“Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.”
Historical Context:Exodus 12 recounts the events surrounding the final plague in Egypt and the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery. God commanded Moses and Aaron to institute the Passover, which was to become a significant annual observance for the Israelites.
The Significance of Leaven: In this verse, God instructed the Israelites to remove all leaven from their houses during the seven-day period of the Passover. Leaven is a substance that causes dough to ferment and rise, symbolizing corruption and sin in the Bible. Here, leaven represents the influence of sin that the Israelites were to remove from their lives.
The Importance of Obedience: God’s commandment to remove leaven emphasized the importance of obedience and the necessity of consecration to God. The Israelites were to fully dedicate themselves to God during this sacred time and purify their households from anything associated with sin.
The Severity of Disobedience: The consequence of eating leavened bread during the Passover period was being “cut off from the congregation of Israel.” This phrase implies being expelled from the community and losing the privileges of belonging to God’s chosen people. It demonstrates God’s seriousness regarding obedience and the need for the Israelites to honor His commandments.
Application for Believers Today: Although this commandment was given to the ancient Israelites, there are lessons that can be applied to believers today. The removal of leaven serves as a reminder for Christians to examine their lives and cleanse themselves from the influence of sin. It highlights the importance of living a holy and consecrated life, dedicated to God and separated from the ways of the world.
Symbolism of Passover: The Passover itself holds significant symbolism in the Bible. It foreshadowed Jesus Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb, who would deliver humanity from the bondage of sin. Just as the Israelites were commanded to remove leaven, believers are called to remove the leaven of sin from their lives through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
In summary, Exodus 12:19 teaches the Israelites the importance of obedience and consecration during the Passover period. The removal of leaven from their households symbolized the removal of sin from their lives. This verse reminds believers today of the need to examine their lives, remove the influence of sin, and live in dedication to God.
