The symbolism of unleavened bread is deeply tied to the theme of deliverance throughout the biblical narrative. Its first mention appears in Genesis 19:3, where Lot, in Sodom, serves unleavened bread to his angelic guests before being divinely delivered from the city's corruption. Similarly, in Exodus 12:8, God instructs the Israelites to eat unleavened bread with the Passover lamb, associating it with their liberation from Egyptian slavery. Exodus 12:17-18 further commands the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread as a memorial of this deliverance, emphasizing that no leavening shall be found in their houses for seven days. These accounts consistently link unleavened bread with God's act of rescuing His people from destruction and oppression.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread is highly disruptive, not only due to the effort required in deleavening but also because it alters our diets, drawing our attention as God intends. This feast, first mentioned in Exodus 12:17, serves as a memorial of God's deliverance, marking the day He brought His people out of Egypt. The primary reason for observing this feast, as given by God, is to continually remember His act of liberation, with the eating of unleavened bread and avoidance of leavening as responses to this foundational purpose. Unleavened bread itself is symbolic, acting as a token or teaching vehicle to bring deeper significance to mind. It is often referred to as the bread of affliction, reminding us of the oppression and slavery experienced in Egypt, a place of hardship under a hostile ruler. Each bite of unleavened bread recalls the former state of bondage before God's intervention. Additionally, Exodus 13:9 suggests that eating unleavened bread relates to having God's law in our mouths, implying both the intake of His teachings and speaking of them during this feast. The symbolism extends to a contrast between unleavened bread and leavening. Leavening represents corruption, encompassing not just sin but also ideas and philosophies that lead to it, spreading and changing what they touch. Unleavened bread, in contrast, symbolizes purity and truth, epitomized by Jesus Christ, who is the bread of life, free from malice or wickedness. We are considered truly unleavened not merely through forgiveness but because we are in Christ, sharing in His unleavened nature through a continued relationship initiated by His Passover sacrifice. Thus, the Feast of Unleavened Bread is a feast to the LORD, centered on His deliverance and the provision of Christ as the Unleavened Bread. Avoiding leavening in all its forms and feasting on the bread of life—His words and presence—helps us remain free from the world's influence and its spiritual bondage. This memorial reinforces our dependence on Him to sustain an unleavened state in our lives.

The symbolism of unleavened bread, as presented during the Days of Unleavened Bread, primarily serves as a reminder of what God has done for us. It is intended to recall how He brought us out of bondage, as emphasized in the personal and individual nature of this act. Eating unleavened bread is not initially about coming out of sin but about recognizing God's action in freeing us and our subsequent submission to His lead by following Him. This act of following God is depicted as righteousness, where doing what is right according to His way inherently prevents sin. The emphasis on eating unleavened bread lies in proactively pursuing righteousness rather than merely avoiding sin. It symbolizes a wholehearted commitment to God's path, reflecting a life of obedience and active goodness. During the seven days of Unleavened Bread, eating it daily reinforces the importance of following God's way every day of our lives, not just during this period. This practice serves as an annual reminder to focus on God's instruction in righteousness, aligning our steps with His guidance to live in harmony with Him. Unleavened bread also represents the haste with which Israel left Egypt, indicating the need for quick action in following God once He begins to move. It underscores leaving behind the burdens of the old life, akin to stripping down to essentials, and focusing on what is necessary for spiritual progress. Thus, the symbolism encapsulates both God's initiative in our liberation and our response of faithful obedience, ensuring we prioritize His role in our journey out of the world.