Numbers 28:17

On the fifteenth day of this month, there shall be a feast; for seven days unleavened bread is to be eaten.

Study Bible

On the fifteenth day of this month
This phrase marks a specific time in the Hebrew calendar, the month of Nisan, which corresponds to March-April in the Gregorian calendar. The fifteenth day is significant as it begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread, immediately following Passover. Historically, this period commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, a pivotal event in Jewish history. The precision of the date underscores the importance of divine timing and order in God's plan, reminding believers of the significance of God's appointed times.

there shall be a feast
The term "feast" in Hebrew is "חַג" (chag), which implies a festival or celebration. This feast is not merely a time of eating but a sacred assembly, a time of worship and remembrance. It is a communal event, drawing the people together in unity and shared purpose. The feast serves as a reminder of God's deliverance and provision, encouraging believers to celebrate God's faithfulness and to gather in His presence with joy and gratitude.

for seven days
The number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness or perfection, reflecting God's creation week. The seven-day duration of the feast signifies a complete cycle of worship and remembrance. It invites believers to enter into a period of reflection and dedication, setting aside worldly concerns to focus on spiritual renewal and thanksgiving. This extended time of observance highlights the importance of sustained devotion and the rhythm of rest and worship in the believer's life.

unleavened bread
The Hebrew word for unleavened bread is "מַצּוֹת" (matzot). Unleavened bread is bread made without yeast, symbolizing purity and the absence of sin. In the context of the Exodus, it represents 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, encouraging them to remove the "leaven" of sin from their lives and to live in sincerity and truth.

is to be eaten
The act of eating unleavened bread is a tangible expression of obedience and participation in God's covenant. It is a physical reminder of spiritual truths, inviting believers to internalize the lessons of the feast. Eating together as a community reinforces the bonds of fellowship and shared faith, encouraging believers to support and uplift one another in their spiritual journeys. This act of consumption is a call to remember and to live out the principles of faith in daily life, embodying the values of the Kingdom of God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are given specific instructions on how to observe the feasts and offerings.

2. The Feast of Unleavened Bread
A significant Jewish festival that begins on the fifteenth day of the first month (Nisan) and lasts for seven days, commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt.

3. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the law from God and communicated these instructions to the people.

4. The Tabernacle
The place where the Israelites would bring their offerings and where the priests would perform the rituals associated with the feast.

5. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites received these instructions, as they journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Significance of Obedience
The Israelites were called to obey God's commands regarding the feasts, which teaches us the importance of obedience in our own spiritual lives.

Symbolism of Unleavened Bread
The absence of leaven symbolizes purity and separation from sin, reminding believers to live holy lives.

Remembrance and Thanksgiving
The Feast of Unleavened Bread was a time to remember God's deliverance and provision, encouraging us to regularly reflect on and give thanks for God's work in our lives.

Community and Worship
The communal aspect of the feast highlights the importance of gathering together for worship and mutual encouragement in the faith.

Christ as Our Passover
Understanding the fulfillment of the Passover in Christ deepens our appreciation for His sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread in Numbers 28:17 reflect the importance of obedience to God's commands in our lives today?

2. In what ways can the symbolism of unleavened bread (purity and separation from sin) be applied to our personal spiritual journey?

3. How can we incorporate regular times of remembrance and thanksgiving for God's deliverance and provision in our daily lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can foster a sense of community and worship within our local church or small group?

5. How does understanding Christ as our Passover Lamb enhance our appreciation for the Lord's Supper and its significance in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
Provides the original instructions for the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, highlighting the historical context and significance of these observances.

Leviticus 23
Details the appointed feasts of the Lord, including the Feast of Unleavened Bread, emphasizing its importance in the religious calendar.

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.

Matthew 26
Describes Jesus' observance of the Passover with His disciples, connecting the Old Testament feast with the New Testament fulfillment in Christ.