7900. In the first [month], on the fourteenth day of the month. That this signifies in the beginning of a holy state, is evident from the signification of “in the first” as being a beginning (as above, n. 7887, 7891); and from the signification of “the fourteenth day,” as being a holy state. (That the number “fourteen” denotes what is holy, see above, n. 7842; and that “day” denotes state, n. 7881.) The number “fourteen” denotes what is holy, because it arises from seven; and “seven,” where mentioned in the Word, signifies what is holy; for the simple and the compound numbers involve what is similar (n. 5291, 5335, 5708). As the passover was the most holy of the feast days, it was therefore commanded that it should be celebrated on the fourteenth day of the month, should continue seven days, and should be ended on the twenty-first day, by which is also signified what is holy. For the same reason it was also ordained that those who could not celebrate the passover in the first month should celebrate it in the following month, also on the fourteenth day, of which we read in Moses:

When any man shall be unclean by reason of a soul, ¹ or in a way afar off, in you or in your generations, he shall nevertheless perform the passover to Jehovah; in the second month, on the fourteenth day, between the two evenings they shall perform it (Numbers 9:10-11).

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