What was Nisan?

Nisan was the first month of the ecclesiastical or religious calendar in ancient Israel, occurring in the spring (March-April). In the Hebrew Bible, Nisan (נִיסָן, Nīsān) is a post-exilic name derived from the Babylonian calendar. It replaced the earlier name “Abib” (אָבִיב, Aviv), which was used before the Babylonian exile (Exodus 13:4; Deuteronomy 16:1). The name “Nisan” itself is of Akkadian origin (Nisānu), meaning “beginning” or “first fruits,” signifying the start of the year and the season of new life and harvest.

Biblical References

Nisan is mentioned explicitly in Esther 3:7, where it marks a key moment in the plot to destroy the Jewish people during the Persian Empire:

“In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, the pur (that is, the lot) was cast in the presence of Haman to select a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar.”
(Esther 3:7, NIV)

It is also found in Nehemiah 2:1, where Nehemiah appears before King Artaxerxes with a sorrowful face and requests permission to rebuild Jerusalem:

“In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes…”

Earlier, the same month was called Abib (Exodus 12:2; Exodus 13:4), the month in which the Israelites were delivered from Egypt. Exodus 12 declares Nisan to be “the first month of your year.”

Nisan in the Bible’s Storyline

A Month of Deliverance and Providence

The significance of Nisan is tied to major redemptive events in biblical history:

• Passover and the Exodus: Nisan is the month when the Israelites were delivered from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12:1-28). The first Passover was instituted in this month, marking the beginning of Israel’s freedom as a nation.

• Esther’s Story: In Esther 3:7, Nisan becomes the starting point of a terrifying decree initiated by Haman to exterminate the Jews. Yet, this month of impending doom becomes, by the providence of God, the beginning of a great reversal, as God protects His people through Esther’s bold intercession (Esther 4-9).

• Nehemiah’s Mission: Nisan is also the time when Nehemiah is stirred by God to rebuild Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:1-8), an act that ultimately leads to the spiritual restoration of Israel.

God’s Sovereign Hand in History

Although Haman casts lots in Nisan, intending to destroy God’s people, God uses the month as the beginning of their deliverance. The casting of lots (purim) highlights the illusion of chance, while Scripture shows that God’s purposes will not be thwarted.

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”
(Proverbs 16:33)

What It Means for Today’s Christians

For Christians today, Nisan serves as a reminder of God’s timing and providence. What begins as a season of fear or oppression (as in Esther) can become a season of freedom and hope (as in the Exodus). It encourages believers to trust in God’s purposes even when events seem random or threatening.

Additionally, the month of Nisan holds special significance in the New Testament era. It is during Nisan that:

• Jesus was crucified and resurrected: The death of Christ occurred during Passover (Luke 22:7-20; John 18-19), and His resurrection, the “first fruits” from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:20), mirrors the themes of new life and deliverance inherent to the month of Nisan.

• The gospel of grace is fulfilled: Just as Israel was saved from death by the blood of a lamb, so Christians are saved from judgment by the blood of Christ, our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).

How Nisan Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Nisan culminates in the celebration of Passover, which foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Exodus pointed forward to the greater salvation Jesus would accomplish—liberating His people from sin, not Egypt; through His blood, not just a lamb’s.

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, His death, burial, and resurrection all took place during Nisan, making it the climactic fulfillment of redemptive history.

• Jesus is the greater Moses, leading a new Exodus.

• Jesus is the Passover Lamb, whose blood delivers from eternal death.

• Jesus is the firstfruits of resurrection, promising new life to all who believe.

Broader Biblical Themes

• God’s Sovereignty Over Time: Nisan represents the unfolding of God’s will in time. Human plans (like Haman’s) are ultimately overruled by divine providence.

• Deliverance and Redemption: Whether from Egypt, Persia, or sin, God saves His people through decisive acts in history.

• Seasons of Renewal: As the first month, Nisan reminds us of spiritual new beginnings. God often works in the “firsts” of life to point us toward eternal truths.

• Typology of Christ: Nisan is filled with types and shadows that find their fulfillment in Jesus—the true Deliverer and Redeemer.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the story of Nisan in Esther encourage you to trust God’s providence even in times of uncertainty?

2. In what ways do you see Jesus fulfilling the symbols and events tied to the month of Nisan?

3. Are there areas in your life where God may be initiating a spiritual “new beginning”?

4. How can remembering the themes of Passover and resurrection during Nisan shape your worship and devotion?

5. Like Esther and Nehemiah, are you willing to act boldly when God calls you during crucial seasons?

Nisan, though a calendar month, is woven deeply into the narrative of redemption. It reminds us that God is not only the Lord of history but also the Lord of time, orchestrating every season—including our own—for His glory and our salvation in Christ.