Exodus 23:15 - You shall observe the feast of unleavened bread. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month Abib (for in it you came out of Egypt), and no one shall appear before me empty.

Generated Verse: Exodus 23:15

What does "Exodus 23:15" mean?


Exodus 23:15 is a commandment regarding the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is intimately connected to the Passover. Let's break down the meaning:

"You shall observe the feast of unleavened bread.": This is a direct command to celebrate and keep this specific festival. The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Hebrew: Hag HaMatzot) is a week-long observance.

"Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you": During these seven days, the Israelites were to eat matzah, unleavened bread (bread made without yeast or leavening agent). This was not optional; it was a requirement. The emphasis on "as I commanded you" reinforces the importance and divine origin of the instruction.

"at the time appointed in the month Abib (for in it you came out of Egypt)": The timing of the festival is specified. The month of Abib (later called Nisan) is the first month of the Jewish religious calendar. This month is significant because it marks the Exodus from Egypt. The reason for eating unleavened bread is directly linked to the Exodus; in their haste to leave Egypt, the Israelites did not have time for their bread to rise. Thus, the unleavened bread serves as a constant reminder of God's deliverance and the urgency of their liberation.

"and no one shall appear before me empty.": This is a commandment connected with pilgrimage festivals. When the Israelites came to worship before God (likely at the Tabernacle or later the Temple), they were not to come empty-handed. This implied bringing an offering, demonstrating gratitude and acknowledging God's provision. This commandment emphasizes that worship involves not only obedience (keeping the feast) but also material expression of thankfulness. "Appearing before me" suggests a physical presence in a designated holy place.

In essence, this verse is a multifaceted commandment:

Commemoration: It is a remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt.
Obedience: It emphasizes following God's instructions.
Gratitude: It calls for a tangible expression of thanks to God for His deliverance.
Worship: It connects physical presence and offering with honoring God.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread, as described here, is not just a historical reenactment. It's a spiritual exercise in remembering God's saving power, obeying His commands, and expressing heartfelt gratitude for His ongoing provision.