Why did God command the use of unleavened bread?

The command to use unleavened bread, given by God to the Israelites, is a significant directive that carries deep theological, historical, and spiritual meaning. This command is first found in the Book of Exodus, specifically in the context of the Passover, an event that marks the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. To understand why God commanded the use of unleavened bread, we must delve into the biblical narrative, explore the symbolic meanings, and consider the broader implications for the faith community.

In Exodus 12, God instructs Moses and Aaron regarding the preparation of the Passover meal, which includes the command to eat unleavened bread:

"This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover." (Exodus 12:11, NIV)

The use of unleavened bread, or "matzah," is directly linked to the urgency and haste with which the Israelites were to leave Egypt. Leaven, or yeast, requires time to ferment and cause the dough to rise. In the context of the Exodus, there was no time to wait for this process. The Israelites had to be ready to depart at a moment's notice, symbolizing their readiness to obey God's command and leave their life of slavery behind. Thus, the unleavened bread serves as a reminder of the swift deliverance God provided.

Moreover, the unleavened bread is deeply symbolic. Leaven, in biblical literature, often represents sin, corruption, and impurity. Jesus Himself used leaven metaphorically to describe the pervasive and corrupting influence of the Pharisees' hypocrisy (Luke 12:1). By commanding the use of unleavened bread, God was teaching the Israelites about purity and holiness. They were to be a people set apart, free from the corrupting influences of their past life in Egypt. The absence of leaven in their bread symbolized their break from the old life and their commitment to a new life of holiness and obedience to God.

This symbolism is reinforced in the New Testament, where Paul writes to the Corinthians:

"Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." (1 Corinthians 5:7-8, NIV)

Paul's exhortation to the Corinthian church connects the Passover practice with the Christian life. Just as the Israelites were to remove leaven from their homes in preparation for Passover, Christians are called to rid their lives of sin and live in sincerity and truth. The unleavened bread thus becomes a powerful symbol of the believer's call to holiness and the transformative work of Christ in their lives.

Historically, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately follows the Passover, is a seven-day festival during which the Israelites were to eat unleavened bread and remove all leaven from their homes (Exodus 12:15-20). This act of cleansing their homes of leaven was a physical manifestation of their spiritual cleansing. It was a time of reflection and renewal, a period to remember God's deliverance and to recommit to living according to His statutes.

The command to use unleavened bread also has a communal aspect. It was a shared practice that united the Israelite community in their collective memory of God's salvation. Each year, as they celebrated the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, they were reminded of their identity as God's chosen people, delivered by His mighty hand. This communal observance fostered a sense of unity and continuity, connecting each generation to the foundational events of their faith.

In the broader narrative of Scripture, the use of unleavened bread points to the ultimate deliverance provided through Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelites were saved from physical bondage in Egypt, believers are saved from spiritual bondage through the sacrifice of Christ, our Passover Lamb. The unleavened bread of the Passover meal prefigures the bread of the Lord's Supper, which Jesus instituted as a new covenant in His blood:

"And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.'" (Luke 22:19, NIV)

In this context, the unleavened bread becomes a symbol of Christ's sinless body, broken for us. As believers partake in the Lord's Supper, they are reminded of His sacrifice and their call to live in holiness and purity.

The command to use unleavened bread, therefore, is rich with significance. It serves as a reminder of the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, the purity and holiness to which they were called, the communal identity of God's people, and the ultimate deliverance provided through Jesus Christ. It is a powerful symbol that connects the Old Testament narrative with the New Testament fulfillment, illustrating the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history.

In conclusion, the command to use unleavened bread is not merely a dietary restriction but a profound theological statement. It encapsulates themes of deliverance, holiness, communal identity, and the anticipation of Christ's redemptive work. As we reflect on this command, we are invited to consider our own readiness to follow God, our commitment to live in purity, and our participation in the community of faith that spans generations. The unleavened bread is a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and the transformative power of His salvation.