Ezekiel 45:21

KJV

In the first [month], in the fourteenth day of the month, ye shall have the passover, a feast of seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the first {H7223} month, in the fourteenth {H702}{H6240} day {H3117} of the month {H2320}, ye shall have the passover {H6453}, a feast {H2282} of seven {H7620} days {H3117}; unleavened bread {H4682} shall be eaten {H398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'On the fourteenth day of the first month you are to have the Pesach, a feast seven days long; matzah will be eaten.

Berean Standard Bible

On the fourteenth day of the first month you are to observe the Passover, a feast of seven days, during which unleavened bread shall be eaten.

American Standard Version

In the firstmonth, in the fourteenth day of the month, ye shall have the passover, a feast of seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 45:21 meticulously outlines the divine mandate for observing the Passover and the subsequent Feast of Unleavened Bread within the prophet's visionary temple. This specific instruction details the precise timing—the fourteenth day of the first month—and the seven-day duration of the feast, emphasizing the mandatory consumption of unleavened bread. The passage underscores the enduring significance of foundational Mosaic ordinances, even within a future, restored worship system, thereby highlighting themes of divine continuity, spiritual purity, and the perpetual remembrance of God's redemptive acts for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 45:21 is situated within the climactic section of the book of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48), which presents a detailed, visionary blueprint for a future temple, its sacred precincts, the division of the land, and the regulations governing its worship and priesthood. This section serves as the culmination of Ezekiel's prophecies, transitioning from pronouncements of judgment and exile to a glorious vision of restoration and renewed covenant relationship. Chapter 45 specifically delineates the sacred allocations of land for the sanctuary, the priests, and the city, alongside the responsibilities of the "prince" in administering the temple's operations and providing for the prescribed offerings and annual feasts. The inclusion of the Passover ordinance in this meticulously detailed vision demonstrates that, even in an idealized future, the foundational elements of Israel's worship and covenant identity are to be faithfully preserved and observed, bridging past divine commands with future spiritual renewal. This particular verse forms part of a series of instructions for the prince concerning the annual festivals, ensuring proper worship and atonement for the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel delivered his prophecies during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national devastation and spiritual crisis for the Judeans. With Jerusalem destroyed, the temple in ruins, and the people forcibly removed from their land, their very identity as God's chosen people was challenged. In this context of despair, Ezekiel's elaborate vision of a new temple and its meticulously ordered worship served as a powerful message of hope, divine faithfulness, and the promise of future restoration. It provided a spiritual anchor and a roadmap for a renewed community, emphasizing divine order, holiness, and the perpetual presence of God among His people. The Passover, a central and deeply ingrained feast in Israelite culture, commemorated God's miraculous [deliverance from slavery in Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus"). Its re-establishment in this visionary temple underscores its enduring significance as a foundational act of worship and remembrance, connecting the exiles to their redemptive history and assuring them of a future where God's ordinances would be faithfully observed in a renewed covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Continuity of Divine Ordinances**. Despite the radical changes and idealized nature of the future temple, the core feasts established under the [Mosaic Law](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") remain central. This continuity underscores God's unchanging character and the perpetual validity of His covenant promises and commands. Secondly, the explicit mention of "unleavened bread" highlights the theme of **Holiness and Purity in Worship**. Leaven is frequently used in biblical imagery to symbolize sin, corruption, or hypocrisy (e.g., [1 Corinthians 5:6-8](/1_corinthians/5-6-8 "1 Corinthians 5:6-8 - Remove the Leaven of Malice and Wickedness")). The command to consume unleavened bread signifies a commitment to spiritual cleansing, the removal of impurities, and living a sanctified life before a holy God, which is essential for a people dwelling in His renewed presence. Lastly, the Passover feast itself powerfully reinforces the theme of **Remembrance of Deliverance**. It calls the people to recall God's mighty acts of salvation, particularly the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12-27 "Exodus 12:27 - The Passover Memorial"), fostering gratitude, trust in God's redemptive power, and a renewed commitment to covenant faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Passover (Hebrew, _peçach'_):** From H6453, meaning "a pretermission, i.e. exemption; used only technically of the Jewish Passover (the festival or the victim)." This term refers to the foundational annual Jewish festival commemorating God's act of "passing over" the houses of the Israelites during the tenth plague in Egypt, sparing their firstborn while striking the Egyptians. Its inclusion in Ezekiel's vision signifies the enduring importance of this foundational act of divine deliverance and the covenant established through it, even in a future, restored worship system.
* **feast (Hebrew, _chag'_):** From H2282, meaning "a festival, or a victim therefor; (solemn) feast (day), sacrifice, solemnity." This word denotes a solemn religious festival, often involving pilgrimage, communal gathering, and celebratory worship. Its use here emphasizes the communal and celebratory nature of the Passover observance, indicating that it is not merely a ritualistic duty but a joyful and significant gathering prescribed by God for His people.
* **unleavened bread (Hebrew, _matstsâh'_):** From H4682, meaning "properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e. not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the festival of Passover (because no leaven was then used)." This specific type of bread is central to the Passover and the subsequent Feast of Unleavened Bread. Symbolically, the absence of leaven (which causes fermentation and puffing up) represents purity, sincerity, and the haste with which the Israelites departed Egypt, leaving no time for dough to rise. Its mandatory consumption underscores the call for spiritual purity and a swift, obedient response to God's redemptive deliverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the first month, in the fourteenth day of the month":** This clause precisely establishes the annual timing for the Passover observance, aligning perfectly with the original Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 12:6](/exodus/12-6 "Exodus 12:6 - Timing of the Passover Lamb")). The "first month" is Nisan (also called Abib), which corresponds to March/April in the Gregorian calendar, marking the beginning of the religious year. This specific dating emphasizes the divine origin and perpetual nature of the command, ensuring continuity of worship across generations and contexts, even within the envisioned future temple.
* **"ye shall have the passover, a feast of seven days":** This segment identifies the central event as "the passover" and immediately links it to a broader "feast of seven days." While Passover itself is observed on the 14th day, it is immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which lasts for seven days (from the 15th through the 21st of Nisan). This phrasing indicates that the two are intrinsically linked and observed as a continuous period of solemn celebration and remembrance, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the commanded observance as a unified spiritual event.
* **"unleavened bread shall be eaten.":** This final clause specifies the primary dietary requirement for the entire seven-day feast period. The consumption of unleavened bread (matzah) is not merely a historical commemoration of the hasty departure from Egypt but also carries profound symbolic weight. It signifies purity, sincerity, and the removal of "leaven," which biblically often represents sin, corruption, or hypocrisy. This command underscores the spiritual cleansing and sanctification required of those participating in God's worship in the renewed temple, reflecting an inward commitment to holiness.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 45:21 primarily employs **Prescription**, **Symbolism**, and **Continuity**. The verse functions as a direct divine command or **prescription** for worship, detailing the precise timing and nature of the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread. This meticulous instruction highlights the ordered and sacred nature of God's desired worship in the future temple. Furthermore, the mention of "unleavened bread" is rich in **symbolism**. While literally referring to bread made without yeast, it carries a deeper theological meaning, representing purity, sincerity, and the removal of sin or malice from the community. The Passover feast itself is a powerful **symbol** of divine deliverance and redemption, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's saving acts in history. The placement of this ancient ordinance within a future, visionary context also acts as a powerful **symbol** of God's unchanging faithfulness and the enduring nature of His covenant with Israel, demonstrating **continuity** across historical epochs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 45:21 profoundly underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant commands and the indispensable role of ritual and spiritual purity in worship. Even within a vision of a future, idealized temple, the foundational feasts commemorating Israel's redemptive history are meticulously maintained. This demonstrates that God's plan for His people is immutably rooted in His unchanging character and His past acts of salvation. The emphasis on unleavened bread signifies a call to holiness and separation from sin, a consistent theme throughout biblical theology where outward ritual is meant to reflect and cultivate an inward spiritual reality. This passage reminds us that true worship is not merely external observance but also an internal commitment to purity, sincerity, and the grateful remembrance of God's mighty deeds.

* [Exodus 12:1-20](/exodus/12-1-20 "Institution and Ordinances of the Passover")
* [Leviticus 23:5-6](/leviticus/23-5-6 "Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread")
* [Numbers 28:16-17](/numbers/28-16-17 "Offerings for Passover and Unleavened Bread")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 45:21, though set within a visionary context for ancient Israel, holds profound and timeless relevance for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God desires orderly, intentional, and pure worship from His people. The meticulous details of the Passover observance emphasize that our approach to God should be marked by reverence, obedience to His revealed will, and a deep understanding of His character. The symbolism of unleavened bread, representing freedom from the "leaven" of sin, malice, and hypocrisy, calls us to a life of spiritual integrity and sincerity. Just as Israel was commanded to remember God's mighty deliverance from Egypt, we are called to remember God's redemptive acts in our own lives and in the grand narrative of salvation history, particularly the ultimate deliverance wrought through Christ. This verse encourages us to examine our hearts, striving for purity in our walk with God, and to worship Him with a deep sense of gratitude for His past and ongoing deliverance. It challenges us to live lives that reflect the holiness of the God we serve, free from the corrupting influences of the world and marked by truth and sincerity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the continuity of the Passover in Ezekiel's vision encourage you about God's faithfulness to His promises across generations?**
* **What "leaven" (such as sin, malice, or hypocrisy) might you need to identify and remove from your own life to live in greater spiritual purity before God?**
* **In what specific ways can you intentionally remember and celebrate God's deliverance and redemptive acts in your life and in the broader story of salvation today?**

### FAQ
**Why is Passover mentioned in Ezekiel's temple vision, given that it's a future, idealized temple?**

Answer: The inclusion of Passover in Ezekiel's visionary temple (chapters 40-48) is profoundly significant as it underscores the **continuity** of God's covenant and His fundamental ordinances, even amidst a renewed and idealized worship system. While the temple's architecture and some regulations might be new, the core feasts that define Israel's identity and relationship with God remain. Passover, commemorating the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus") and God's miraculous deliverance, is foundational to Israel's history and its understanding of God's redemptive power. Its presence in the future temple vision reassures the exiles that God's plan for them is rooted in His unchanging character and His past acts of salvation, promising a future where faithful worship would be restored and perpetually observed. It signifies that the new era would build upon, rather than abolish, the essential elements of their sacred heritage, demonstrating God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 45:21, with its emphasis on the Passover and the consumption of unleavened bread, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Passover feast, originally instituted to commemorate Israel's deliverance from slavery and death through the blood of a lamb, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as the blood on the doorposts protected Israel from the angel of death, so the shed blood of Jesus on the cross provides complete atonement and eternal life for all who believe, delivering them from the bondage of sin and spiritual death. As the Apostle Paul declares in [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb"), "For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us." The command to eat unleavened bread, symbolizing purity and the removal of sin, is spiritually fulfilled in the Christian's call to live a life of holiness, having been cleansed and made new by Christ's sacrifice. We are exhorted to "keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth" ([1 Corinthians 5:8](/1_corinthians/5-8 "1 Corinthians 5:8 - Live without the Leaven of Malice")). Thus, Ezekiel's vision points forward to a new covenant reality where the ceremonial shadows give way to the perfect and complete redemption found in Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, who enables His followers to walk in genuine purity and fellowship with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 23:5

In the fourteenth [day] of the first month at even [is] the LORD'S passover.

Leviticus 23:8

But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day [is] an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work [therein].

Numbers 9:2

Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season.

Numbers 9:14

And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the LORD; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.

Deuteronomy 16:1

¶ Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night.

Deuteronomy 16:8

Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day [shall be] a solemn assembly to the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work [therein].

Exodus 12:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,