Final answer:
The Israelites had to eat their meals quickly due to their hurry to leave Egypt, to prevent food spoilage, and as a sign of gratitude to God.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Israelites had to eat their meals quickly for several reasons. One reason is that they were in a hurry to leave Egypt, as part of their Exodus from slavery. They were instructed to eat their meals quickly and with haste because they were about to embark on a long and difficult journey through the desert.
Another reason is that the Israelites needed to avoid spoilage of the food. In the desert, there were limited resources, including a lack of refrigeration. Eating quickly helped prevent food from spoiling in the hot climate.
Lastly, eating their meals quickly also had a symbolic significance. It was a tradition and custom that was followed as a sign of gratitude to God. By eating quickly, they showed their appreciation for the miraculous deliverance and provided an opportunity to express their faith and trust in God.