Exodus 34:18 - “You shall keep 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 the month Abib you came out of Egypt.

Generated Verse: Exodus 34:18

What does "Exodus 34:18" mean?


This verse from Exodus 34:18 is a commandment from God to the Israelites concerning the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (also known as Passover). Let's break it down:

"You shall keep the feast of unleavened bread": This is the core command. The Israelites are obligated to celebrate this specific feast.

"Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread": The feast is to be observed for a full week (seven days), and during this time, the Israelites are only permitted to eat unleavened bread (matzah). Leavened bread (bread made with yeast or other rising agents) is prohibited.

"as I commanded you": This emphasizes that this is not a new rule, but rather a reiteration of a previous instruction that God has already given them.

"at the time appointed in the month Abib": The timing of the feast is specifically set to occur during the month of Abib (later known as Nisan). This is the first month in the Jewish religious calendar.

"for in the month Abib you came out of Egypt": This provides the reason and historical context for the feast. The Feast of Unleavened Bread commemorates the Exodus, the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. They left Egypt in such haste that they didn't have time to let their bread rise, hence the eating of unleavened bread.

In summary, this verse commands the Israelites to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days during the month of Abib, eating only unleavened bread. This observance is a commemoration of their rapid departure from Egypt, where they were slaves, and is a reminder of God's deliverance.