Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "bread of affliction" is a term that primarily refers to the unleavened bread eaten during the Passover, symbolizing the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt and their subsequent hardships. This bread is a significant element in the Jewish Passover celebration, known as the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which commemorates the Exodus.Unleavened Bread (Matzah): The most direct reference to the "bread of affliction" is found in Deuteronomy 16:3 : "You must not eat leavened bread with it. For seven days you are to eat with it unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left the land of Egypt in haste—so that you may remember for the rest of your life the day you left the land of Egypt." This unleavened bread, or matzah, is made without yeast, symbolizing both the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt and the purity and sanctification required by God. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance: The unleavened bread serves as a reminder of the Israelites' suffering and the trials they endured during their bondage in Egypt. It also signifies the purity and separation from sin, as leaven is often used in Scripture as a metaphor for sin and corruption. In 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 , the Apostle Paul draws on this symbolism: "Get rid of the old leaven, so that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." Historical Context: The consumption of unleavened bread during Passover is deeply rooted in the historical context of the Exodus. The Israelites were instructed to prepare for a swift departure, leaving no time for their bread to rise. This historical event is foundational to Jewish identity and is commemorated annually as a testament to God's deliverance and faithfulness. Cultural Practices: In Jewish tradition, the preparation and consumption of unleavened bread during Passover is accompanied by a thorough cleansing of the home to remove all leaven, known as chametz. This practice underscores the importance of spiritual and physical purity, aligning with the biblical mandate to remember the affliction and deliverance experienced by the Israelites. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the "bread of affliction" points to the broader theme of redemption and deliverance found throughout Scripture. It foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who is often associated with bread in the New Testament. In John 6:35 , Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." This statement connects the physical sustenance provided by bread with the spiritual sustenance offered through Christ. In summary, the "bread of affliction" is a multifaceted symbol within the biblical narrative, representing both the historical reality of the Exodus and the spiritual truths of purity, redemption, and divine provision. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 22:27And say, Thus said the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 127:2 Hosea 9:4 Isaiah 30:20 Library The Lord's Supper The Life of Mr. George Wishart. The Duty of Remembering the Poor The Bliss of the Glorified Hebrews xii. 6-Apr Letter cxxx. (AD 412. ) Whether Religious are Bound to Manual Labor? Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. Question Lxxxii of Devotion Fourth Sunday after Trinity Consolation in Suffering, and Patience ... Resources What did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:30)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible mean when it speaks of the breaking of bread? | GotQuestions.org Bread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Bread in Times of Scarcity, Sold by Weight Bread was Baked: On Coals of Fire Bread with Water, the Food of Prisons Bread: (Eating Without Scarceness) of Plenty Bread: (Fulness of) of Abundance Bread: (Of Adversity) Heavy Affliction Bread: (Of Deceit) Unlawful Gain Bread: (Of Wickedness) Oppression Bread: (Partaking of) Communion of Saints Bread: (Seeking of Begging) Extreme Poverty Bread: (Want of) Extreme Poverty Bread: (When Broken) the Death of Christ Bread: Called the Staff of Life Bread: Crumb of, Used to Wipe the Fingers, Thrown Under the Table Bread: First Fruit of, offered to God Bread: How Prepared: Baked in Ovens Bread: How Prepared: Cracknels Bread: How Prepared: Made Into Loaves Bread: How Prepared: Mixed With Oil Bread: How Prepared: On Coals of Dung Bread: How Prepared: On Hearths Bread: Kinds of Bread of Affliction Bread: Kinds of Leavened (Made With Yeast) Bread: Kinds of Unleavened (Made Without Yeast) Bread: Made of Manna (In the Wilderness) Bread: Multitudes Miraculously Fed by Christ With Bread: Nutritious and Strengthening Bread: Offered With Sacrifices Bread: Often Given As a Present Bread: Often Put for the Whole Substance of Man Bread: Ordinary, Called Common Bread Bread: Placed on Table of Shew Bread Bread: Plenty of, Promised to the Obedient Bread: Sacred, Called Hallowed Bread Bread: Scarceness of, Sent As a Punishment Bread: Served Round After Funerals Bread: Symbolical of the Body of Christ Bread: The Principal Food Used by the Ancients Bread: Troughs Used for Kneading Bread: when Old, Dry and Mouldy Related Terms |
    |