Definition: And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this [place]: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 13:3. It’s a really important and significant passage in the Bible! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about liberation – God freeing the Israelites (the people of Israel) from being enslaved by Pharaoh, the Egyptian ruler. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Moses said unto the people…” - This tells us that Moses was speaking to a group of Israelites. “…Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt…” – This is the key . It’s about a specific event – the escape from slavery in Egypt. “Egypt” refers to the land ruled by Pharaoh. “…out of the house of bondage…” - This is a very powerful metaphor for being trapped and enslaved. "House of bondage" means being under someone else's control – being held captive. “for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this [place]…” - This is crucial. It’s not just any place, it’s Egypt . The word “place” refers to a specific location where they were trapped. God used His power – His "strength of hand" – to lead them out. “there shall no leavened bread be eaten.” - This is the promise that comes from this liberation. “Leavened bread” means bread that’s already started to rise and become sour. In Old Testament times, bread was a vital part of their diet. Because they were freed, God made a promise that they wouldn't eat any bread that had been made during their time in bondage. This is a sign of the future blessing and prosperity that would come from being free. So, the whole verse means: “Remember this day – you are free from slavery! God used His strength to lead you out of Egypt. Now, let’s not eat bread that has been made during your time of captivity, because it is a reminder that your freedom is a blessing.” Why is this important? This story is a foundational moment in Jewish and Christian history. It shows God's power, demonstrates the importance of faith, and establishes a covenant (a promise) between God and his people. It’s a powerful illustration of liberation and the possibility of a better future. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain what "Egypt" represents in more detail? Discuss the symbolism of the bread? Connect this story to other stories about liberation?