Exodus 23:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Do not consume the blood of the offering with leaven (Ex. 12: 18-19), for it is prohibited to combine offerings and to pour the blood of the final sacrifice over the first one that has already been offered and placed on the altar. Let the remainder of the festive stew stay until morning. However, on this particular day, it should be completely burnt on the altar. This attention to the tukkah emphasizes the importance of a superior sacrifice.

What is the significance of the statement, ‘Let not the blood of My sacrifice be consumed with leavened bread? The law prohibited the use of leavened bread in offerings, as it aimed to convey spiritual truths through physical symbols. Unleavened bread demands no preparation, while leavened bread retains traces of the old leaven. Therefore, the law instructs not to mix any elements of Egyptian teachings with the holy. In this context, the Lord warns His faithful disciples, ‘Keep away from the leaven of the scribes and Pharisees’ (Matthew 16:6).

The reference here pertains to the sacrifice of Passover, which is discussed in detail at the end of Exodus 12. It is stated that nothing from the Passover lamb could be left over until the morning.