You are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread as I commanded you: At the appointed time in the month of Abib you are to eat unleavened bread for seven days, because that was the month you came out of Egypt. No one may appear before Me empty-handed. You are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread as I commanded you:The Feast of Unleavened Bread is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals in the Jewish calendar, closely associated with Passover. It commemorates the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt, during which they did not have time to let their bread rise. This command underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions and the remembrance of His deliverance. The unleavened bread symbolizes purity and separation from sin, as leaven often represents sin in Scripture (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). Exo 12:14 And this day will be a memorial for you,… At the appointed time in the month of Abib The month of Abib, later known as Nisan, marks the beginning of the Hebrew religious calendar, typically falling in March or April. This timing aligns with the spring barley harvest in Israel, symbolizing new beginnings and God's provision. The term "appointed time" indicates a divinely set schedule, emphasizing God's sovereignty over time and history. Exo 34:18 You are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread.… you are to eat unleavened bread for seven days, The seven-day duration signifies completeness and perfection in biblical numerology. Eating unleavened bread for a week serves as a reminder of the Israelites' reliance on God during their journey and the need for spiritual cleansing. This practice is a call to holiness and a break from the past life of bondage. Exo 12:15 For seven days you must eat unleavened bread.… because that was the month you came out of Egypt. This phrase highlights the historical context of the Exodus, a pivotal event in Israel's history that signifies liberation from slavery and the birth of the nation. It serves as a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness and power to save. The Exodus is a type of Christ's redemptive work, as Jesus delivers believers from the bondage of sin (Luke 9:31). Exo 13:8 And on that day you are to explain to your son… No one may appear before Me empty-handed. This command reflects the principle of offering and gratitude. Worshipers are expected to bring offerings as a sign of thankfulness and acknowledgment of God's blessings. It underscores the importance of giving back to God from what He has provided, a theme echoed in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 9:7). This requirement also points to the sacrificial system, which foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Exo 34:20 You must redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb… Persons / Places / Events 1. Feast of Unleavened BreadA significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, marked by eating unleavened bread for seven days. 2. Month of Abib The first month of the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to March-April, when the Israelites left Egypt. 3. Egypt The land of bondage from which God delivered the Israelites, symbolizing sin and oppression. 4. God's Command The directive from God to observe the feast, emphasizing obedience and remembrance of His deliverance. 5. Israelites The people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt, representing God's chosen nation. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsThe Feast of Unleavened Bread is a reminder of the importance of obeying God's commands. Just as the Israelites were to follow God's instructions, Christians are called to live in obedience to His Word. Remembrance of Deliverance The feast serves as a memorial of God's deliverance from Egypt. Believers are encouraged to remember and celebrate their own deliverance from sin through Christ. Offering to God The command not to appear empty-handed highlights the importance of bringing offerings to God. This can be applied today as a call to offer our time, talents, and resources to God in gratitude. Spiritual Purity The removal of leaven symbolizes the removal of sin. Christians are called to live lives of purity and holiness, removing sin from their lives. Community and Worship The feast was a communal event, emphasizing the importance of gathering together for worship and celebration. Believers are encouraged to participate in communal worship and fellowship. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the Feast of Unleavened Bread teach us about the importance of remembering God's past deliverance in our lives?2. How can we apply the principle of not appearing before God empty-handed in our modern context? 3. In what ways does the removal of leaven during the feast symbolize the Christian call to holiness and purity? 4. How does the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament teachings of Jesus and Paul? 5. What are some practical ways we can incorporate the principles of obedience, remembrance, and offering into our daily walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 23:6-8Further instructions on the Feast of Unleavened Bread, emphasizing its importance in the Jewish calendar. Deuteronomy 16:16 Reinforces the command that no one should appear before God empty-handed during the three major feasts. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 Paul uses the imagery of unleavened bread to teach about purity and sincerity in the Christian life. Matthew 26:17-19 Jesus observes the Feast of Unleavened Bread, connecting the Old Testament practice to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ.
People Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Jebusites, Moses, PerizzitesPlaces Euphrates River, Mount Sinai, Red Sea, Sea of the PhilistinesTopics Abib, Appear, Appointed, Bread, Camest, Commanded, Eat, Egypt, Empty, Empty-handed, Feast, Forth, Hast, Leaven, Month, None, Observe, Offering, Orders, Presence, Regular, Seven, Unleavened, YeastDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 23:15 1255 face of God 7355 feasts and festivals, nature of 5312 feasting Library The Feast of Ingathering in the End of the Year'And the feast of harvest, the first-fruits of thy labours, which them hast sown In thy field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.' --EXODUS xxiii. 16. The Israelites seem to have had a double beginning of the year--one in spring, one at the close of harvest; or it may only be that here the year is regarded from the natural point of view--a farmer's year. This feast was at the gathering in of the fruits, which was … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Wesley Clothes French Prisoners The Consecration of Joy The Wonderful. The Lord's Prayer. Parable of the Good Samaritan. Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah The Second Series of Parables - the Two Parables of Him who is Neighbour to Us: the First, Concerning the Love That, Unasked, Gives in Our Love in the Old Covenant. Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago Exhortations to those who are Called The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) In the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles. Concerning Justification. Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men. Gen. xxxi. 11 How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and the Spirit of Error Carrieth Many Away. A Discourse of Mercifulness The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly Exodus Links Exodus 23:15 NIVExodus 23:15 NLT Exodus 23:15 ESV Exodus 23:15 NASB Exodus 23:15 KJV Exodus 23:15 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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