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Exodus 12:17 - Matzah: Eternal Exodus Reminder

Exodus 12:17 - שמות 12:17

Hebrew Text

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת־הַמַּצּוֹת כִּי בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה הוֹצֵאתִי אֶת־צִבְאוֹתֵיכֶם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת־הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם חֻקַּת עוֹלָם׃

English Translation

And you shall observe the commandment of unleavened bread; for on this very day have I brought your hosts out of the land of Miżrayim: therefore shall you observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.

Transliteration

Ushmartem et-hamatzot ki be'etzem hayom haze hotzeti et-tziv'oteichem me'eretz mitzrayim ushmartem et-hayom haze ledoroteichem chukat olam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֮ אֶת־הַמַּצּוֹת֒ כִּ֗י בְּעֶ֙צֶם֙ הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה הוֹצֵ֥אתִי אֶת־צִבְאוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֞ם אֶת־הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּ֛ה לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶ֖ם חֻקַּ֥ת עוֹלָֽם׃
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֮ אֶת־הַמַּצּוֹת֒ כִּ֗י בְּעֶ֙צֶם֙ הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה הוֹצֵ֥אתִי אֶת־צִבְאוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֞ם אֶת־הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּ֛ה לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶ֖ם חֻקַּ֥ת עוֹלָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Mitzvah of Matzah

The verse commands the observance of matzah (unleavened bread) as an eternal ordinance, linking it directly to the Exodus from Egypt. Rashi (Exodus 12:17) explains that the phrase "וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת־הַמַּצּוֹת" ("you shall observe the matzot") refers not only to eating matzah but also to guarding the dough from leavening. This vigilance symbolizes the haste of the Exodus, as the Israelites left Egypt before their dough could rise (Shemot Rabbah 19:6).

The Eternal Nature of the Commandment

The verse emphasizes that this observance is "חֻקַּת עוֹלָם" ("an ordinance forever"). The Rambam (Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 7:1) teaches that this mitzvah applies in every generation, reinforcing the perpetual bond between the Jewish people and their redemption. The Sifrei (Bo 28) adds that even in times when the Temple is not standing, the obligation to eat matzah on Passover remains.

The Significance of "בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה"

The phrase "בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה" ("on this very day") underscores the precision of divine timing. The Mechilta (Bo 12) interprets this as highlighting Hashem's exact fulfillment of His promise—the Exodus occurred at the predetermined moment, demonstrating His complete control over history. The Kli Yakar (Exodus 12:17) further notes that this phrase teaches that the mitzvah of matzah must be performed during the day, not at night.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Zerizut (Alacrity): Matzah represents the urgency of the Exodus, teaching us to act swiftly in fulfilling mitzvot (Pesachim 116a).
  • Divine Providence: The precise timing of the Exodus reaffirms Hashem's involvement in Jewish history (Ramban, Exodus 12:17).
  • Generational Continuity: The mitzvah's eternal nature ensures that each generation reconnects with the experience of redemption (Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzvah 21).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 28b
The verse is discussed in the context of the obligation to eat matzah on the first night of Passover and the prohibition of eating chametz.
📖 Mekhilta d'Rabbi Yishmael Masekhta d'Pischa, Parsha 7
The verse is cited in the discussion of the significance of the Exodus and the commandment to observe the festival of Passover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'you shall observe the commandment of unleavened bread' mean in Exodus 12:17?
A: This verse commands the Jewish people to observe the mitzvah (commandment) of eating matzah (unleavened bread) during Passover. According to Rashi, this refers to both eating matzah and refraining from chametz (leavened products) as a remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt, when the Israelites left in such haste that their bread did not have time to rise.
Q: Why is this verse about matzah important in Judaism?
A: This verse establishes the eternal obligation to observe Passover by eating matzah, as stated in the Torah. The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah that this mitzvah is one of the foundational commandments, reminding us of our ancestors' redemption from slavery and our identity as a free nation serving Hashem.
Q: How do we apply Exodus 12:17 today?
A: Today, Jews worldwide observe this commandment by removing all chametz from their homes before Passover and eating only matzah for the duration of the holiday (7 days in Israel, 8 days in the Diaspora). The Talmud (Pesachim) details the precise requirements for matzah preparation to fulfill this mitzvah properly.
Q: What does 'an ordinance forever' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'chukat olam' (an ordinance forever) means this commandment applies in all generations, as explained by the Sforno. Even after the Temple's destruction, we continue observing Passover with matzah, as the Torah's commandments are eternal. The Midrash teaches that all future redemptions will be connected to this first redemption commemorated by matzah.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'on this very day'?
A: Rashi explains that 'on this very day' emphasizes the precise timing - the 15th of Nissan - when the Exodus occurred. The Mechilta adds that this phrasing teaches that just as the redemption began at the exact moment Hashem decreed, so too will future redemptions come at their appointed times. This precision underscores the divine nature of the Exodus.