into the natural rhythm of the day.
Key Biblical Appearances and Rituals
The most famous instance is the command for the Passover sacrifice: 'You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill their lambs at twilight' (Exodus 12:6, ESV). This same timing applied to the second Passover for those unclean during the first (Numbers 9:11). Furthermore, it was the prescribed time for the daily evening sacrifice, one of the two continual burnt offerings (Exodus 29:39, 41; Numbers 28:4). The lighting of the lamps in the Tabernacle also occurred 'at twilight' (Exodus 30:8).
Historical and Rabbinic Interpretation
Historical interpretation of the exact timeframe for 'between the evenings' is not unanimous. The most prevalent Jewish tradition, recorded in the Mishnah (Pesachim 5:1), identifies it as the period from the afternoon decline of the sun (about 3 p.m.) until nightfall. This interpretation connects it to the 'ninth hour' of the day. Other ancient views suggest it was the shorter period immediately after sunset. This timing ensured the Passover meal was eaten at night, as commanded (Exodus 12:8).
Theological and Narrative Significance
The precision of 'between the evenings' underscores the importance of obedience to God's specific instructions in the covenant relationship. For Passover, it marked the exact moment of deliverance's inauguration, as the blood was applied before the plague of the firstborn struck at night (Exodus 12:12-13). In the daily ritual, it represented a constant, faithful turning to God at the day's close. This timing also creates a profound theological link in the New Testament, as Jesus, the ultimate Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), died during the daylight hours, with darkness covering the land from the 'sixth hour to the ninth hour' (Matthew 27:45), a period overlapping with the traditional time of the Passover sacrifice.
Biblical Context
The phrase appears primarily in the Pentateuch, governing the timing of the Passover sacrifice (Exodus 12:6; Leviticus 23:5; Numbers 9:3, 5, 11) and the daily evening burnt offering (Exodus 29:39, 41; Numbers 28:4, 8). It also appears in instructions for the Tabernacle lamp (Exodus 30:8). It plays a critical role in establishing the liturgical calendar and the rhythm of daily worship, anchoring key acts of atonement and remembrance to a specific moment in time.
Theological Significance
This specific timing teaches about God's ordered nature and the importance of faithful precision in worship. It marks the moment of covenant enactment (Passover) and continual atonement (daily sacrifice). Theologically, it points forward to Christ's crucifixion, which occurred during the daylight hours preceding the Passover evening, fulfilling the symbolism of the lamb slain 'between the evenings.' It emphasizes that salvation and access to God are provided according to His appointed time and method.
Historical Background
Ancient Near Eastern cultures closely observed twilight for religious and practical reasons. Extra-biblical Jewish sources, particularly the Mishnah (c. 200 AD), clarify that 'between the evenings' was understood as the afternoon, from about 3 p.m. until sunset. This interpretation allowed time for the slaughter and preparation of thousands of Passover lambs at the Temple. The Samaritans, who still sacrifice the Passover lamb on Mount Gerizim, maintain a practice aligned with a sunset timing, demonstrating an alternate historical tradition.