The Israelites are to observe the PassoverThe Passover is a foundational event in Israelite history, commemorating their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Instituted in
Exodus 12, it involves the sacrifice of a lamb and the marking of doorposts with its blood, symbolizing God's protection. This observance is a perpetual statute for the Israelites, serving as a reminder of God's salvation and covenant faithfulness. The Passover also prefigures Christ, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice delivers believers from sin.
at its appointed time.
The timing of the Passover is crucial, as it is to be observed on the 14th day of the first month, Nisan (Exodus 12:6). This specific timing underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the sacredness of His appointed times. The precise observance reflects God's order and sovereignty. In the New Testament, Jesus' crucifixion during Passover fulfills the typology of the Passover lamb, emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive plan through history.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The IsraelitesThe descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, who were chosen by God to be His people. At this point in the account, they are in the wilderness after being delivered from slavery in Egypt.
2.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He is the one receiving God's instructions regarding the Passover.
3.
The PassoverA significant event and festival in Jewish history commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. It involves the sacrifice of a lamb and the marking of doorposts with its blood, symbolizing God's protection and deliverance.
4.
The WildernessThe setting for the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It is a place of testing, learning, and reliance on God.
5.
GodThe central figure who commands the observance of the Passover, emphasizing His role as the deliverer and sustainer of His people.
Teaching Points
The Importance of ObedienceThe command to observe the Passover at its appointed time underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions. As believers, we are called to follow God's commands faithfully, trusting in His timing and purposes.
Remembering God's DeliveranceThe Passover serves as a reminder of God's deliverance and faithfulness. In our lives, we should regularly reflect on and give thanks for the ways God has delivered us, particularly through the sacrifice of Jesus.
The Role of Tradition in FaithObserving the Passover was a way for the Israelites to maintain their identity and faith. Similarly, Christian traditions and practices can help us stay connected to our faith and community, provided they point us to Christ.
God's Sovereignty and TimingThe phrase "at its appointed time" highlights God's sovereignty over time and events. We are reminded to trust in God's perfect timing in our lives, even when it doesn't align with our own plans.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 9:2?
2.How does Numbers 9:2 emphasize the importance of observing the Passover regularly?
3.What does Numbers 9:2 reveal about God's instructions for Israel's worship practices?
4.How can we apply the principle of obedience from Numbers 9:2 today?
5.What connections exist between Numbers 9:2 and Jesus as our Passover Lamb?
6.How does observing Passover in Numbers 9:2 strengthen community and faith in God?
7.Why did God command the Israelites to observe the Passover in Numbers 9:2?
8.How does Numbers 9:2 reflect God's covenant with Israel?
9.What is the significance of the Passover in Numbers 9:2 for Christians today?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 9?
11.Who were the believers in the Old Testament?
12.How does the acceptance of ritually unclean participants in 2 Chronicles 30:17-20 fit with strict purification laws found elsewhere in the Old Testament?
13.Numbers 9:1-2: How can we verify historically the timing of the second Passover in the second year after leaving Egypt when there is limited supporting evidence?
14.What foods are mentioned in the Bible?What Does Numbers 9:2 Mean
The IsraelitesGod singles out a specific people: “The Israelites.”
• They are a covenant nation, first promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3) and later delivered from Egypt “with a mighty hand” (Exodus 3:7-10).
• Their identity is corporate; obedience is expected from the whole community (Exodus 19:5-6).
• Through them God showcases His redemptive purposes, foreshadowing the inclusion of all who believe (1 Peter 2:9).
areThe verb “are” stresses present obligation, not mere suggestion.
• Obedience is assumed as the proper response to God’s saving acts (Exodus 14:31).
• God’s statutes “are life” to those who practice them (Leviticus 18:4-5).
• Jesus echoed the same principle: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
to observe“To observe” means to keep, guard, and practice faithfully.
• The original Passover was established “as a memorial… you shall observe this rite” (Exodus 12:14, 24).
• Observance involves both attitude and action—listening to God and doing what He says (Deuteronomy 6:17).
• In the Upper Room, Jesus told His disciples, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19), linking observance to ongoing remembrance.
the PassoverThe celebration centers on God’s dramatic rescue.
• On the night of the Exodus, the lamb’s blood turned away judgment (Exodus 12:1-13).
• Each year Israel reenacted that deliverance, teaching every generation that salvation is by substitutionary sacrifice (Exodus 13:8-10).
• The New Testament draws the straight line: “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7).
• John the Baptist recognized the fulfillment: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
at its appointed timeTiming reflects divine order and prophetic precision.
• “In the first month, on the fourteenth day… it is the LORD’s Passover” (Leviticus 23:5;Numbers 28:16).
• God set fixed times (moedim) to anchor Israel’s calendar to His redemptive timeline (Psalm 104:19).
• Jesus was crucified during Passover week, “at the right time” (Romans 5:6) and “according to God’s set purpose and foreknowledge” (Acts 2:23).
• The accuracy of fulfilled timing strengthens confidence that every promise will likewise be kept (Galatians 4:4).
summaryNumbers 9:2 is a concise yet weighty command. It reminds a redeemed people that obedience is communal, continual, and carefully timed. By insisting that Israel “observe the Passover at its appointed time,” God safeguards the memory of deliverance, points forward to the ultimate Lamb, and assures us that His schedule is perfect. Continuing to remember what He has done fuels faith for what He will yet do.
Verse 2. -
Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season. Septuagint,
ποιείτωσαν τὸ πάσχα. Cf.
Matthew 26:18,
ποιῶ τὸ πάσχα, and
Luke 22:19,
τοῦτο ποιεῖτε εἰς τὴν ἐμὴν ἀνάμνησιν. They may have been in doubt as to whether they were to keep it in the wilderness, and indeed they do not seem to have attempted to keep it again until they reached the promised land (see on Joshua 5:5, 6). The passover had indeed been made an "ordinance for ever," but only when they were come to the land which the Lord should give them (
Exodus 12:24, 25;
Exodus 13:5). Apart, therefore, from express command, it would have been doubtful whether the feast should not at least he postponed. Inasmuch, however, as they had been detained at Sinai by Divine direction (albeit partly in consequence of their own idolatry, but for which they might already have been "at home"), it pleased God that they should not lack the blessing and support of the passover at its proper season.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
“The Israelitesבְנֵי־(ḇə·nê-)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonare to observeוְיַעֲשׂ֧וּ(wə·ya·‘ă·śū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, makethe Passoverהַפָּ֖סַח(hap·pā·saḥ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6453:A pretermission, exemption, Passoverat its appointed time.בְּמוֹעֲדֽוֹ׃(bə·mō·w·‘ă·ḏōw)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4150:Appointed time, place, or meeting
Links
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OT Law: Numbers 9:2 Moreover let the children of Israel keep (Nu Num.) 
