Numbers 9
-The observation of the Passover in the first month of the
second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt is denoted in this
chapter. It was to be observed according to all its statutes and ordinances,
which the LORD gave to Moses. The children of Israel obeyed all that was
commanded in regard to the Passover, but there were some who were unclean
because of a dead person. They came before Moses and Aaron to inquire on that
day what they were to do. They asked why they were restrained from presenting
the offering of the LORD, and Moses asked them to wait while he listened to the
LORD’s instructions on the matter (Numbers 9:1-8). Then the LORD spoke to Moses
telling him that it would be permissible for the unclean on account of dead
persons or being on a distant journey to observe the Passover to the LORD. They
would be able to eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs and leave none
of it until morning, nor break a bone of it, in fulfillment of all the commands
that God had given. However, the man who was clean and was not on a journey,
yet neglected to observe the Passover, that person was to be cut off from his
people. And, the ones who did not present their offering to the LORD at its
appointed time would bear their sin. Aliens who were sojourning among them were
to follow the same statutes and regulations in the Passover ceremonies, just as
the natives of the land (Numbers 9:9-14). They were connected to the body of
Israel and enjoyed all of the benefits.
-The last nine verses of the chapter relate to the guidance
that God gave His people along the wilderness journey. On the day that the tabernacle
was erected, the cloud of the LORD in His glory would cover the tent of
meeting, and at night, His presence appeared like fire over the tabernacle,
until morning. This was a continuous occurrence as God was with His people. “Whenever
the cloud was lifted from over the tent, afterward the sons of Israel would
then set out; and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the sons of
Israel would camp. At the command of the LORD the sons of Israel would set out,
and at the command of the LORD they would camp; as long as the cloud settled
over the tabernacle, they remained camped (Numbers 9:15-18).” At times they
would stay many days. At other times it would only be a short period of time
before they set out again. They were going at the LORD’s pace obediently. “At
the command of the LORD they camped, and at the command of the LORD they set
out; they kept the LORD’s charge, according to the command of the LORD through
Moses (Numbers 9:19-23).”
-*Application* Don’t you wish sometimes as a follower of
Christ, filled with His Holy Spirit, that we still had that visible
representation of where and how God wants us to move and go? The inner workings
of God’s plan in this new dispensation, however, make us more dependent and
aware of His presence than ever before. Though we can often be dense, and not
fully comprehend what God is doing in and through us to move in His power and
for His glory, all hope is not lost. Whenever we completely yield to His
authority in our lives, He promises to redirect and shape our lives in such a fashion
that makes sense and teaches us along the way. Cling on to Proverbs 3:5-6 for
your solace. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own
understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths
straight.” Following Him may not always be easy, but it the best reward anyone
could ever have.
Verse to Memorize:
Numbers 9:17-18, 23
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