Meaning of Exodus 12:39

This verse describes the immediate practical consequence of the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt, a departure mandated by God's judgment upon the Egyptians and hastened by the urgency of their liberation. The unleavened bread, or matzah, was not a deliberate choice for religious observance at this nascent stage, but rather a necessity born of their urgent flight. The leavening process, which requires time for yeast to ferment the dough, was a luxury they could not afford. This act, though born of circumstance, would become a foundational element of the Passover festival, symbolizing both the speed of their exodus and their complete reliance on God's provision as they left the familiar comforts of Egypt for the unknown wilderness.

Context and Background

The Israelites had endured centuries of slavery in Egypt. Following the tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh finally relented and commanded Moses to lead his people out of Egypt. The urgency of this command is underscored by the swiftness with which the Israelites departed. They left at night, as instructed, and the text specifically notes that they had no time for their dough to rise. This rapid departure was a direct result of God’s decisive action and Pharaoh’s reluctant compliance, forcing the Israelites to leave with whatever they had prepared in haste.

Key Themes and Messages

• Urgency of Deliverance: The unleavened bread directly communicates the speed and exigency of the exodus. There was no lingering, no preparation for a leisurely journey; it was a sudden, forced departure.
• Reliance on God's Provision: Without the time to prepare traditional leavened bread, the Israelites were entirely dependent on God to sustain them in the wilderness. This highlights a recurring theme of God's provision for His people.
• Symbolism of Purity and New Beginnings: While not explicitly stated as such in this verse, unleavened bread would later become a powerful symbol of purity, haste, and a new beginning, free from the corrupting influences of Egypt.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The practice of eating unleavened bread during Passover, rooted in this event, carries profound spiritual significance. It serves as a constant reminder of God's deliverance from bondage, not just physical but also spiritual. The absence of leaven can be interpreted as a symbol of removing sin and corruption from one's life, allowing for a pure and unadulterated devotion to God. This haste in leaving Egypt also signifies a decisive break from sin and the old ways, embracing a new life in obedience to God.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Exodus 12:39 is foundational to the entire Passover observance, which is re-enacted throughout Jewish history and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament. Jesus, during His last Passover meal with His disciples, instituted the Lord's Supper, drawing parallels between the bread of Passover and His own body, broken for the sins of humanity. The theme of liberation from bondage, a central motif here, echoes God's consistent work of freeing His people from sin and death.

Analogies

One can draw an analogy to a sudden emergency evacuation where individuals grab only essential items and leave without the luxury of packing or preparing elaborate meals. The unleavened bread represents the "grab-and-go" provision for an immediate, critical transition. Another analogy might be a student who, having procrastinated, must quickly compile notes and essays for an exam without time for extensive revision or polished formatting, focusing solely on the essential content to pass.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 12:15-20: This passage directly instructs the Israelites to eat unleavened bread for seven days during Passover, establishing the practice that stems from the event described in verse 39.
• Deuteronomy 16:3: This verse reiterates the command to eat unleavened bread, linking it to the "bread of affliction" and the haste of the exodus.
• 1 Corinthians 5:7-8: The Apostle Paul uses the imagery of unleavened bread to symbolize the removal of sin and the celebration of the Passover with the "bread of sincerity and truth," directly connecting the Old Testament practice to New Testament Christian living.
• Luke 22:15-20: Jesus' institution of the Lord's Supper during the Passover meal directly references the bread and wine, imbuing them with new covenant significance that builds upon the Passover narrative.