The End Of The Feast Of Unleavened Bread

Spring, c. 33 AD

The End Of The Feast Of Unleavened Bread

Today marks the final day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For a week, the Jewish people have strictly removed all leaven from their homes and diets, commemorating the haste with which their ancestors fled Egypt. As the pilgrims in Jerusalem begin to pack their tents and prepare for the journey home, the city slowly returns to its normal rhythms.

But for the followers of Jesus, nothing will ever be normal again. They are preparing to leave the capital, not just as pilgrims who have kept a religious festival, but as witnesses to the resurrection of the Son of God. Following the Master's instructions, they are turning their eyes north, preparing to meet Him in the familiar region of Galilee.

"For seven days no leaven shall be seen with you in all your territory, and none of the flesh which you sacrifice on the evening of the first day shall remain overnight until morning."
— Deuteronomy 16:4 (LSB)

Timeline Box: The 21st of Nisan is the final, biblically mandated day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Judges Era, c. 1235 BC

Deborah Sings Of The Defeat Of Sisera

The prophetess Deborah and the commander Barak are singing a fierce song of victory following the total defeat of the Canaanite army. They are recounting how the stars fought from heaven against Sisera, and how Jael, a tent-dwelling woman, struck the decisive blow. The land now rests from the oppression of King Jabin.

"Then Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying, 'That the leaders led in Israel, That the people volunteered, Bless Yahweh!'"
— Judges 5:1-2 (LSB)

Timeline Box: Deborah's song is one of the oldest recorded pieces of Hebrew poetry, marking a major turning point in the Judges era.

Mosaic Era, 1446 BC

The Song Of Moses On The Sea Shore

Following the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea and the destruction of Pharaoh's army, the Israelites have erupted in worship. Moses is leading the men in a massive, prophetic song of victory, declaring that Yahweh is a warrior who has triumphed gloriously. Miriam the prophetess has taken a tambourine, leading the women in joyful dancing on the shoreline.

"Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song to Yahweh, and said, 'I will sing to Yahweh, for He is highly exalted; The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea.'"
— Exodus 15:1 (LSB)

Timeline Box: The Song of the Sea occurred immediately after the crossing, celebrated on the final days of the Passover week.

Editorial: The Song Of The Redeemed

The conclusion of the Passover season has always been marked by singing. Moses sang on the shores of the Red Sea; Deborah sang after the defeat of Sisera. When God breaks the power of the enemy, the only appropriate response is a loud, joyful song of redemption.

As the disciples prepare to leave Jerusalem at the end of this Feast of Unleavened Bread, they carry with them a new song. The leaven of the Pharisees and the terror of Rome have been eclipsed by the reality of the empty tomb. We too must carry the song of the resurrection into our daily lives, declaring that our God is highly exalted.

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