The Leaven

Question:

Why was the leaven left out when the children of Israel left Egypt? It seems to be a type.

Answer:

Leaven is a picture of corruption or sin. When the children of Israel observed the Passover and left Egypt, they were commanded to eat unleavened bread, showing that everything associated with corruption was to be put away. They were leaving behind the sins of Egypt and beginning anew before God.

Paul uses the same picture in 1 Corinthians 5:7–8, telling believers to “purge out the old leaven” because Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed. We are therefore to walk in sincerity and truth—not holding on to malice, wickedness, or the sins of our former life.

So yes, it is a type. The absence of leaven speaks of separation from sin and of worshiping God with a sincere and clean heart.

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