Exodus 12:17 meaning
The instruction to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread serves as a vital reminder of God's deliverance from slavery in Egypt. By dedicating this feast to commemoration, the Israelites were called to remember the day they were liberated, symbolizing new beginnings as they journeyed to a promised land. This ordinance was not merely ceremonial; it was woven into their identity as God's chosen people, marking the start of a new national calendar. Such observances are integral to maintaining a collective memory of their salvation and fostering ongoing faith among generations.
In Exodus 12:17, the text emphasizes the importance of this remembrance: "You shall observe the feast of unleavened bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt; therefore you shall observe this day in your generations by an ordinance forever." The absence of leaven in their bread represents a physical manifestation of their spiritual journey—removing the impurities of Egypt symbolizes the necessity of cleansing sin from their lives, which is echoed in the New Testament teachings about the significance of purity and holiness.
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:
- 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.
- Exodus 21:12-17 meaning. Violent acts perpetuated against another person require capital punishment. The persons in view here are free and not servants. There are four crimes described in these verses.
- Exodus 31:12-17 meaning. The LORD gives a strong reminder that, in spite of their spiritual duty to build the tabernacle and the furnishings, the craftsmen are required to observe the Sabbath and cease their work. Anyone who did not observe the Sabbath would face dire consequences.
Set to dark modeSet to dark mode