“In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.”
This verse is part of the account of the institution of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is closely related to the Passover celebration. The context of this verse is the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread was established as a memorial to commemorate the miraculous events surrounding the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. It began on the fourteenth day of the first month of the Jewish calendar (Nisan) and lasted for seven days. During this time, the Israelites were commanded to eat unleavened bread and abstain from eating anything with leaven (yeast) in it.
Let’s explore some key points from this verse and its significance:
- Timing: The verse specifies that the Feast of Unleavened Bread starts on the fourteenth day of the month at even (sunset) and continues until the twenty-first day of the month at even (sunset). This indicates that the feast lasted for a full week, from the fifteenth through the twenty-first day of the first month.
- Unleavened Bread: During the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Israelites were required to eat unleavened bread. This refers to bread made without yeast or any leavening agents. The absence of leaven symbolizes haste and the Israelites’ quick departure from Egypt. It also serves as a reminder of the humble conditions they experienced during their time in the wilderness.
- Symbolism: The Feast of Unleavened Bread holds symbolic meaning. Leaven, which causes bread to rise, often symbolizes sin, corruption, and pride in the Bible. By abstaining from leavened bread, the Israelites were reminded of their need to live in righteousness and humility before God. It also foreshadows the purity and sinlessness of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the “unleavened bread” in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 5:7-8).
- Obedience to God’s Command: The verse emphasizes the importance of the Israelites’ obedience in observing the feast according to God’s instructions. Throughout the Exodus narrative, God gave detailed instructions to Moses, and the Israelites were expected to follow them precisely. This obedience demonstrated their faith and trust in God’s guidance and provision.
Overall, Exodus 12:18 highlights the establishment of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and its significance in the commemoration of the Israelites’ liberation from Egypt. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, the importance of obedience, and the need for a life free from the corruption of sin.
