Definition: Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread; neither shall the fat of my sacrifice remain until the morning.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this important verse from Exodus 23:18. It’s a really significant rule about how to handle sacrifices in ancient Israel. Here's a simple explanation: Basically, it means you shouldn’t eat or leave any leftover pieces of the sacrifice after it’s been offered. Let's unpack that a little further: “Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread…” – This refers to the specific type of sacrifice offered in the Tabernacle and Temple. It was a special offering, and it had a specific character. "Leavened bread" is a key part of understanding this. Think of it like a cake that has yeast in it - it rises and gets sour. The word “leavened” means it’s made with something added – yeast specifically. Offering bread with the sacrifice would be considered a different kind of offering, potentially polluting the sacred space. “…neither shall the fat of my sacrifice remain until the morning.” – This is the crucial part. It emphasizes that after the sacrifice is offered, the meat (fat) should not be eaten or left to sit around. It needs to be consumed quickly and completely before it spoils. It’s about keeping the offering pure and untouched. Why was this rule in place? The ancient Israelites believed that the sacrifice of animals was a direct connection with God. They were deeply concerned about impurity and maintaining a sacred space for worship. This rule was designed to ensure that the offering remained dedicated to God and wasn't used for something else, preventing any contamination or disrespect. In short, it’s a reminder to treat the sacrifice with respect and cleanliness – a vital part of the religious ritual. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide context about when this rule was important? Talk about its significance within Jewish tradition?