Turtle Dove Thoughts: 2026 Matzah Musings

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

2026 Matzah Musings - Messiah in Passover

The Matzah in My Heart

Finding Healing in the "Crushed" Places

It is Nisan and the season of Niskipesim (the Goose Moon), a time when the earth stirs and we prepare our hearts for Passover. To be honest, I have been feeling "crushed" lately. Lupus has been a significant struggle, and some days even the simplest tasks feel like a mountain to climb. Despite my efforts, I have also not yet found matzah that fits my budget.

A rustic, warm-toned scene on a wooden table featuring a round, handmade shmura matzah with charred stripe marks, a small bowl of red wine, a lit oil lamp, and a bunch of bitter herbs. In the background, an open Hebrew prayer book sits in soft focus. Large text at the top reads, "The Matzah in My Heart: Finding Healing in the 'Crushed' Places," with the blog URL "turtledovethoughts.blogspot.com" at the bottom.

The Matzah in My Heart: Seeking Healing

Matzah is a vital part of the Passover meal Yeshua shared with His disciples. When we look at it, we see symbols of His sacrifice—His body broken for us. I have been reflecting on the accuracy of scripture translations regarding this sacrifice, specifically Isaiah 53:5.

Isaiah 53:5 NIV [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. https://bible.com/bible/111/isa.53.5.NIV

A Picture of the Pierced One

Norman L. Bliss, in his book, The Dead Sea Scrolls of Isaiah:Day of the Lord notes remarkable that the Dead Sea Scrolls, which predate most modern English translation sources by over a thousand years, preserve these prophecies so perfectly.

Paperback Book cover .Text says: Norman L Bliss THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS OF ISAIAH: Day of the Lord THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS OF ISAIAH Day of the Lord Norman L Bliss Read sample Background: A burgundy sky with orange-red sun as the background

The Dead Sea Scrolls of Isaiah:Day of the Lord - Click to Read Sample

The Hebrew words used in these ancient texts paint an even more graphic picture of the crucifixion:

Pierced (Mecholal - מְחֹלָל): While often translated as "pierced," the root chalal literally means to be bored through or to defile something holy. It emphasizes the nails driven into the Messiah much more than any English word.
Crushed (Medukka - מְדֻכָּא): This signifies being shattered or beaten small, conveying intense physical and emotional pulverization.
Wounds/Stripes (Chabburah - חֲבֻרָתֹו): This refers to a bruise or welt from a blow. Interestingly, the root chabar also means to bind together—a poetic reminder that His wounds bind us back together.
Peace (Shalom - שְׁלוֹמֵנוּ): This is total wholeness, health, and restoration.

Bread for the Humble

Matzah naturally develops dark, burnt lines as it bakes, resembling a back that has been scourged. Even without the physical bread in my hand today, I am reminded that matzah is the "bread of affliction"—bread for those who are struggling or tired.

Yeshua was "crushed" (medukka) so that we could be mended (rapha). Today, I am letting Him bind up my broken places and serve as my provider.

Chodesh Tov—may your month be filled with His healing presence.

~ Su