1 esdras 7:14 - And they kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days, making merry before the Lord,

Generated Verse: 1 esdras 7:14

What does "1 esdras 7:14" mean?


This verse, from 1 Esdras 7:14, describes a celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a seven-day festival that immediately follows Passover. Let's break down what the verse means:

"And they kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days...": This refers to the observance of the full seven-day duration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. During this time, Jewish people were (and are) commanded to eat only unleavened bread (matzah) and abstain from all leavened products. This commemorates the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, not having time for their bread to rise.

"...making merry before the Lord...": This is the key part. It highlights the attitude and spirit with which the feast was celebrated. "Making merry" suggests joyful celebration, rejoicing, and expressions of happiness. The phrase "before the Lord" emphasizes that this joy was directed towards God. It was a celebration in His presence, acknowledging His faithfulness and the deliverance from Egypt. It implies that their joy was not just secular merriment, but a spiritual rejoicing rooted in gratitude and worship.

In essence, the verse means that the people celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for the full seven days with joy and thanksgiving, understanding that their happiness was a form of worship and a recognition of God's blessings.

Context is important:

1 Esdras is considered apocryphal by many Protestants, but it is part of the canon for Orthodox and some Catholic Christians. It is a version of the history of the Jews during the period of rebuilding the temple after the Babylonian exile. This verse likely refers to a specific instance during that period, perhaps after the completion of the temple or some other significant event. The joy expressed reflects a sense of renewal and restoration of their relationship with God.

What categories does "1 esdras 7:14" have?