Book of Exodus - Chapter 13 - Verse 7

During the seven-day feast of Passover, it is traditional for the Jewish people to eat unleavened bread, also known as matzah. This specific verse instructs the Israelites to eat unleavened bread for the entirety of the celebration and to ensure that no leavened bread is present in their homes. Leaven, or yeast, is seen as a symbol of corruption or sin in many biblical contexts, so the prohibition against leaven during Passover serves as a reminder of the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt when they did not have time to let their bread rise. The absence of leaven also symbolizes the idea of humility and purity, as unleavened bread is simple and basic in its ingredients. By adhering to this command, the Israelites were demonstrating their obedience to God's instructions and their desire to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him. This verse underscores the importance of obedience and purity in the eyes of God as well as the symbolic significance of the Passover feast.

One theological interpretation of the verse commanding the consumption of unleavened bread for seven days, without any leaven being seen, is rooted in the symbolism of leaven in the Bible. Leaven is often used metaphorically to represent sin or corruption, as even a small amount of leaven can cause bread to rise and become impure. Therefore, the command to eat unleavened bread for a week signifies a period of purity and holiness before the Lord. By removing all leaven from their dwellings, the Israelites were also signifying their commitment to living a life free from sin and dedicating themselves entirely to God.

Furthermore, word studies on the original Hebrew text of the verse reveal that the commandment is not simply about abstaining from leavened bread, but about actively eating unleavened bread for the designated time period. This highlights the importance of actively engaging in practices that promote purity and righteousness, rather than simply avoiding sinful behaviors. By partaking in unleavened bread for seven days, the Israelites were demonstrating their obedience to God's instructions and their willingness to uphold his standards of holiness.