And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.
They shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire. The reason of this was for the sake of expedition; and in memory of the first circumstances of the institution, this difference was always observed between the cooking of the paschal lamb and the other offerings (2 Chronicles 35:13).
Unleavened bread, х matsowt (H4682), plural, unfermented cakes; Septuagint, azuma.] They were thin, smooth, round biscuits-also for the sake of despatch (Deuteronomy 16:3); but, since leaven is an emblem of corruption (Luke 12:1), there seems to have been a typical meaning under it (1 Corinthians 5:8). At this first institution leaven was prohibited only for one day; but as the haste in which they left Egypt, carrying their unfermented dough along with them, necessitated their eating unleavened bread, probably until they had crossed the Red Sea, which, according to Jewish tradition, was on the seventh day after the Passover, hence, the commemorative feast was continued for seven days.
With bitter herbs, х `al (H5921) mªroriym (H4844) (Numbers 9:1-23; Numbers 11:1-35); Septuagint, epi pikridoon] - lettuce, especially the wild species, called lactuca agrestis (Pliny, 21:, 65). The bitter herbs would be a seasoning to the meat, as the past servitude would enhance the pleasures of freedom.
In that night, х balayªlaah (H3915)] - it was commonly reckoned from sunset until sunrise.