In the first month you are to eat unleavened bread, from the evening of the fourteenth day until the evening of the twenty-first day. In the first monthThe first month refers to Nisan (or Abib), which is the beginning of the Hebrew religious calendar. This month typically corresponds to March-April in the Gregorian calendar. The timing is significant as it marks the beginning of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, symbolizing new beginnings and redemption. This month is also when the Passover is celebrated, a pivotal event in Jewish history. Num 9:1-5 In the first month of the second year… you are to eat unleavened bread, Unleavened bread, or matzah, is bread made without yeast. In the context of the Exodus, it symbolizes the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, as they did not have time to let their bread rise. Spiritually, leaven often represents sin or corruption in the Bible (1 Corinthians 5:6-8), and eating unleavened bread signifies purity and separation from sin. This practice is part of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is a time of reflection and dedication to God. Lev 23:6-8 On the fifteenth day begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread… from the evening of the fourteenth day The evening of the fourteenth day of Nisan marks the beginning of Passover. In Jewish tradition, a day begins at sunset, so the Passover meal, which includes the eating of unleavened bread, is observed on this evening. This timing is crucial as it commemorates the night when the Lord passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt, sparing their firstborns (Exodus 12:12-13). Jos 5:10-11 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month,… until the evening of the twenty-first day. The Feast of Unleavened Bread lasts for seven days, concluding on the evening of the twenty-first day of Nisan. This period is a time of remembrance and celebration of God's deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It is a time of purification and dedication, as the Israelites were commanded to remove all leaven from their homes (Exodus 12:15). This week-long observance underscores the importance of living a life free from sin and dedicated to God, drawing a parallel to the Christian life of sanctification. Num 28:16-18 The fourteenth day of the first month is… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who conveyed God's commandments to the people, including the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 2. Israelites The chosen people of God, who were instructed to observe the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread as a commemoration of their deliverance from Egypt. 3. Egypt The land of bondage from which the Israelites were delivered, marking the significance of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 4. Passover The event marking God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, which is closely associated with the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 5. Feast of Unleavened Bread A seven-day festival beginning on the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month, during which the Israelites were to eat unleavened bread, symbolizing purity and separation from sin. Teaching Points Symbolism of Unleavened BreadUnleavened bread represents purity and the absence of sin. Just as the Israelites were to remove leaven from their homes, Christians are called to remove sin from their lives. Obedience to God's Commands The observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's instructions. Believers today are called to live in obedience to God's Word. Remembrance and Reflection The Feast serves as a time of remembrance of God's deliverance. Christians are encouraged to regularly reflect on their own deliverance from sin through Christ. Community and Family Worship The communal aspect of the Feast highlights the importance of worshiping together as a family and community, fostering unity and shared faith experiences. Spiritual Preparation Just as the Israelites prepared for the Feast by removing leaven, believers are encouraged to prepare their hearts for worship and service by confessing and forsaking sin. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the symbolism of unleavened bread in Exodus 12:18 relate to the Christian call to holiness and purity?2. In what ways can we practice obedience to God's commands in our daily lives, as exemplified by the Israelites' observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread? 3. How can the practice of remembrance and reflection on God's deliverance be incorporated into our personal and communal worship today? 4. What are some practical ways to foster community and family worship in light of the communal aspect of the Feast of Unleavened Bread? 5. How can we spiritually prepare ourselves for worship and service, drawing parallels from the Israelites' preparation for the Feast? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 23:6-8This passage provides further instructions on the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, emphasizing its importance as a lasting ordinance. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 Paul draws a parallel between the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Christian life, urging believers to purge out the old leaven of sin and live in sincerity and truth. Deuteronomy 16:3 This verse highlights the significance of unleavened bread as the "bread of affliction," reminding the Israelites of their hasty departure from Egypt.
People Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, PharaohPlaces Egypt, Rameses, SuccothTopics Bread, Eat, Evening, Fourteenth, Month, Till, Twentieth, Twenty, Twenty-first, Unleavened, YeastDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 12:18 4530 unleavened bread 4418 bread 7360 Feast of Unleavened Bread Library The Passover: an Expiation and a Feast, a Memorial and a Prophecy'And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2. This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. 3. Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: 4. And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Exodus A Question for Communicants The Blood The Birthnight of Freedom Of the Practice of Piety in Holy Feasting. Of Preparation. The Reaction against Egypt The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine Authorship Preparation for Passover. Disciples Contend for Precedence. Bread and Wine Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes The Johannine Writings Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus. Opposition to Messiah in Vain Sundry Exhortations. Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion. Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: Jesus Living at Nazareth and visiting Jerusalem in his Twelfth Year. The Prophet Amos. The Scriptures Jesus, My Rock. Links Exodus 12:18 NIVExodus 12:18 NLT Exodus 12:18 ESV Exodus 12:18 NASB Exodus 12:18 KJV Exodus 12:18 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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