Exodus 12:20 - You shall eat nothing leavened. In all your habitations you shall eat unleavened bread.’”
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What does "Exodus 12:20" mean?
This verse, from Exodus 12:20, is part of the instructions given to the Israelites just before they were to leave Egypt. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:
"You shall eat nothing leavened." Leaven (like yeast) is what causes bread to rise and become light and airy. This instruction means the Israelites were not allowed to consume anything that had been made with leaven.
"In all your habitations you shall eat unleavened bread." This further emphasizes the prohibition on leavened bread. They were to eat only unleavened bread (matzah) in all their homes.
Meaning and Significance
Haste and Urgency: The prohibition on leavened bread symbolizes the haste with which the Israelites were to leave Egypt. They didn't have time to let their bread rise. Baking leavened bread takes time for the dough to rise. Unleavened bread can be made quickly.
Symbol of Freedom: Eating unleavened bread became a symbolic act commemorating their liberation from slavery in Egypt. Leaven can also be seen as a symbol of corruption or pride. Eating unleavened bread signified a purification, a fresh start, and a humble acceptance of God's deliverance.
Passover Observance: This commandment is the basis for the Jewish tradition of eating unleavened bread (Matzah) during the Passover festival. It's a central part of remembering and re-enacting the Exodus story.
Obedience to God: It also represented obedience to God's command. By following these specific instructions, the Israelites were demonstrating their faith and trust in God's plan for them.
In short, the verse means that during the time leading up to and including the Exodus from Egypt (and continuing to be observed during Passover), the Israelites were commanded to eat only unleavened bread to remember the urgency of their departure from slavery and to celebrate their freedom granted by God.
Exodus 12:20 - You shall eat nothing leavened. In all your habitations you shall eat unleavened bread.’”
What does "Exodus 12:20" mean?
This verse, from Exodus 12:20, is part of the instructions given to the Israelites just before they were to leave Egypt. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:
"You shall eat nothing leavened." Leaven (like yeast) is what causes bread to rise and become light and airy. This instruction means the Israelites were not allowed to consume anything that had been made with leaven.
"In all your habitations you shall eat unleavened bread." This further emphasizes the prohibition on leavened bread. They were to eat only unleavened bread (matzah) in all their homes.
Meaning and Significance
Haste and Urgency: The prohibition on leavened bread symbolizes the haste with which the Israelites were to leave Egypt. They didn't have time to let their bread rise. Baking leavened bread takes time for the dough to rise. Unleavened bread can be made quickly.
Symbol of Freedom: Eating unleavened bread became a symbolic act commemorating their liberation from slavery in Egypt. Leaven can also be seen as a symbol of corruption or pride. Eating unleavened bread signified a purification, a fresh start, and a humble acceptance of God's deliverance.
Passover Observance: This commandment is the basis for the Jewish tradition of eating unleavened bread (Matzah) during the Passover festival. It's a central part of remembering and re-enacting the Exodus story.
Obedience to God: It also represented obedience to God's command. By following these specific instructions, the Israelites were demonstrating their faith and trust in God's plan for them.
In short, the verse means that during the time leading up to and including the Exodus from Egypt (and continuing to be observed during Passover), the Israelites were commanded to eat only unleavened bread to remember the urgency of their departure from slavery and to celebrate their freedom granted by God.