“Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters.”
Historical Context:Exodus 13:7 is part of the narrative of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. After the ten plagues, Pharaoh finally released the Israelites from slavery, and they were on their way to the Promised Land. This verse is part of the instructions given to Moses by God regarding the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which was to be observed as a memorial of their deliverance.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread:The Feast of Unleavened Bread was closely connected to the Passover, which was observed on the 14th day of the first month (Nisan) in the Jewish calendar. The feast began immediately after Passover and lasted for seven days. During this time, the Israelites were commanded to eat unleavened bread and to remove all leaven from their dwellings.
Symbolism of Unleavened Bread:Leaven, or yeast, is a substance that causes bread to rise and ferment. In the Bible, leaven often symbolises sin or corruption. Therefore, during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the removal of leaven symbolised the removal of sin from the Israelites’ lives. By eating unleavened bread, they were reminded of their hasty departure from Egypt when they did not have time to wait for the bread to rise. It also served as a reminder of God’s provision and deliverance.
Spiritual Application:
- Urgency in Obedience:The haste with which the Israelites left Egypt without leavened bread serves as a reminder of the importance of immediate obedience to God’s commands. It teaches us to be ready to respond to God’s leading without delay.
- Remembering God’s Deliverance:The Feast of Unleavened Bread was a commemoration of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery. It reminds us to remember and celebrate the ways in which God has delivered us from bondage to sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
- The Pursuit of Holiness:The removal of leaven and the eating of unleavened bread for seven days symbolise the pursuit of holiness. As Christians, we are called to live lives that are set apart for God, free from the corruption of sin and devoted to righteousness.
In conclusion, Exodus 13:7 and the instructions for the Feast of Unleavened Bread teach us about the symbolism of unleavened bread, the need for personal reflection and obedience, the remembrance of God’s deliverance, and the pursuit of holiness in our lives. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision throughout history and encourages us to live in obedience and gratitude to Him.
