Exodus 29:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Unleavened cakes symbolize a life that is pure and unrefined, while pancakes that are enriched with oil and cooked in a skillet reflect the joy and sweetness found in the lives of the saints. Unleavened bread denotes a life of purity.

The regulations concerning the consecration are presented here, while their implementation is elaborated upon in Leviticus, chapters 23 and 9. Among the offerings of bread, there are three distinct varieties, likely symbolizing the different types of unleavened cakes used within the households of Israel: plain unleavened bread, unleavened dough blended with olive oil, and unleavened cakes anointed with olive oil. In the Old Testament, leavened bread was not offered to the Lord as a sacrifice; it was only presented once a year during the first fruits offering at Pentecost, designated for the priests. Similarly, during the thanksgiving sacrifice, in addition to the sacrificial unleavened bread, leavened bread was also presented, which was then given to the priest (Lev. 7:13-14).