Topical Encyclopedia Unleavened Bread holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, particularly within the context of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This bread, made without yeast, symbolizes purity, haste, and separation from sin, and it is deeply rooted in the history and religious practices of the Israelites.Biblical Origins and Commandments The origin of unleavened bread is found in the Exodus narrative, where the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, were delivered from Egyptian bondage. As they prepared to leave Egypt, they were instructed to eat the Passover meal in haste, which included unleavened bread. The absence of yeast in the bread symbolized the urgency of their departure, as there was no time for the dough to rise. In Exodus 12:17-20 , God commands the Israelites: "So you are to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because on this very day I brought your divisions out of the land of Egypt. You are to observe this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. 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." The Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately follows the Passover, lasts for seven days. During this time, the Israelites were to remove all leaven from their homes and consume only unleavened bread. This practice served as a reminder of their deliverance and a call to holiness, as leaven often symbolizes sin and corruption in Scripture. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance Unleavened bread carries profound spiritual symbolism. In the Old Testament, leaven is frequently associated with sin and impurity. The removal of leaven from the home during the Feast of Unleavened Bread represents the need for spiritual cleansing and the pursuit of righteousness. In 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 , the Apostle Paul draws on this imagery, urging believers to "Get rid of the old leaven, 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." The unleavened bread also points to Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the Bread of Life. 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." Just as unleavened bread is pure and free from leaven, Christ is sinless and offers spiritual sustenance to those who believe in Him. Cultural and Liturgical Practices In Jewish tradition, the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread is a time of reflection and renewal. The meticulous removal of leaven from the home is both a physical and spiritual exercise, symbolizing the cleansing of one's life from sin. The Seder meal, which includes unleavened bread, is a central component of the Passover celebration, commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt and God's faithfulness. In Christian practice, the symbolism of unleavened bread is often reflected in the Lord's Supper or Communion. Many denominations use unleavened bread to represent the body of Christ, broken for the sins of humanity. This practice serves as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the call to live a life free from sin. Conclusion Unleavened bread, with its rich historical and spiritual significance, continues to be a powerful symbol of deliverance, purity, and the transformative power of faith. Through its observance, believers are reminded of God's redemptive work and the call to live a life of holiness and devotion. Topical Bible Verses Deuteronomy 16:3You shall eat no leavened bread with it; seven days shall you eat unleavened bread therewith, even the bread of affliction; for you came forth out of the land of Egypt in haste: that you may remember the day when you came forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of your life. Topicalbible.org Leviticus 23:6 Exodus 12:15 Exodus 12:18 Exodus 12:8 Genesis 19:3 Acts 12:3 Greek 106. azumos -- unleavened ... Word Origin from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and zume Definition unleavened NASB Word Usage unleavened (9). unleavened bread. From ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/106.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4682. matstsah -- unleavened bread or cake... 4681, 4682. matstsah. 4683 . unleavened bread or cake. Transliteration: matstsah Phonetic Spelling: (mats-tsaw') Short Definition: bread. ... /hebrew/4682.htm - 6k Library Whether this Sacrament Ought to be Made of Unleavened Bread? Let no one in the Priestly Order nor any Layman Eat the Unleavened ... Canon xxxviii. It is not Lawful to Receive Unleavened Bread from ... Preparation for Passover. Disciples Contend for Precedence. Accordingly, it is not the Case, as Certain Calculators of Gaul ... When Christ Ate the Passover. Spiritual Meaning of the Passover. Whether Christ Suffered at a Suitable Time? Matt. xxvi. 17, 18 How the Abbot Ceolfrid Sent Master-Builders to the King of the ... Resources How do the elements of the Passover Seder point to Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Haggadah / Aggadah? | GotQuestions.org How did Jesus fulfill the meanings of the Jewish feasts? | GotQuestions.org Unleavened: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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