Deuteronomy 16:8
For six days you must eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day you shall hold a solemn assembly to the LORD your God, and you must not do any work.
For six days
This phrase sets a specific time frame for the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which follows the Passover. The number six in biblical terms often symbolizes human labor and effort, as seen in the six days of creation where God worked before resting on the seventh day. This period of six days is a time for the Israelites to reflect on their deliverance from Egypt and to engage in the spiritual discipline of removing leaven, which symbolizes sin, from their lives.

you must eat unleavened bread
The command to eat unleavened bread is deeply symbolic. In Hebrew, the word for unleavened bread is "matzot," which signifies purity and the absence of sin. Historically, this practice commemorates the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, not having time to let their bread rise. Spiritually, it calls believers to a life of holiness and separation from sin, echoing the New Testament call to be unleavened in sincerity and truth (1 Corinthians 5:8).

and on the seventh day
The seventh day holds significant meaning throughout Scripture, often representing completion and rest. In the context of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the seventh day is a culmination of the observance, a time to cease from regular work and focus on God. It mirrors the Sabbath rest, pointing to the ultimate rest found in Christ.

there shall be a solemn assembly
The term "solemn assembly" in Hebrew is "atzeret," which implies a sacred gathering or convocation. This is a time for the community to come together in worship and reflection, emphasizing the communal aspect of faith. It is a reminder of the importance of corporate worship and the unity of God's people.

to the LORD your God
This phrase underscores the purpose of the assembly and the entire feast: it is directed to the LORD, Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It is a call to worship and honor God, recognizing His sovereignty and grace in delivering His people. It reminds believers that all acts of worship and obedience are ultimately for God's glory.

You must not do any work
The prohibition against work on this day highlights the principle of rest and trust in God. It is a time to cease from labor and focus on spiritual matters, trusting that God is the provider. This command echoes the Sabbath principle and points to the rest that believers find in Christ, who invites all to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28).

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

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are receiving these instructions as part of the covenant relationship with God.

3. Feast of Unleavened Bread
A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, where unleavened bread is eaten for seven days.

4. Solemn Assembly
A sacred gathering on the seventh day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, dedicated to worship and rest.

5. The LORD your God
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who commands the observance of these feasts and assemblies.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites were instructed to follow God's commands precisely, reflecting the importance of obedience in our relationship with God.

Significance of Remembrance
The Feast of Unleavened Bread serves as a reminder of God's deliverance. Christians are called to remember Christ's sacrifice and deliverance from sin.

Rest and Worship
The solemn assembly on the seventh day emphasizes the need for dedicated time for rest and worship, a principle that remains relevant for Christians today.

Symbolism of Unleavened Bread
Unleavened bread symbolizes purity and separation from sin. Believers are encouraged to live lives free from the "leaven" of sin.

Community and Fellowship
The communal aspect of the feast highlights the importance of gathering together in worship and fellowship, strengthening the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the command to eat unleavened bread for six days and rest on the seventh day reflect God's character and His desires for His people?

2. In what ways can the principles of the Feast of Unleavened Bread be applied to our modern Christian life and worship practices?

3. How does the concept of a "solemn assembly" inform our understanding of corporate worship and its significance in the church today?

4. What are some "leavens" in our lives that we need to remove to live in purity and sincerity before God?

5. How can we, as a community of believers, better support one another in remembering and celebrating God's deliverance in our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12
Provides the original instructions for the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, highlighting the historical context of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt.

Leviticus 23
Details the appointed feasts of the LORD, including the Feast of Unleavened Bread, emphasizing the importance of these observances in Israel's worship.

1 Corinthians 5
Paul uses the metaphor of unleavened bread to teach about purity and sincerity in the Christian life, drawing a spiritual parallel to the physical observance.
Conditions of WorshipJ. Parker, D. D.Deuteronomy 16:1-8
Jewish Commemorative FeastsE. White.Deuteronomy 16:1-8
The Passover a Memorial and a ProphecyD. Davies Deuteronomy 16:1-8
The Passover, a Memorial of DeliveranceR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 16:1-8
The Yearly FestivalsW. Roberts, M. A.Deuteronomy 16:1-8
The Yearly FestivalsWalter Roberts, M. A.Deuteronomy 16:1-8
Unleavened BreadS. A. Blackwood.Deuteronomy 16:1-8
The PassoverJ. Orr Deuteronomy 16:1-9
People
Levites, Moses
Places
Beth-baal-peor, Egypt
Topics
Assembly, Bread, Eat, Hold, Holy, Meeting, Restraint, Seventh, Six, Solemn, Therein, Unleavened
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 16:8

     4530   unleavened bread
     5338   holiday

Deuteronomy 16:1-8

     4438   eating
     7394   memorial
     8467   reminders

Deuteronomy 16:8-9

     1653   numbers, 6-10

Library
The Age of the Apostles (Ad 33-100)
The beginning of the Christian Church is reckoned from the great day on which the Holy Ghost came down, according as our Lord had promised to His Apostles. At that time, "Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven," were gathered together at Jerusalem, to keep the Feast of Pentecost (or Feast of Weeks), which was one of the three holy seasons at which God required His people to appear before Him in the place which He had chosen (Deuteronomy xvi. 16). Many of these devout men there converted
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Whether Six Daughters are Fittingly Assigned to Gluttony?
Objection 1: It would seem that six daughters are unfittingly assigned to gluttony, to wit, "unseemly joy, scurrility, uncleanness, loquaciousness, and dullness of mind as regards the understanding." For unseemly joy results from every sin, according to Prov. 2:14, "Who are glad when they have done evil, and rejoice in most wicked things." Likewise dullness of mind is associated with every sin, according to Prov. 14:22, "They err that work evil." Therefore they are unfittingly reckoned to be daughters
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Pride Should be Reckoned a Capital vice?
Objection 1: It would seem that pride should be reckoned a capital vice, since Isidore [*Comment. in Deut. xvi] and Cassian [*De Inst. Caenob. v, 1: Collat. v, 2] number pride among the capital vices. Objection 2: Further, pride is apparently the same as vainglory, since both covet excellence. Now vainglory is reckoned a capital vice. Therefore pride also should be reckoned a capital vice. Objection 3: Further, Augustine says (De Virginit. xxxi) that "pride begets envy, nor is it ever without this
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Passing and the Permanent
'For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.'--ISAIAH liv, 10.-- There is something of music in the very sound of these words. The stately march of the grand English translation lends itself with wonderful beauty to the melody of Isaiah's words. But the thought that lies below them, sweeping as it does through the whole creation, and parting all things
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Obedience
Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
BY A.E. GRIMKE. "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not within thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place: but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:--and so will I go in unto the king,
Angelina Emily Grimke—An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
Presented to the World in a Familiar Dialogue Between Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Attentive. By John Bunyan ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The life of Badman is a very interesting description, a true and lively portraiture, of the demoralized classes of the trading community in the reign of King Charles II; a subject which naturally led the author to use expressions familiar among such persons, but which are now either obsolete or considered as vulgar. In fact it is the only work proceeding from the prolific
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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