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Numbers 9

23 verses

TL;DR

Numbers 9 records the first Passover in the wilderness, the decree for those rendered unclean by a dead body, and the regulations for the Passover, and it describes how the Israelites traveled and rested under the cloud over the tabernacle.

Summary

In Numbers 9 the LORD instructs Moses to institute the Passover, which the Israelites observe on the fourteenth day of the first month in the wilderness of Sinai. Some men, defiled by a dead body, cannot keep the Passover and bring their complaint to Moses; God decrees that they may keep the Passover the next month, but if a clean man refuses the offering he will be cut off. The chapter also contains instructions for a stranger who keeps the Passover, and for the handling of the meal. It then describes the cloud of the LORD covering the tabernacle at evening, turning into fire at night, and how the Israelites move only when the cloud disappears, staying in tents while it remains. The passage emphasizes obedience to the LORD’s command, the sanctity of the Passover, and the presence of God through the cloud.

Outline
  1. 1. LORD’s decree for Passover and rules for the unclean
  2. 2. Regulations for strangers and the handling of the meal
  3. 3. Description of the cloud, fire, and Israelite travel
Themes
Obedience to divine commandCovenant identity and purificationGod’s guidance in wilderness journey
Keywords
PassoveruncleandefiledcloudtabernaclefirejourneyrestcommandmentLORDIsraeliteMosesAaron
People
MosesAaronchildren of Israelthe defiled men
Places
Wilderness of Sinaitabernacle (tent of the testimony)
Things
Passoverunleavened breadbitter herbscloud of the LORDfire appearancetabernacle
Key Verses
  • Numbers 9:10: God’s decree allowing unclean men to observe Passover on the second month
  • Numbers 9:15: Illustrates the divine presence with the cloud and fire over the tabernacle
  • Numbers 9:6: Introduces the problem of the defiled men and sets the stage for divine instruction
Questions
  • What does the law of the Passover say about those who are unclean by a dead body?
  • How does the cloud’s presence affect the Israelite’s travel and rest?
  • What significance does the appearance of fire over the tabernacle have for Israel’s relationship with God?
  • Why is it that a clean man who refuses the Passover offering is cut off from the people?
  • How do the regulations for a stranger reflect Israel’s understanding of hospitality and covenant?
  • In what ways does obedience to the LORD’s command manifest in the journey of Israel?
  • What does the repeated pattern of cloud, travel, and rest reveal about Israel’s dependence on God?
  • How does the description of the Passover in Numbers 9 compare to later expressions of the feast?
Sentiment

neutral
The passage presents directives and observations without emotional tone.