Exodus 23:15
Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)
Exodus 23:15 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Exodus emphasizes the importance of keeping the feast of unleavened bread as a way to remember the time when the Israelites came out of Egypt. The feast of unleavened bread is a symbolic celebration that serves as a reminder of the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, as they did not have time to let their bread rise, hence the requirement to eat unleavened bread for seven days. By observing this feast, the Israelites were commanded to not only commemorate their deliverance from slavery but also to show their gratitude to God for His protection and provision during their exodus. The verse also emphasizes the importance of coming before God with offerings, as none were to appear before Him empty-handed. This verse serves as a reminder to honor and remember the faithfulness of God in delivering His people from bondage and the importance of showing gratitude and reverence in worship.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of the command to keep the feast of unleavened bread in Exodus 23:15 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's instructions. By observing this feast, the Israelites were not only commemorating their deliverance from Egypt but also demonstrating their trust and faith in God's provision. The removal of leaven, which symbolizes sin and impurity, from their homes during this time served as a reminder to live a holy and righteous life before God. Additionally, the specific timing of the feast in the month of Abib (later known as Nisan) highlights God's faithfulness in delivering His people at the appointed time. This verse also emphasizes the duty of offerings and the necessity of coming before God with a grateful heart, as indicated by the command that "none shall appear before me empty." Therefore, the feast of unleavened bread serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness, the importance of obedience, and the necessity of gratitude in worship.
Exodus 23:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep: seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, as I commanded thee, at the time appointed in the month Abib (for in it thou camest out from Egypt); and none shall appear before me empty:
World English Bible
You shall observe the feast of unleavened bread. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month Abib (for in it you came out of Egypt), and no one shall appear before me empty.
Douay-Rheims
Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread. Seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread, as I commanded thee, in the time of the month of new corn, when thou didst come forth out of Egypt: thou shalt not appear empty before me.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou shalt keepe the feast of vnleauened bread: thou shalt eate vnleauened bread seue dayes, as I commanded thee, in the season of the moneth of Abib: for in it thou camest out of Egypt: and none shall appeare before me emptie: