Exodus 34:18
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 34:18
18 The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep. Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, as I commanded thee, in the time of the month Abib: for in the month Abib thou camest out from Egypt.
Chapter Context
Exodus 34 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of creation, fellowship, obedience. 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 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 34:18
18 The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep. Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, as I commanded thee, in the time of the month Abib: for in the month Abib thou camest out from Egypt.
Analysis
The Feast of Unleavened Bread (חַג מַצּוֹת, chag matsot) commemorates the Exodus when Israel left Egypt 'in haste' without time for bread to rise. Observed in Abib (אָבִיב, aviv—later called Nisan), the month of barley harvest and Israel's redemption. Eating unleavened bread for seven days symbolizes separation from Egypt (leaven representing sin, corruption). This feast points forward to Christ, our Passover (1 Cor 5:7-8).
Historical Context
The Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately followed Passover, forming an eight-day celebration (Passover on 14th Abib, Unleavened Bread on 15th-21st). This was one of three pilgrimage festivals requiring male attendance at the tabernacle/temple.
Reflection
- How does removing leaven symbolize spiritual cleansing and new beginnings?
- What 'old leaven' (patterns, habits, influences) do you need to purge from your life?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 13:4, Leviticus 23:6