Leviticus 23:6

On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread.

Study Bible

On the fifteenth day
This phrase marks a specific time in the Hebrew calendar, the 15th day of Nisan, which follows the Passover. The precision of this date underscores the importance of divine timing in the biblical narrative. Historically, this period is significant as it commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, a pivotal event in Jewish history. The exactness of the date reflects God's orderly nature and His sovereign control over time and events.

of the same month
The "same month" refers to Nisan, the first month of the Jewish religious calendar. This month is foundational in the Jewish year, symbolizing new beginnings and redemption. The emphasis on the same month ties the Feast of Unleavened Bread directly to Passover, highlighting the continuity of God's redemptive plan. It serves as a reminder of the unity and consistency in God's covenantal relationship with His people.

is the Feast of Unleavened Bread
The "Feast of Unleavened Bread" is a significant Jewish festival that lasts seven days. The Hebrew word for feast, "chag," implies a celebration or pilgrimage, indicating that this is a time of communal gathering and worship. Unleavened bread, or "matzah," symbolizes purity and separation from sin, as leaven often represents sin in Scripture. This feast calls believers to reflect on their spiritual state and strive for holiness, mirroring the Israelites' haste in leaving Egypt without time for their bread to rise.

to the LORD
This phrase signifies that the feast is dedicated to Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. It is an act of worship and obedience, acknowledging God's deliverance and provision. The dedication "to the LORD" emphasizes that the feast is not merely a cultural tradition but a divinely ordained observance meant to honor God and remember His mighty acts. It calls believers to focus their hearts and minds on God's faithfulness and sovereignty.

For seven days
The duration of "seven days" is significant in biblical numerology, where seven often represents completeness or perfection. This period allows for a thorough observance and reflection on the themes of the feast. It provides ample time for the community to engage in worship, teaching, and remembrance. The seven-day observance underscores the completeness of God's deliverance and the call to a complete separation from sin.

you must eat unleavened bread
The command to "eat unleavened bread" is both literal and symbolic. Literally, it involves consuming bread made without yeast, which the Israelites did during their hasty departure from Egypt. Symbolically, it represents a call to purity and a break from the past life of bondage and sin. The act of eating unleavened bread is a tangible reminder of God's deliverance and the new life He offers. It encourages believers to partake in the spiritual nourishment that comes from living in obedience to God's Word.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who commands the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who are instructed to observe this feast as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

3. The Feast of Unleavened Bread
A seven-day festival following Passover, commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their hasty departure, which did not allow time for their bread to rise.

4. Egypt
The place of bondage from which the Israelites were delivered, symbolizing sin and oppression.

5. Unleavened Bread (Matzah)
Bread made without yeast, symbolizing purity and the haste of the Israelites' departure from Egypt.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Unleavened Bread
Unleavened bread represents purity and separation from sin. Just as the Israelites were to remove leaven from their homes, Christians are called to remove sin from their lives.

Remembrance and Deliverance
The Feast of Unleavened Bread serves as a reminder of God's deliverance from bondage. Believers are encouraged to remember their own deliverance from sin through Christ.

Obedience to God's Commands
Observing the Feast was an act of obedience. Similarly, Christians are called to live in obedience to God's Word, reflecting His holiness in their lives.

Community and Fellowship
The communal aspect of the feast emphasizes the importance of fellowship and unity among God's people. Christians are encouraged to gather and support one another in their faith journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the symbolism of unleavened bread in Leviticus 23:6 relate to the concept of purity in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can the Feast of Unleavened Bread inspire us to reflect on our own deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ?

3. How can we apply the principle of removing "leaven" from our lives in a practical way today?

4. What are some modern-day practices or traditions that help us remember and celebrate God's deliverance in our lives?

5. How can the communal aspect of the Feast of Unleavened Bread encourage us to foster deeper fellowship within our church communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
Details the original institution of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, highlighting the historical context and significance of these observances.

1 Corinthians 5
Paul uses the metaphor of leaven to discuss sin and purity within the church, drawing a parallel to the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

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