Exodus 13:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 13:6
6 Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to the LORD.
Chapter Context
Exodus 13 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, mercy, grace. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 13:6
6 Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to the LORD.
Analysis
The seven-day feast of unleavened bread reiterates Exodus 12:15's command. Seven days symbolizes completeness—redemption sanctifies the whole of life, not just one day. The removal of leaven (representing corruption, sin, pride) pictures comprehensive purification. Paul explicitly applies this: 'purge out therefore the old leaven...let us keep the feast...with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth' (1 Corinthians 5:7-8).
Historical Context
This feast immediately follows Passover (fifteenth through twenty-first of Abib). Together they form an eight-day observance marking redemption and purification.
Reflection
- How does the seven-day duration teach that sanctification is a sustained process, not a one-time event?
- What 'leaven' in your life needs purging to keep your spiritual house clean?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord