Numbers 9:5

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.

Study Bible

and they observed the Passover
The phrase "and they observed the Passover" signifies the Israelites' obedience to God's command to celebrate the Passover, a pivotal event in their history. The Hebrew word for "Passover" is "Pesach," which means "to pass over" or "to spare." This observance commemorates the night when the Lord passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt, sparing them from the plague of the firstborn. Historically, this event marks the beginning of the Exodus, the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. The Passover is not just a remembrance of past deliverance but a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance through Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). In a conservative Christian perspective, this observance is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience to His commands.

in the first month
The "first month" refers to the month of Nisan (or Abib), which is the beginning of the religious calendar for the Israelites. This timing is significant as it aligns with the spring, a season of new beginnings and renewal. The Passover being observed in the first month underscores the theme of new beginnings, as it marks the start of the Israelites' journey to freedom. In a broader theological context, it symbolizes the new life believers receive through Christ's sacrifice, aligning with the theme of resurrection and renewal found in the New Testament.

on the fourteenth day of the month
The specific timing "on the fourteenth day of the month" is crucial as it was the exact day God commanded the Israelites to celebrate the Passover (Exodus 12:6). This precision highlights the importance of following God's instructions meticulously. The number fourteen, being double the number seven, which signifies completeness and perfection in the Bible, may also symbolize a double portion of God's grace and deliverance. For Christians, this day foreshadows the Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, instituting the new covenant in His blood.

at twilight
The term "at twilight" refers to the time between sunset and darkness, a transitional period. In Hebrew, this is "bein ha'arbayim," meaning "between the evenings." This time was chosen by God for the Passover sacrifice, symbolizing the transition from slavery to freedom, from darkness to light. In Christian theology, twilight can represent the moment of Christ's death, when darkness covered the land, yet it was the precursor to the dawn of resurrection and hope.

in the Wilderness of Sinai
The "Wilderness of Sinai" is a significant location in the biblical narrative. It is where the Israelites received the Law and where they learned to rely on God for sustenance and guidance. The wilderness represents a place of testing and transformation, where God shapes His people. For Christians, the wilderness can symbolize the trials and growth in faith that believers experience, trusting in God's provision and promises.

according to all that the LORD had commanded Moses
This phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands as given through Moses. The Hebrew word for "commanded" is "tsavah," which implies a directive with authority. The Israelites' adherence to God's instructions reflects their covenant relationship with Him. In a conservative Christian view, this obedience is mirrored in the call for believers to follow Christ's teachings and live according to God's Word, as an expression of faith and devotion.

so the Israelites did
The concluding phrase "so the Israelites did" underscores their compliance and faithfulness to God's command. It reflects a collective act of worship and obedience, setting an example for future generations. For Christians, this obedience is a model of living out one's faith in action, demonstrating trust in God's promises and commands. It serves as a reminder that true faith is evidenced by obedience and a heart aligned with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now journeying through the wilderness.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to guide them through the wilderness. He is the mediator between God and the Israelites.

3. The Passover
A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, specifically the night when the Lord passed over the houses of the Israelites marked with lamb's blood, sparing their firstborn.

4. The Wilderness of Sinai
The location where the Israelites camped and received the Law from God through Moses. It is a place of testing and revelation.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who commands and guides His people according to His divine will and purpose.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' observance of the Passover "just as the LORD had commanded Moses" underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions. As believers, we are called to follow God's Word faithfully, trusting in His wisdom and timing.

The Significance of Remembrance
The Passover serves as a reminder of God's deliverance and faithfulness. In our lives, we should regularly remember and celebrate God's past faithfulness, which strengthens our faith for present and future challenges.

The Role of Leadership
Moses' leadership in guiding the Israelites to observe the Passover highlights the importance of godly leadership. Leaders in the church and home should guide others in obedience to God's Word and in the remembrance of His works.

The Continuity of God's Plan
The observance of the Passover in the wilderness shows the continuity of God's plan from Egypt to the Promised Land. Similarly, God's plan for our lives is continuous, and we should trust His guidance through every season.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the observance of the Passover in the wilderness demonstrate the Israelites' trust in God's provision and protection?

2. In what ways can we, as modern believers, ensure that we are obedient to God's commands in our daily lives?

3. How does the Passover serve as a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice, and what implications does this have for our understanding of redemption?

4. What role does remembrance play in your spiritual life, and how can you incorporate regular times of remembrance into your personal or family worship?

5. How can leaders in the church and home effectively guide others in obedience to God's Word and in the remembrance of His faithfulness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
Provides the original instructions for the Passover, highlighting its significance as a perpetual ordinance for the Israelites.

Leviticus 23
Lists the appointed feasts of the LORD, including the Passover, emphasizing its importance in the religious calendar of Israel.

1 Corinthians 5:7
Paul refers to Christ as our Passover lamb, drawing a parallel between the Passover and the sacrifice of Jesus, highlighting the fulfillment of the Passover in Christ.

Hebrews 11:28
References Moses' faith in keeping the Passover, underscoring the importance of obedience and faith in God's promises.