In this study Mr. Smith concludes his presentation on how the Jews came to keep the Passover one night later than it was commanded in Exodus 12. We do not find any details about the keeping of the Passover for about 700 years after Exodus until we come to the time of Hezekiah (II Chr. 29-30) when he brought Judah back to God, but they turned away again after his death. Two more restorations are seen at the time of Josiah (II Chr. 34-35) and then Ezra (Ezra 6). In each of these for fear of the paganism that surrounded them, the rulers commanded the Passover to be kept at Jerusalem with the priests killing the lambs because the people did not have enough knowledge to do it properly. After Ezra, this became the custom of most Jews and continues so down to our day.

Gary Smith

United Church of God Pastor

Gary Smith was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, but spent most of his youth in the Pasadena, California area. He graduated from Ambassador College in 1976 and he and his wife, Liz, moved to Peoria, Illinois. For the next six years he worked as a nursing home administrator in Illinois, Ohio, and Texas.
In 1982, he and Liz began to serve in the full-time ministry. Since that time, they have served in a number of congregations in the Midwest.
Gary and Liz now pastor in Houston, Texas near their two children and grandson.