Exodus 12:17 – “Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come.”

Extended Explanation

Exodus 12:17 emphasizes the importance of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, which God commanded the Israelites to observe annually. This festival was not just a tradition but a sacred reminder of the day God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. By celebrating this festival, the Israelites would remember and honor the powerful act of God that set them free. The reference to “a lasting ordinance” means that this was not a temporary practice but something that was to be observed by all future generations. The festival involved eating bread made without yeast for seven days, symbolizing the haste with which the Israelites had to leave Egypt and the purity God desired for His people.

Historical Context

The historical context of this verse is found in the dramatic events of the Exodus. After a series of plagues, God was about to deliver the Israelites from centuries of slavery in Egypt. The Passover night, when God struck down the firstborn in Egypt, marked the beginning of their deliverance. The Feast of Unleavened Bread was instituted immediately afterward to commemorate their swift departure. This festival was closely tied to the Passover and was a way for the Israelites to remember how God acted decisively to free them. The unleavened bread, which did not have time to rise, was a symbol of the urgency and the new beginning that God was giving them as they embarked on their journey to the Promised Land.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Exodus 12:17 highlights the importance of remembrance in the life of faith. God’s command to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread annually was a way to ensure that the Israelites would never forget what He had done for them. It underscores the idea that God’s acts of salvation are not just historical events but are meant to be remembered and celebrated continually. This verse also speaks to the concept of covenant—God had made a promise to deliver His people, and this festival was a reminder of that covenant relationship. The focus on unleavened bread also points to the need for purity and the removal of sin, as leaven (yeast) often symbolizes sin and corruption in the Bible. Thus, the festival was both a celebration of God’s deliverance and a call to live in a way that reflected the holiness He desired for His people.

Literary Analysis

Literarily, Exodus 12:17 serves as a key moment in the narrative, transitioning from the immediate events of the Passover to the ongoing practice of remembrance. The verse is both instructive and declarative, commanding the Israelites to observe the festival while also reminding them of the reason behind it. The repetition of the word “celebrate” underscores the importance of this observance. The phrase “lasting ordinance” gives the festival a sense of permanence, connecting the past event of the Exodus with the future generations who would continue to honor it. The verse is succinct but packed with meaning, encapsulating the themes of deliverance, remembrance, and covenant faithfulness.

Biblical Cross-References

Several biblical cross-references expand the understanding of Exodus 12:17:

• Leviticus 23:6: This verse reiterates the command to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, emphasizing its role as a lasting ordinance for the people of Israel.
• Deuteronomy 16:3: This passage explains that the unleavened bread is called the “bread of affliction” and serves as a reminder of the hardships the Israelites faced in Egypt, reinforcing the theme of remembrance.
• 1 Corinthians 5:7-8: Paul uses the imagery of unleavened bread to encourage believers to live pure lives, free from the “old leaven” of sin, drawing a connection between the festival and Christian living.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Exodus 12:17 is a reminder of the importance of remembering and celebrating God’s work in our lives. Just as the Israelites were commanded to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread as a lasting ordinance, Christians are called to remember and celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which brought about our deliverance from sin. This verse challenges believers to regularly reflect on God’s acts of salvation and to live in a way that honors that deliverance. It also encourages Christians to pass down these stories of faith to future generations, ensuring that God’s mighty acts are not forgotten. The principle of removing leaven can be seen as a call to personal holiness, urging believers to remove anything from their lives that might hinder their relationship with God.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Exodus 12:17 reflects God’s love in His desire for His people to remember His saving acts and to celebrate their relationship with Him. By instituting the Feast of Unleavened Bread as a lasting ordinance, God was giving the Israelites a tangible way to remember His love and faithfulness. This command is an expression of God’s loving care, as He knows that people are prone to forgetfulness and need regular reminders of His goodness. The verse shows that God’s love is not just about deliverance in the moment but about establishing a lasting relationship where His people continually remember and celebrate His work in their lives.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Exodus 12:17 connects directly to Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Just as the Israelites celebrated their deliverance from Egypt, Christians celebrate their deliverance from sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus. The unleavened bread, which symbolizes purity and the removal of sin, points to the sinless life of Christ and His call for believers to live holy lives. In the New Testament, the Lord’s Supper serves as a lasting ordinance for Christians, where the bread and the cup are taken in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice (Luke 22:19-20). The themes of deliverance, remembrance, and holiness found in Exodus 12:17 are fully realized in the person and work of Jesus.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the command to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread challenge you to remember and celebrate God’s work in your own life?
2. In what ways can you ensure that the stories of God’s faithfulness are passed down to future generations?
3. How does understanding the symbolism of unleavened bread encourage you to pursue a life of purity and holiness?
4. What are some practical ways you can regularly reflect on and celebrate your deliverance through Jesus Christ?
5. How does the connection between the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Lord’s Supper deepen your appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice?