Exodus 34:18 – “Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread. For seven days eat bread made without yeast, as I commanded you. Do this at the appointed time in the month of Aviv, for in that month you came out of Egypt.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 34:18 instructs the Israelites to observe the Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is a significant part of their religious calendar. This festival involves eating bread without yeast for seven days, commemorating the time when the Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt. The lack of yeast symbolizes the haste with which they had to leave Egypt, without time to let their bread rise. This command is not just about following a ritual but about remembering God’s powerful act of deliverance and His faithfulness in bringing His people out of bondage.
Historical Context
The Festival of Unleavened Bread is closely tied to the Passover, the night when God spared the firstborn of Israel while striking down the firstborn of Egypt. On that night, the Israelites were instructed to eat unleavened bread as they prepared for their sudden departure (Exodus 12:39). The festival was to be observed annually in the month of Aviv (later called Nisan), which marks the beginning of the Jewish religious year. This observance served as a reminder of God’s mighty acts and the beginning of the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse emphasizes the importance of remembrance in the life of faith. God commands the Israelites to observe this festival as a way of keeping alive the memory of His deliverance. It highlights the idea that the acts of God in history are not just events of the past but are to be remembered and celebrated as part of the ongoing relationship between God and His people. The unleavened bread, in particular, symbolizes purity and separation from sin, as yeast is often seen as a metaphor for corruption and sin in the Bible.
Literary Analysis
The verse is structured as a command with a clear purpose and a specific time frame. The phrase “as I commanded you” reinforces the authority of the instruction, linking it to God’s previous commands. The reference to the “appointed time in the month of Aviv” ties the observance to a specific historical event—the Exodus—making the connection between the ritual and its meaning explicit. The language is straightforward, with a focus on obedience and remembrance.
Biblical Cross-References
The Festival of Unleavened Bread is mentioned in several other parts of the Bible. Exodus 12:14-20 provides the initial instructions for this festival, emphasizing its perpetual observance. Leviticus 23:5-6 also lists it as one of the appointed festivals of the Lord. In the New Testament, the connection between unleavened bread and purity is carried forward, with 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 urging believers to “get rid of the old yeast” so that they may be a new batch without yeast, as they celebrate the festival not with the old leaven of malice and wickedness but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 34:18 serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and celebrating God’s acts of deliverance in our own lives. While we may not observe the Festival of Unleavened Bread in the same way, the principle of setting aside time to remember what God has done is still relevant. It encourages believers to reflect on their own spiritual journey, particularly the moment of salvation and God’s ongoing work in their lives. The call to purity, symbolized by the unleavened bread, also challenges Christians to live lives that are free from the corruption of sin.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in that He desires His people to remember and celebrate His acts of deliverance. By commanding the Israelites to observe this festival, God is ensuring that the story of His love, power, and faithfulness is passed down through generations. It shows that God is not distant but is intimately involved in the lives of His people, caring for them and guiding them. The festival is a way for the Israelites to stay connected to God’s love and to remember that they are a people saved and sustained by Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 34:18 connects to Jesus Christ in a profound way. The Festival of Unleavened Bread is closely tied to Passover, and it was during Passover that Jesus was crucified, becoming the ultimate Passover Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Jesus’ sacrifice fulfills the symbolism of the unleavened bread—He is the sinless one who offers Himself for the salvation of all. The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, was a Passover meal, where He redefined the elements of the meal to point to His body and blood, given for the redemption of humanity (Luke 22:19-20). For Christians, Jesus’ death and resurrection are the ultimate acts of deliverance, and His sacrifice is to be remembered and celebrated, just as the Israelites were commanded to remember their deliverance from Egypt.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you remember and celebrate the ways God has delivered and blessed you in your life?
- In what ways can you cultivate a practice of remembrance and gratitude in your daily walk with God?
- How does the symbolism of unleavened bread—purity and separation from sin—challenge you in your spiritual life?
- How does understanding the connection between the Festival of Unleavened Bread and Jesus’ sacrifice deepen your appreciation for what Christ has done for you?
- What practical steps can you take to live a life that reflects the purity and sincerity that God desires?