Numbers 9: Observance of the Passover and the Guidance of the Pillar of Cloud
Numbers chapter 9 deals with two main topics: the observance of Passover and the pillar of cloud over the tabernacle. These two themes play an important role in the Israelites receiving God's guidance in the wilderness and living according to His commands.
1. Passover observance (verses 1-14)
first commemoration of Passover
- Command and Observance : In the Desert of Sinai, God commanded Moses to celebrate the Passover at an appointed time. The Israelites celebrated the Passover on the evening of the 14th day of the first month. This is a season to remember and give thanks to God who saved us from Egypt.
- Problem of the unclean : The problem was raised to Moses that those who had become unclean by touching a corpse could not celebrate the Passover. God allowed them to celebrate the Passover on the 14th day of the second month. This shows God's mercy and the flexibility of the law.
- Observance of Gentiles : God commanded that even Gentiles must follow the same regulations as the Israelites in order to celebrate the Passover. This shows that God's salvation is open to everyone, not just Israel.
2. Guidance of the pillar of cloud (verses 15-23)
pillar of cloud and pillar of fire
- Presence of the Cloud : From the day the tabernacle was erected, a cloud covered it. A pillar of cloud remained over the tabernacle by day and a pillar of fire by night. This symbolizes God’s presence and guidance.
- Movement of the Cloud : As long as the cloud remained over the tabernacle, the Israelites stayed in that place, and when the cloud rose, they began to march. This shows that the Israelites moved according to God's commands.
- March according to God's command : The Israelites camped while the cloud stayed, and marched when the cloud rose. This shows that they thoroughly obeyed God's commands. Whether the cloud stayed for a few days or a month, it only acted according to God's command.
conclusion
Numbers chapter 9 highlights two important aspects of the Israelites living according to God's commands. First, observance of Passover is an important feast to remember and give thanks for God’s work of salvation. God showed flexibility in the law to observe this feast. Second, through the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire, the Israelites received God's guidance and lived strictly according to His commands. This shows the importance of living a life that receives God’s presence and guidance.