“And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance forever.”
Exodus 12:17 is part of the instructions given by God to the Israelites concerning the commemoration of the Passover. The passage highlights the significance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and its connection to the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
Historical Context:In the book of Exodus, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt under Pharaoh’s rule. God raised up Moses as their leader and sent ten plagues upon Egypt to secure their release. The final plague was the death of the firstborn, but the Israelites were instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb so that the destroyer would pass over their homes. This event became known as the Passover.
Observance of the Feast: In Exodus 12:17, God commanded the Israelites to observe the feast of unleavened bread in conjunction with the Passover. The feast began on the 15th day of the first month of the Jewish calendar (Nisan) and lasted for seven days. During this time, the Israelites were required to remove all leaven from their houses and eat unleavened bread.
Significance of the Feast: The feast of unleavened bread served as a perpetual reminder of the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt. By eating unleavened bread, they symbolically separated themselves from the leaven of Egypt, which represented sin and corruption. It was a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to God, as they celebrated their liberation from bondage.
Observance throughout Generations: Exodus 12:17 emphasizes the eternal nature of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. God commanded the Israelites to observe this feast throughout their generations as an everlasting ordinance. It was intended to be a lasting memorial and a way to pass down the story of their redemption from one generation to the next.
Spiritual Significance: Beyond its historical context, the Feast of Unleavened Bread holds spiritual significance for Christians today. In the New Testament, leaven is often used as a metaphor for sin and false teaching. The unleavened bread represents purity and sincerity. Christians can reflect on the significance of the Passover lamb, which foreshadows Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose sacrificial death offers deliverance from sin and eternal life.
In summary, Exodus 12:17 establishes the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread as a perpetual memorial of the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the importance of separating oneself from sin. For Christians, the feast holds spiritual significance, pointing to Jesus Christ as the ultimate Passover Lamb who brings redemption and freedom from sin.
