Numbers 9:1-8 | The Way of Scripture

Numbers 9:1-8

How do people prevented from keeping Passover seek an answer?

Berean Standard Bible

1 In the first month of the second year after Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, the LORD spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai: 2 “The Israelites are to observe the Passover at its appointed time. 3 You are to observe it at the appointed time, at twilight on the fourteenth day of this month, in accordance with its statutes and ordinances.” 4 So Moses told the Israelites to observe the Passover, 5 and they did so in the Wilderness of Sinai, at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. The Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 6 But there were some men who were unclean due to a dead body, so they could not observe the Passover on that day. And they came before Moses and Aaron that same day 7 and said to Moses, “We are unclean because of a dead body, but why should we be excluded from presenting the LORD’s offering with the other Israelites at the appointed time?” 8 “Wait here until I find out what the LORD commands concerning you,” Moses replied.

What is the context?

The chapter expressly returns to the first month of the second year, before the second-month census at the book’s opening. Israel keeps Passover at its appointed time in the wilderness.

Some men who are unclean from a dead body ask why they must be excluded. They want to present the Lord’s offering with the people, but their condition prevents the usual observance. Moses tells them to wait while he hears the Lord’s command rather than making up an exception himself.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley notes the earlier date and emphasizes the difficulty facing these men. The question arises from wanting to obey while recognizing a real restriction. The text does not portray their appeal as rejection of Passover or treat the ordinary instruction as if it already answered every exceptional case.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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