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Book of Exodus - Chapter 12 - Verse 34

12:34
And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.

Meaning

During the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, they were in a hurry to leave as Pharaoh had finally agreed to let them go. In their haste, they took their dough before it had time to rise and become leavened, as is the usual process for making bread. This detail is included in the Bible as a reminder of the urgency and suddenness of their departure. The kneading troughs, which were usually large containers used for mixing and kneading dough, were bound up in their clothes and carried on their shoulders. This action symbolizes the Israelites' readiness to leave at a moment's notice and their trust in God's provision as they embarked on their journey to the Promised Land. It also serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God in leading them out of slavery and into freedom, showing that He was with them every step of the way.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the people are depicted hastily leaving Egypt, carrying their dough before it had time to rise, with their kneading troughs wrapped in their clothes on their shoulders. This detail of the unleavened dough being carried by the Israelites as they fled from Egypt can be seen as symbolic of their hurried departure and the urgency of their escape from slavery. The act of not waiting for the dough to rise also serves as a reminder of God's provision and protection during their Exodus journey. The Hebrew word for "kneading troughs" in this verse is "machtah," which refers to a vessel or container used for kneading dough, highlighting the practical aspects of their departure. This verse can be interpreted theologically as a demonstration of faith and obedience to God's command to leave quickly, trusting in His guidance and deliverance as they embarked on their journey to the promised land.

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