1 And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,
2 Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season.
3 In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it.
4 And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, that they should keep the passover.
5 And they kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month at even in the wilderness of Sinai: according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel.
6 And there were certain men, who were defiled by the dead body of a man, that they could not keep the passover on that day: and they came before Moses and before Aaron on that day:
7 And those men said unto him, We are defiled by the dead body of a man: wherefore are we kept back, that we may not offer an offering of the LORD in his appointed season among the children of Israel?
8 And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you.
9 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
10 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or be in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover unto the LORD.
11 The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
12 They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it.
13 But the man that is clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he brought not the offering of the LORD in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.
14 And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the LORD; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.
15 And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.
16 So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.
17 And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents.
18 At the commandment of the LORD the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the LORD they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.
19 And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the LORD, and journeyed not.
20 And so it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the LORD they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the LORD they journeyed.
21 And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.
22 Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.
23 At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
The Book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Old Testament in the KJV Holy Bible. It is a historical narrative that continues the story of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. The book is named after the two censuses that were taken of the Israelites in the wilderness. These censuses were recorded in chapters 1 and 26, hence the name "Numbers."
Chapter 9 of the Book of Numbers is primarily about the celebration of the Passover and the consecration of the Israelites to the Lord. It begins with the Lord speaking to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, giving him specific instructions regarding the Passover. The chapter also covers the account of the cloud covering the tabernacle and guiding the Israelites on their journey.
1. The Importance of the Passover
The Passover was a significant event for the Israelites as it commemorated their liberation from slavery in Egypt. It was a reminder of how the Lord had spared their firstborns from the tenth plague and led them out of Egypt. In this chapter, the Lord commands the Israelites to observe the Passover at the appointed time, emphasizing its importance in their history and faith.
2. Obedience to God's Commands
In this chapter, the Lord gives specific instructions to Moses regarding the celebration of the Passover and the consecration of the Israelites. The Israelites were expected to follow these instructions and obey God's commands, which were essential for their relationship with Him. This theme of obedience is prevalent throughout the Bible and is especially emphasized in the book of Numbers.
3. The Pillar of Cloud and Fire
The pillar of cloud and fire was a visible manifestation of God's presence and guidance for the Israelites. In this chapter, it is mentioned several times as it leads the Israelites on their journey through the wilderness. This pillar served as a constant reminder to the Israelites of God's presence with them and His leading in their lives.
4. The Consecration of the Israelites
The consecration of the Israelites to the Lord is a recurring theme in the book of Numbers. In this chapter, the Lord commands the Israelites to consecrate themselves and keep the Passover as a sign of their dedication to Him. This theme highlights the importance of holiness and devotion to God in the lives of His people.
5. The Importance of Following God's Timing
In this chapter, the Lord specifies the exact time for the celebration of the Passover, and the Israelites were expected to follow it. This emphasizes the importance of following God's timing and not rushing ahead of His plans. It also teaches us the value of patience and trust in God's perfect timing.
Chapter 9 of the Book of Numbers holds several significant meanings for believers today. Here are a few key takeaways from this chapter:
The Passover was a crucial event for the Israelites as it reminded them of God's faithfulness in delivering them from slavery in Egypt. In the same way, as Christians, we should regularly reflect on God's faithfulness in our lives and remember how He has delivered us from sin and bondage through Jesus Christ.
The Lord's instructions to the Israelites in this chapter highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands. As Christians, we are also called to obey God's commands and follow His ways, which brings blessings and strengthens our relationship with Him.
The pillar of cloud and fire was a constant reminder to the Israelites of God's presence with them and His leading in their journey. As believers, we can also take comfort in knowing that God is always with us and will guide us through the ups and downs of life.
The consecration of the Israelites, both in this chapter and throughout the book of Numbers, serves as a reminder for us to consecrate ourselves to the Lord. This involves dedicating our lives to Him and living in a manner that is pleasing to Him.
The Lord's specific timing for the celebration of the Passover teaches us the importance of trusting in God's timing and not rushing ahead of His plans. This requires patience and faith in God's perfect timing, even when it may not align with our own desires or expectations.
Chapter 9 of the Book of Numbers is a crucial chapter that highlights the significance of the Passover, obedience to God's commands, God's presence and guidance, consecration to Him, and trusting in His timing. These themes have practical applications for believers today and serve as a reminder of our relationship with God and our commitment to Him. The chapter also shows the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and leading His people. As we continue to read and study the book of Numbers, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's character and His plan for our lives.
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