Leviticus 23:6

On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread.

Study Bible

On the fifteenth day of the same month
This phrase refers to the Hebrew month of Nisan, which is the first month of the Jewish religious calendar. The fifteenth day follows the Passover, which is celebrated on the fourteenth day. This timing is significant as it marks the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a festival that commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. The fifteenth day is a full moon, which was often associated with festivals and celebrations in ancient cultures.

begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread
The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a seven-day festival that immediately follows Passover. It is a time of remembrance for the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, not having time to let their bread rise. This feast is one of the three pilgrimage festivals where Jewish males were required to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem. The absence of leaven symbolizes purity and separation from sin, as leaven often represents sin and corruption in the Bible (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).

to the LORD
This phrase emphasizes that the feast is dedicated to God, highlighting its religious significance. It is an act of worship and obedience, acknowledging God's deliverance and provision. The phrase "to the LORD" underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where the people are called to remember and honor God's mighty acts on their behalf.

For seven days
The duration of the feast is significant, as the number seven often represents completeness and perfection in the Bible. This week-long observance allows the Israelites to fully engage in the remembrance and celebration of their deliverance. It also provides a time for spiritual reflection and renewal, as they focus on God's faithfulness and provision.

you must eat unleavened bread
Eating unleavened bread, or matzah, is a central command of the feast. This practice serves as a tangible reminder of the Israelites' hurried departure from Egypt, where they could not wait for their bread to rise. Unleavened bread is also a symbol of purity and separation from sin, as it lacks the fermentation process that leaven undergoes. In the New Testament, unleavened bread is seen as a type of Christ, who is sinless and pure (1 Corinthians 5:7). The act of eating unleavened bread during this feast is a call to holiness and a reminder of the believer's need to live a life set apart for God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who commands the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who are instructed to observe this feast as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

3. The Feast of Unleavened Bread
A seven-day festival following Passover, commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their hasty departure, which did not allow time for their bread to rise.

4. Egypt
The place of bondage from which the Israelites were delivered, symbolizing sin and oppression.

5. Unleavened Bread (Matzah)
Bread made without yeast, symbolizing purity and the haste of the Israelites' departure from Egypt.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Unleavened Bread
Unleavened bread represents purity and separation from sin. Just as the Israelites were to remove leaven from their homes, Christians are called to remove sin from their lives.

Remembrance and Deliverance
The Feast of Unleavened Bread serves as a reminder of God's deliverance from bondage. Believers are encouraged to remember their own deliverance from sin through Christ.

Obedience to God's Commands
Observing the Feast was an act of obedience. Similarly, Christians are called to live in obedience to God's Word, reflecting His holiness in their lives.

Community and Fellowship
The communal aspect of the feast emphasizes the importance of fellowship and unity among God's people. Christians are encouraged to gather and support one another in their faith journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the symbolism of unleavened bread in Leviticus 23:6 relate to the concept of purity in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can the Feast of Unleavened Bread inspire us to reflect on our own deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ?

3. How can we apply the principle of removing "leaven" from our lives in a practical way today?

4. What are some modern-day practices or traditions that help us remember and celebrate God's deliverance in our lives?

5. How can the communal aspect of the Feast of Unleavened Bread encourage us to foster deeper fellowship within our church communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
Details the original institution of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, highlighting the historical context and significance of these observances.

1 Corinthians 5
Paul uses the metaphor of leaven to discuss sin and purity within the church, drawing a parallel to the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Matthew 16
Jesus warns His disciples about the "leaven" of the Pharisees and Sadducees, using leaven as a metaphor for corrupting influences.