This moneth] Called in the Hebrew, Abib, Exodus 13:4. in the Chaldee Tongue Nisan, Esth. 3. 7. containing usually, part of March, and part of Aprill. See Annotation on Gen. Chap. 7. 11. first moneth] That is, the first according to the order observed in Ecclesiasticall matters, as for politicall affaires they reckoned from September (called by the Chaldeans Tisri) because (as it is thought) the World began with that moneth: and it is thought to begin with it, for that there were ripe fruits at that time: though many of the Ancients conceive it began with the Spring: and according to this latter computation, was the Jubile reckoned, Levit. 23. 8, 9, 10. because of the Secular accompt of contracts, and releases then to be determined; this yeare called the Civill yeare, ended at the Feast of the ingathering of fruits, which was after their harvest, whereof see Exodus 23:16. according to the house] Thereafter as the fathers of the household had great or small families. In the tenth day] The Lambe must be severed on the tenth day, (on which day the Israelites made their entrance upon the borders of Canaan, Joshua 4:19.) from the flocks, and sacrificed the fourteenth day, vers. 6. this was for more serious and sacred preparation for the Sacrament; and to signifie our Saviour Christ, as separate from sinners, Hebrews 7:26. Some thinke this was peculiar to the first Passeover, and that it was therefore peculiar, because the Lambe might be in readinesse, and not to seeke when he was to be sacrificed, for which they would have little leasure, neere their departure: but that reason seemes not sufficient to appropriate this preparation to the first Passeover: because, first, this separation was typicall, as hath beene noted out of Heb 7:26. Secondly, if it were occasionall, so was the unleavened bread, vers. 34. yet it was established by a perpetuall Ordinance, and that upon an heavie penaltie, vers. 17, 18, 19. a lambe] Or kid. (The Hebrew word Seh, signifieth either of them:) (for such as had no meanes to bring a Lambe, a Kid was allowed, using the same Rites) By the Lambe or Kid, was signified Christ, John 1:29. who was innocent and harmelesse like a Lambe, Hebrews 7:26. and because the Lambe of the Passeover was a figure of Christ, he is by a figurative speech called Our Passeover, 1 Corinthians 5:7. for an house] If the house or familie were sufficient for the eating of a Lambe, he who was the chiefe man in the family, (if an Hebrew) was to kill it, and if they were too few, or onely women in the house, they were to joyne themselves to those, who were more, and better fitted for such a service.