“Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.”
This verse is part of the instructions given by God to Moses and the Israelites concerning the Passover feast, which commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. In this particular verse, God commands the people to eat unleavened bread for seven days and to remove all leaven from their houses during this time.
Historical Context:The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt. Before the final plague, the death of the firstborn, God instructed Moses to have the Israelites mark their doorposts with the blood of a sacrificial lamb. This act would cause the Lord to “pass over” their houses, sparing their firstborn. The Israelites were then commanded to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread as a memorial of their deliverance.
Symbolism of Leavened Bread and Unleavened Bread: In biblical symbolism, leaven (yeast) often represents sin, corruption, and pride. Leavened bread, which contains yeast and rises, is a metaphor for the influence of sin in one’s life. Unleavened bread, on the other hand, is made without yeast and remains flat. It represents purity, sincerity, and the absence of sin.
The Seven Days of Eating Unleavened Bread: During the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Israelites were commanded to eat unleavened bread for seven days. This period began on the day after the Passover, which was the 15th day of the month of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar. The removal of leaven from their houses and the consumption of unleavened bread symbolized the removal of sin and the commitment to live a holy and righteous life.
The Consequences of Eating Leavened Bread: The verse warns that anyone who eats leavened bread during the seven-day period shall be “cut off from Israel.” Being “cut off” implies being separated from the community of Israel, which could include various consequences, such as exclusion from certain religious rituals or even excommunication. This punishment served as a deterrent, emphasizing the seriousness of disobeying God’s commandments.
Spiritual Application: The command to eat unleavened bread and remove leaven from their houses has spiritual significance for believers today. It serves as a reminder to lead lives free from the influence of sin and to strive for holiness. The New Testament also makes use of the symbolism of leaven, with Jesus warning His disciples to beware of the “leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees” (Matthew 16:6). The leaven of hypocrisy and false teachings can corrupt the purity and sincerity of faith.
In summary, Exodus 12:15 instructs the Israelites to eat unleavened bread for seven days and to remove all leaven from their houses during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This command symbolizes the removal of sin and emphasizes the importance of living a holy and righteous life. As believers, we can learn from this passage by striving to live lives free from the influence of sin and being mindful of the leaven of hypocrisy and false teachings.
