Deuteronomy 16:4

No leaven is to be found in all your land for seven days, and none of the meat you sacrifice in the evening of the first day shall remain until morning.

Study Bible

No yeast
The Hebrew word for "yeast" is "se'or," which refers to leaven or any fermenting agent. In the context of the Passover, yeast symbolizes sin and corruption. The absence of yeast during the Feast of Unleavened Bread serves as a reminder of the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt, where they did not have time to let their bread rise. Spiritually, it calls believers to a life of purity and separation from sin, echoing the New Testament teaching in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8, where Paul urges the church to be a new batch without yeast, symbolizing sincerity and truth.

is to be found
The phrase "is to be found" implies a thorough search and removal of yeast from the household. This practice, known as "bedikat chametz," is still observed in Jewish tradition today. It involves a meticulous search for any leavened products, symbolizing the believer's call to examine their life and remove any sin. This act of cleansing is a precursor to the celebration of deliverance and redemption, reflecting the Christian's ongoing sanctification process.

in any of your territory
The command extends beyond individual homes to the entire community, emphasizing collective responsibility. The Hebrew word "gevul" refers to borders or territory, indicating that the absence of yeast is not just a personal matter but a communal one. This highlights the importance of communal holiness and accountability within the body of believers, as the actions of one can affect the whole community.

for seven days
The number seven in the Bible often signifies completeness or perfection. The seven days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread represent a complete cycle of purification and dedication to God. This period is a time of reflection and renewal, encouraging believers to fully commit themselves to God's ways, free from the corruption of sin.

And none of the meat
The meat refers to the Passover lamb, which holds significant typological importance in Christian theology. The lamb is a foreshadowing of Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The instruction that none of the meat should remain until morning underscores the urgency and completeness of God's deliverance, as well as the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.

you sacrifice
The act of sacrifice is central to the Old Testament worship system, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Hebrew word "zabach" means to slaughter for sacrifice, indicating the seriousness and solemnity of the act. Sacrifice involves giving up something valuable to honor God, reminding believers of the cost of redemption and the call to live sacrificially.

on the evening of the first day
The timing of the sacrifice is significant, as it marks the beginning of the Passover celebration. The evening sacrifice aligns with the Jewish understanding of a day beginning at sunset, symbolizing a new beginning. For Christians, this points to the new covenant established through Christ's death and resurrection, offering a fresh start and eternal hope.

shall remain until morning
The command that none of the meat should remain until morning signifies the completeness and immediacy of God's provision. It reflects the urgency of the Israelites' departure from Egypt and the need to trust in God's ongoing provision. For believers, it serves as a reminder to rely on God's sufficiency and to live in the present, trusting Him for each new day.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Israelites
The recipients of the law, God's chosen people, who are preparing to enter the Promised Land.

3. Passover
The event commemorated by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, marking Israel's deliverance from Egypt.

4. Promised Land
The territory God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

5. Feast of Unleavened Bread
A seven-day festival following Passover, during which no leaven is to be found in the homes of the Israelites.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Leaven
Leaven often symbolizes sin and corruption in the Bible. The removal of leaven during the Feast of Unleavened Bread serves as a reminder for believers to examine their lives and remove sin.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites were instructed to follow God's commands precisely. This teaches us the importance of obedience and faithfulness in our walk with God.

Remembrance and Reflection
The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a time of remembrance of God's deliverance. Christians are called to remember Christ's sacrifice and reflect on His deliverance from sin.

Community Purity
Just as the Israelites were to ensure no leaven was found in their territory, the church is called to maintain purity and holiness within the community of believers.

Daily Renewal
The command to not let the sacrificial meat remain until morning signifies the need for daily renewal and reliance on God, rather than relying on past experiences or blessings.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the removal of leaven symbolize in the context of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and how can this symbolism be applied to our lives today?

2. How does the command to not let the sacrificial meat remain until morning encourage us to seek daily renewal in our relationship with God?

3. In what ways can the church today ensure that it remains pure and free from the "leaven" of sin and false teachings?

4. How does the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread serve as a reminder of God's deliverance, and how can we incorporate similar practices of remembrance in our spiritual lives?

5. Reflect on a time when obedience to God's commands required you to make a significant change in your life. What was the outcome, and how did it strengthen your faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
Provides the original instructions for the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, emphasizing the importance of removing leaven as a symbol of purity and separation from sin.

1 Corinthians 5
Paul uses the metaphor of leaven to discuss the need for purity within the church, drawing a parallel to the removal of sin.

Matthew 16
Jesus warns His disciples about the "leaven" of the Pharisees and Sadducees, referring to their corrupt teachings and hypocrisy.