Exodus 12:8 - They shall eat the meat in that night, roasted with fire, and unleavened bread. They shall eat it with bitter herbs.
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What does "Exodus 12:8" mean?
Exodus 12:8 describes the instructions for how the Israelites were to eat the Passover meal in preparation for their departure from Egypt. Let's break down each element:
"They shall eat the meat in that night...": This refers to the Passover lamb (or goat). The animal was to be slaughtered on the 14th day of the first month (Nisan) at twilight.
"...roasted with fire...": The meat was to be roasted over an open fire, not boiled. Roasting was considered a quicker and more direct method, symbolizing the haste with which they were to leave Egypt. It also reflects a more primitive, nomadic style of cooking, fitting their imminent journey.
"...and unleavened bread...": The Israelites were to eat matzah, bread made without yeast or any leavening agent. This was a symbol of their hasty departure, as they didn't have time for the bread to rise. It also symbolizes purity and freedom from corruption. Leavening, or chametz, is often interpreted symbolically as arrogance or sin.
"...They shall eat it with bitter herbs.": The bitter herbs, likely including horseradish, romaine lettuce, or endives, were eaten to remind them of the bitterness of their slavery in Egypt. This was a tangible way to connect with the suffering of their ancestors and to appreciate the freedom they were about to receive.
In essence, this verse prescribes a specific way to consume the Passover meal: roasted lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs. Each element serves as a symbolic reminder of the Israelites' experience in Egypt, from their oppression to their liberation. The meal was to be eaten with a sense of urgency and gratitude, as they prepared for their exodus. The elements of the Passover meal are still observed today in the Jewish holiday of Passover.
Exodus 12:8 - They shall eat the meat in that night, roasted with fire, and unleavened bread. They shall eat it with bitter herbs.
What does "Exodus 12:8" mean?
Exodus 12:8 describes the instructions for how the Israelites were to eat the Passover meal in preparation for their departure from Egypt. Let's break down each element:
"They shall eat the meat in that night...": This refers to the Passover lamb (or goat). The animal was to be slaughtered on the 14th day of the first month (Nisan) at twilight.
"...roasted with fire...": The meat was to be roasted over an open fire, not boiled. Roasting was considered a quicker and more direct method, symbolizing the haste with which they were to leave Egypt. It also reflects a more primitive, nomadic style of cooking, fitting their imminent journey.
"...and unleavened bread...": The Israelites were to eat matzah, bread made without yeast or any leavening agent. This was a symbol of their hasty departure, as they didn't have time for the bread to rise. It also symbolizes purity and freedom from corruption. Leavening, or chametz, is often interpreted symbolically as arrogance or sin.
"...They shall eat it with bitter herbs.": The bitter herbs, likely including horseradish, romaine lettuce, or endives, were eaten to remind them of the bitterness of their slavery in Egypt. This was a tangible way to connect with the suffering of their ancestors and to appreciate the freedom they were about to receive.
In essence, this verse prescribes a specific way to consume the Passover meal: roasted lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs. Each element serves as a symbolic reminder of the Israelites' experience in Egypt, from their oppression to their liberation. The meal was to be eaten with a sense of urgency and gratitude, as they prepared for their exodus. The elements of the Passover meal are still observed today in the Jewish holiday of Passover.