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.

Study Bible

You must not eat leavened bread with it
This command is rooted in the Hebrew word "chametz," which refers to leavened or fermented bread. The prohibition against leavened bread during the Passover is deeply symbolic, representing the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, not having time to let their bread rise. Leaven, in a broader biblical context, often symbolizes sin or corruption, as seen in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). The removal of leaven from the home during Passover is a physical act that mirrors the spiritual cleansing God desires from His people.

For seven days you are to eat unleavened bread
The number seven in the Bible often signifies completeness or perfection, reflecting God's creation week. The seven days of eating unleavened bread, known as the Feast of Unleavened Bread, is a time of remembrance and purification. The Hebrew word for unleavened bread is "matzah," which is bread made without yeast, symbolizing purity and the absence of sin. This practice serves as a reminder of God's deliverance and the call to live a life set apart for Him.

the bread of affliction
This phrase, "lechem oni" in Hebrew, can be translated as "bread of affliction" or "bread of poverty." It serves as a reminder of the hardships and suffering the Israelites endured in Egypt. Eating this bread during the Passover is a tangible way to remember the bitterness of slavery and the sweetness of God's deliverance. It is a call to humility and gratitude, recognizing God's mighty hand in bringing His people out of bondage.

because you left the land of Egypt in haste
The haste with which the Israelites left Egypt is a critical aspect of the Passover narrative. The Hebrew word "chipazon" conveys urgency and speed. This hurried departure underscores God's powerful intervention and the immediacy of His salvation. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of readiness and obedience in the life of a believer.

so that you may remember for the rest of your life
The act of remembrance is central to the Jewish faith and is emphasized throughout Scripture. The Hebrew word "zakar" means to remember, recall, or call to mind. This command to remember the Exodus is not just a mental exercise but a call to live in light of God's past faithfulness. It is an invitation to trust in God's promises and to pass down the account of His deliverance to future generations, ensuring that His mighty acts are never forgotten.

the day you departed the land of Egypt
The departure from Egypt, known as the Exodus, is a foundational event in the history of Israel. It marks the transition from slavery to freedom and from being a people without a land to a nation under God's covenant. This day is commemorated annually during Passover, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's salvation and the birth of Israel as His chosen people. It is a call to live in the freedom and identity that God has provided, always mindful of His grace and deliverance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, who is delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and are receiving these instructions.

3. Egypt
The land of bondage from which the Israelites were delivered.

4. Passover
The event commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, which is closely associated with the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

5. Feast of Unleavened Bread
A seven-day festival following Passover, during which the Israelites were commanded to eat unleavened bread.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Leaven
Leaven often symbolizes sin and corruption in the Bible. The removal of leaven during the feast represents the call to holiness and purity in the lives of believers.

Remembrance and Gratitude
The command to eat unleavened bread serves as a reminder of God's deliverance. Christians are called to remember and be grateful for their spiritual deliverance through Christ.

Haste and Readiness
The Israelites left Egypt in haste, symbolizing the urgency of responding to God's call. Believers should be ready and willing to follow God's leading without delay.

Life-long Remembrance
The instruction to remember the day of deliverance "for the rest of your life" highlights the importance of continually recalling God's past faithfulness as a foundation for trust in His future promises.

Spiritual Cleansing
Just as the Israelites cleansed their homes of leaven, Christians are encouraged to examine their lives and remove anything that hinders their relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the symbolism of leaven in Deuteronomy 16:3 relate to the concept of sin in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we practice remembrance and gratitude for God's deliverance in our daily lives?

3. What are some modern-day "leavens" that can corrupt our spiritual walk, and how can we guard against them?

4. How can the urgency of the Israelites' departure from Egypt inspire us to respond to God's call in our lives today?

5. Reflect on a time when recalling God's past faithfulness helped you trust Him in a current situation. How can this practice be incorporated into your spiritual routine?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
Provides the original instructions for the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, emphasizing the haste of the Israelites' departure from Egypt.

1 Corinthians 5
Paul uses the metaphor of leaven to discuss purity and sin within the church, drawing a spiritual parallel to the physical act of removing leaven during the feast.

Matthew 16
Jesus warns His disciples about the "leaven" of the Pharisees and Sadducees, using leaven as a metaphor for corrupting influences.