Exodus 12:18 meaning
The instruction to abstain from eating leavened bread for seven days directly reflects the urgency of Israel's impending exodus from Egypt. This period, known as the Feast of Unleavened Bread, commemorates their swift departure, which left no time for their bread to rise. The act of removing leaven symbolizes purification—both physical and spiritual—reminding the Israelites of their bondage and the bitterness of slavery. Leaven often represents sin in the Bible, making this observance a call to purge sin from their lives. In essence, the Israelites were to remember the cost of their liberation: the bitter herbs foreshadowed their suffering, while the unleavened bread represented new beginnings. The directive can be found in Exodus 12:18.
This command also holds Christological significance, foreshadowing Jesus as the "Bread of Life" who brings deliverance from sin. The parallels between the Passover and the Last Supper highlight the importance of being spiritually prepared for deliverance. As Christians, we are reminded to cleanse our lives of sin, reflecting the ongoing need for spiritual readiness as we await God’s promises.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Exodus 12:1-20 meaning. In preparation for the coming of the last plague, the LORD gave explicit instructions to Moses and Aaron about how to commemorate their deliverance by their LORD. It consisted of celebrating the Passover of the LORD when He would "pass over" the houses having the blood of a sacrificed animal on the door frame and not inflict the death of the firstborn on the household. They were to eat the Passover meal as a family. Along with this, they were instructed to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread after removing all leaven from their homes. They were to eat the unleavened bread for seven days, beginning and ending with a communal feast. The Passover and Unleavened feasts were to be celebrated every year from then on. It was to be a way for the people to be reminded of the LORD's deliverance. The Feast of Unleavened Bread continues in the Church in the form of the LORD's Supper, in which New Testament Christians are to remember that He delivered us from the power of sin and death.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Deuteronomy 15:12-18 meaning. After dealing with concern for the poor, Moses then turned to the issue of those who are servants. Moses asks every Hebrew master to release his Hebrew servant after six years, unless the servant decides to remain with him. In the latter case, the master shall pierce the ear of the servant with an awl pressed against the door to seal their mutual commitment.
- Exodus 24:12-18 meaning. The covenant between the LORD and His people Israel has now been ratified. The LORD summoned Moses to the top of the mountain to receive stone tablets and commandments from Him. Moses and Joshua went up the mountain, leaving the rest of the entourage behind. While Moses was with the LORD, Aaron, Hur, and the elders were to attend to the matters of the people, including legal issues that might arise. Moses alone entered the cloud, a visible sign of the LORD's presence and glory that covered the mountain. The Israelites saw His glory in the form of something like fire.
- Matthew 21:8-11 meaning. Jesus simultaneously enters the city of Jerusalem triumphantly as the Messiah and as the Passover Lamb. Crowds of people shout “Hosanna” and Messianic lines from Psalm 118. His entrance causes a stir among those who are in the city and attracts their curiosity about who He is.
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