In an article by Gordon Thomasson and John Welch, it says that in August 1984 for the first time, several stunning similarities between Alma 35-42 and the traditional Israelite observance of Passover were discovered. According to traditions at least as early as the time of Christ and probably earlier, after gathering his family the father then instructed his sons and answered their questions. His words were not fixed but were "to fit the knowledge and understanding of the child" and were supposed "to spell out the sequence of sin, suffering, repentance, and redemption." Each of Alma's admonitions to his sons, Helaman (Alma 36-37), Shiblon (Alma 38), and Corianton (Alma 39-42), does this precisely, each in its own way.
Moreover, three Passover questions are found in the Bible. Traditionally, each of these questions was asked in turn by the sons and was answered by the father. In time, each of these questions came to be associated with a different type of son.
First, "What is the meaning of the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord our God hath commanded you?" (Deuteronomy 6:20). This question was asked at Passover by a wise son. In the Book of Mormon, Helaman stands as the wise son: In talking to Helaman, Alma mentions "wisdom" at least eight times in Alma 37. Notice also how Alma explains the meaning of the laws and testimonies of God as he explains the meaning of the plates of Nephi (preserved for a "wise purpose"), the twenty-four gold plates, and the Liahona in Alma 37. The Jewish father was especially expected to explain the meaning of traditional things to "future generations" and to use "allegorical interpretations." Alma does exactly this. See Alma 37:19 ("future generations") and Alma 37:45 ("is there not a type in this thing?").
Second, "What mean ye by this service?" (Exodus 12:26). This question was asked by a wicked son. This son is depicted in the Jewish literature as one guilty of social crimes, who had excluded himself from the community, and believed in false doctrines. According to Jewish practice, he is to be told, in a manner that will "set his teeth on edge," that he will be punished for his own sins, and that, had he been in Egypt, he would not have been redeemed. Such is unmistakably the thrust of Alma's words to Corianton - who had left the ministry (see Alma 39:3), caused social problems (see Alma 39:11), followed false doctrines (see Alma 41:9), and is taught by his father about nothing but redemption and one's personal suffering for sin (see Alma 41:3-4,7).
Third, "What is This?" (Exodus 13:14) Israelite tradition said that the uninformed son who asked this question needed to be taught the law and given preventative instruction to keep him well away from any risk of breaking the law. This, indeed, is what Alma tells Shiblon, as he teaches him to be diligent (see Alma 38:10) and gives him a high code of conduct (see Alma 38:11-14). [Gordon C. Thomasson and John W. Welch, "The Sons of the Passover," in Reexploring the Book of Mormon, F.A.R.M.S., pp. 196-197]
According to Matthew Brown, in addition to the three sons pattern there are also several other Passover themes that can be seen in chapters 35 through 42 of the book of Alma:
PASSOVER THEME
OLD TESTAMENT
BOOK OF MORMON
Crying out for deliverance
Deuteronomy 26:6-7
Alma 36:3, 18, 27
Bitter suffering
Exodus 12:8
Alma 36:18, 21
Hardness of heart
Exodus 11:10
Alma 35:15
Three days and nights of darkness
Exodus 10:22
Alma 36:16
[Matthew B. Brown, All Things Restored: Confirming the Authenticity of LDS Beliefs, pp. 222-223]