Why Is There a Feast of Unleavened Bread? By: Chaim Malespin

Why Is There a Feast of Unleavened Bread?

From Chaim Malespin

Introduction: A Call to Examine the Heart

The Feast of Unleavened Bread (חַג הַמַּצּוֹת – Chag HaMatzot) is not merely an ancient tradition but a divine ordinance with rich prophetic, spiritual, and practical implications. It is a time appointed by Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) to both remember and respond—a call to check your heart.

“Examine me, O YHVH, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.”

— Tehillim (Psalms) 26:2

This moed (appointed time) teaches Israel and the grafted-in believers (Romans 11:17–24) that deliverance from Egypt (מצרים – Mitzrayim) was not only physical, but spiritual. It was sudden, complete, and required readiness. The same readiness is required today, as we walk out our own redemption through Yeshua the Messiah (יֵשׁוּעַ הַמָּשִׁיחַ).

The Exodus and the Birth of the Feast

Rushed Redemption: No Time for Leaven

Exodus 12:37–39 (NKJV):

“Then the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth… And they baked unleavened cakes… for it was not leavened, because they were driven out of Egypt and could not wait.”

שמות י״ב:ל״ז–ל״ט:

וַיִּסְעוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל מֵרַעְמְסֵס סֻכֹּתָה… וַיֹּאפוּ אֶת־הַבָּצֵק… עֻגֹת מַצּוֹת כִּי לֹא חָמֵץ…

The haste of their departure from slavery meant there was no time for dough to rise. The absence of leaven (חָמֵץ – chametz) became symbolic of their separation from bondage and sin.

Provision for the Journey

Elohim, in His sovereignty, ensured they would not leave empty-handed:

Exodus 12:35–36 (NKJV):

“Now the children of Israel… asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, gold, and clothing… Thus they plundered the Egyptians.”

This was not theft but divine compensation—justice for centuries of slavery.

A Command for All Generations

An Everlasting Ordinance

Exodus 12:15, 17–20 (NKJV):

“Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread… For whoever eats leavened bread… shall be cut off from Israel.”

“Observe this day throughout your generations as an everlasting ordinance.”

שמות י״ב:ט״ו, י״ז–כ׳:

שִׁבְעַת יָמִים מַצּוֹת תֹּאכֵלוּ… כִּי כָּל־אֹכֵל חָמֵץ… וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַהִוא מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל…

The severity of being cut off (נִכְרְתָה – nikhreta) reflects how seriously Elohim views obedience. It is not about dietary restriction but heart condition—purging the old ways and walking in purity.

Spiritual Symbolism of Leaven

Chametz represents more than just yeast—it is a symbol of sin, pride, and corruption.

Galatians 5:9:

“A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”

1 Corinthians 5:7–8:

“Purge out the old leaven… For indeed Messiah, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast… with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”

Yeshua Himself warned:

Matthew 16:6:

“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

This “leaven” was hypocrisy, legalism, and religious performance—externally clean, but inwardly corrupt. The message is clear: be clean inside and out.

Physical and Spiritual Alignment

The physical cleaning of leaven from our homes is a prophetic act of spiritual cleansing.

Exodus 12:19 (NKJV):

“For seven days no leaven shall be found in your houses… whether a stranger or native…”

This signifies Elohim’s heart: both native-born Israel and sojourners (gerim) are called to the same standard of holiness.

Loss of Destiny Through Compromise

The story of Reuben is sobering:

1 Chronicles 5:1–2:

“Reuben… defiled his father’s bed… his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph…”

One act of impurity cost him his inheritance. Sin has consequences. So does spiritual laziness or fear.

Israel was called to be a nation of priests (Exodus 19:6), but fear caused them to shrink back at Sinai. Only the Levites stepped forward. Don’t forfeit your priestly call.

Yeshua and the Fulfillment of Firstfruits

The resurrection of Yeshua happened on the Feast of Firstfruits (יּוֹם הַבִּכּוּרִים – Yom HaBikkurim), which always follows the first Sabbath after Passover.

Leviticus 23:10–11 (NKJV):

“When you reap the harvest… bring a sheaf of the firstfruits… on the day after the Sabbath…”

Yeshua fulfilled this:

Matthew 28:1:

“Now after the Sabbath… Mary Magdalene came to the tomb.”

1 Corinthians 15:20:

“But now Messiah is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

Just as the sheaf was waved to be accepted, Yeshua rose to present Himself before the Father as our acceptable offering.

Three Days and Three Nights

The common timeline of Friday to Sunday does not fit Yeshua’s prophecy:

Matthew 12:40:

“As Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish…”

A more accurate view:

Day Event Note

Wed (14 Nisan) Crucifixion Buried before sunset

Thurs (15 Nisan) High Sabbath Day 1 in tomb

Fri (16 Nisan) Women buy spices (Mark 16:1) Day 2 in tomb

Sat (17 Nisan) Weekly Shabbat Day 3 in tomb

Sun (18 Nisan) Resurrection (after sunset) Tomb empty by morning

The Eye and the Heart

Yeshua emphasized that what we see shapes who we are.

Matthew 6:22–23:

“The lamp of the body is the eye… If your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.”

Psalm 119:37:

“Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things…”

Job 31:1:

“I have made a covenant with my eyes…”

We must guard our eyes, minds, and hearts during these seven days and beyond. Unleavened bread is a symbol, but the true bread is a purified life before Elohim.

The Hippie Movement & Counterfeit Awakening

It’s fascinating to contrast the spiritual awakenings of the 20th century—like the hippie movement—with biblical holiness.

Figures like Terence McKenna, Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, and Aldous Huxley sought altered consciousness through drugs and mysticism. But real transformation doesn’t come from LSD or ayahuasca. It comes from repentance, discipline, and the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit).

Mothers and the Preparation

The role of the mother in preparing the home for Passover is critical. If the house is not physically cleaned, it becomes a spiritual breeding ground for complacency.

Proverbs 31:28:

“Her children rise up and call her blessed…”

She leads her home in holiness, love, and the fear of Elohim.

Victory in the Resurrection

Matthew 28:6:

“He is not here; for He is risen…”

Romans 6:9:

“Messiah, having been raised… dies no more…”

1 Corinthians 15:54:

“Death is swallowed up in victory!”

Yeshua’s resurrection was not just a historical miracle but the guarantee of our own:

Colossians 1:18:

“He is the firstborn from the dead…”

Romans 8:11:

“He who raised Messiah… will also give life to your mortal bodies…”

Living a Life That Is Pleasing to Elohim

We are called to be accepted, holy, and blameless in Messiah:

Romans 12:1–2:

“Present your bodies a living sacrifice… holy, acceptable (רָצוּי – ratzu’i) to Elohim…”

2 Corinthians 5:9:

“We make it our aim… to be well pleasing to Him.”

Ephesians 2:10:

“For we are His workmanship…”

Conclusion: Father, Make Us Unleavened

“Clean out the old leaven…”

— 1 Corinthians 5:7

Let this feast be more than a ritual. Let it be a renewal of covenant. Let it be a declaration that the old is gone, and we are walking in the newness of life in Yeshua the Messiah.

May we come boldly before the throne of grace:

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV):

“That we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need.”

Final Prayer

Avinu Shebashamayim (Our Father in Heaven),

Cleanse our hearts, purge our homes, and remove every trace of leaven from our lives.

Make us a holy Kehilah, a royal priesthood, acceptable and pleasing before Your throne.

In the name of Yeshua the Messiah,

Amen.