1 And the Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying:
2 “Let the people of Israel keep the Passover at its appointed time.
3 On the fourteenth day of this month, at twilight, you shall keep it at its appointed time; according to all its statutes and all its rules you shall keep it.
4 So Moses told the people of Israel that they should keep the Passover.
5 And they kept the Passover in the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, at twilight, in the wilderness of Sinai; according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so the people of Israel did.
6 And there were certain men who were unclean through touching a dead body, so that they could not keep the Passover on that day, and they came before Moses and Aaron on that day.
7 And those men said to him, “We are unclean through touching a dead body. Why are we kept from bringing the Lord’s offering at its appointed time among the people of Israel?”
8 And Moses said to them, “Wait, that I may hear what the Lord will command concerning you.”
9 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
10 “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, If any one of you or of your descendants is unclean through touching a dead body, or is on a long journey, he shall still keep the Passover to the Lord.
11 In the second month on the fourteenth day at twilight, they shall keep it.
12 They shall leave none of it until the morning, nor break any of its bones; according to all the statute for the Passover they shall keep it.
13 But the man who is clean and is not on a journey, and yet fails to keep the Passover, that person shall be cut off from his people because he did not bring the Lord’s offering at its appointed time; that man shall bear his sin.
14 And if a stranger sojourns among you and would keep the Passover to the Lord, according to the statute of the Passover and according to its rule, so shall he do. You shall have one statute, both for the sojourner and for the native.”
15 On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony. And at evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning.
16 So it was always: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night.
17 And whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled, there the people of Israel camped.
18 At the command of the Lord the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the Lord they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp.
19 And when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the people of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not set out.
20 Sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning. And when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out, or if it continued for a day and a night, when the cloud lifted they set out.
9 And when the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the people of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not set out.
22 Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out.
23 At the command of the Lord they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out. They kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by Moses.
The True Meaning of Numbers 9
The Book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Pentateuch, is attributed to Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. This book chronicles the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness, including the census and organization of the people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The Israelites observe the Passover festival in this chapter, a pivotal event in their history that commemorates their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This chapter also addresses the provisions made for those who were unable to participate in the Passover due to ritual impurity or being on a journey. Additionally, we see the guidance of the Lord through the movement of the cloud, which directs the Israelites’ travels.
The events described in this chapter are closely tied to the Exodus narrative, where the Israelites were commanded to observe the Passover as a perpetual statute (Exodus 12:14). Furthermore, the guidance of the cloud is a continuation of the divine presence that led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21-22).
Numbers 9:1-5
The focus in Numbers 9:1-5 is on the Passover celebration and its observance. The passage begins by emphasizing the importance of keeping the Lord’s appointed feasts at their appointed times. The Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai in the first month of the second year after the Israelites had come out of Egypt, instructing them to celebrate the Passover at its appointed time.
This section serves to highlight the significance of obedience to God’s timing and commands. The Passover was a crucial event in the history of the Israelites, commemorating their deliverance from slavery in Egypt when the angel of death passed over the houses of the Israelites marked with the blood of the lamb. It was a symbol of redemption and protection through the blood of the lamb, which also holds deep meaning in Christianity through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the ultimate Passover Lamb.
The adherence to the timing of the Passover also underscores the orderly and intentional way in which God operates in the lives of His people. Just as the Israelites were to follow God’s instructions for the Passover, believers today are called to be obedient to the will of God and trust in His perfect timing for everything in their lives. This concept is echoed in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
It is essential to note the parallels between the Old Testament Passover and the New Testament understanding of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the Passover lamb. The Passover feast was a foreshadowing of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross for the redemption and deliverance of all humanity. This connection between the Old and New Testaments reinforces the consistent theme of God’s redemptive plan throughout the Bible, culminating in Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Believers reflecting on Numbers 9:1-5 are encouraged to consider the importance of obedience to God’s commands, the significance of observing His appointed times, and the deeper spiritual truths revealed through the Passover feast. Meditating on the Passover Lamb who takes away the sins of the world reminds us of God’s faithfulness, provision, and ultimate deliverance through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Numbers 9:6-14
The Israelites are faced with a dilemma regarding their participation in the Passover celebration in Numbers 9:6-14. Some men had become ritually unclean through contact with a dead body and were therefore unable to observe the Passover on the appointed day. They approached Moses and Aaron about their predicament, expressing their longing to partake in this crucial observance. This shows the importance the Israelites placed on following God’s commandments and participating in religious ceremonies.
Moses, known for his close relationship with God and his role as a mediator between the Israelites and God, consults with the Lord about this issue. The Lord responds by making a provision for those who were ceremonially unclean or on a journey during the Passover. The concept of inclusivity in worship is essential here – God does not want anyone to miss out on worshiping Him due to circumstances beyond their control.
This passage highlights the mercy and understanding of God towards His people. It also serves as a precursor to the coming of Jesus Christ, who would extend this inclusion to all people, regardless of their status or background. Through Christ’s sacrifice, everyone has the opportunity to be part of God’s family and participate in the blessings of salvation.
The significance of the Passover itself should not be underestimated in this story. It was a pivotal event in the history of the Israelites, commemorating their liberation from slavery in Egypt. The Passover lamb’s blood on their doorposts spared them from the final plague that led to their freedom. This event foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose blood would save humanity from the bondage of sin and offer eternal freedom. This story demonstrates the importance of seeking God’s guidance in all matters. The Israelites did not make decisions on their own but consulted with their leaders, who in turn sought direction from God. This reliance on God’s wisdom and guidance is a timeless lesson for believers today. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our understanding, acknowledging Him in all our ways so He may direct our paths.
Numbers 9:15-23
Numbers 9:15-23 reads, “On the day the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered it. From evening till morning the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire. That is how it continued to be; the cloud covered it, and at night it looked like fire. Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. They remained in camp as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the LORD’s order and did not set out. Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the LORD’s command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out.”
This passage describes the Israelites’ journey through the desert guided by the visible presence of God in the form of a cloud by day and fire by night. The Lord’s guidance was clear and unmistakable, leading them when to stay and when to move. This guidance was pivotal for the Israelites as they were wandering in the wilderness, with no clear direction or map to follow. The reliance on God’s tangible presence emphasized the importance of obedience and faith in following His lead, even when the instructions may have seemed unclear or inconvenient.
The cloud and fire symbolize God’s presence and His divine guidance throughout the Israelites’ journey. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision for His people. It also highlights the concept of obedience and trust in God’s timing and direction, as demonstrated by the Israelites’ willingness to follow the movement of the cloud without question.
This passage in Numbers can be connected to other parts of the Bible that talk about God’s guidance and provision for His people. God says in Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”” This verse echoes the theme of divine guidance and the importance of following God’s direction. Just as the Israelites followed the cloud and fire, believers are called to trust in God’s leading in their lives, knowing that He will always guide them in the right path. Trusting in God’s guidance and sovereignty in our lives is highlighted in Numbers 9:15-23. It serves as a powerful illustration of obedience, faith, and dependence on God’s leading, showcasing His faithfulness in guiding His people through the challenges of life’s journey.
After Numbers 9
The people of Israel had followed the Lord’s command and set up the tabernacle. They had celebrated the Passover and were now ready to continue their journey. But as they prepared to move, the Lord gave them further instructions. He told them when to set out and when to stay. The cloud that had guided them this far would now lead the way, and the people were to follow wherever it went. The Israelites must have felt a mix of excitement and trepidation as they prepared to break camp. The road ahead was uncertain, but they knew the Lord was with them. Little did they know the challenges that lay in store, the battles they would face, and the lessons they would learn along the way. But one thing was clear – their trust in the Lord would be tested, and their faith would be strengthened as they journeyed onward.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.