Numbers 9:7

and said to Moses, "We are unclean because of a dead body, but why should we be excluded from presenting the LORD's offering with the other Israelites at the appointed time?"

Study Bible

and those men
This phrase refers to specific individuals among the Israelites. In the context of Numbers 9, these men are part of the community that is journeying through the wilderness. Historically, the Israelites were a nomadic people at this time, having been delivered from Egypt and now under the leadership of Moses. The mention of "those men" highlights the personal nature of the narrative, emphasizing that God's laws and instructions were applicable to each individual within the community.

who were unclean
The term "unclean" in the Hebrew context often refers to a state of ritual impurity. In the Old Testament, various conditions could render a person ceremonially unclean, such as contact with a dead body, certain diseases, or other specified conditions. This state of uncleanness was significant because it affected one's ability to participate in communal worship and religious observances, such as the Passover. The concept underscores the holiness required by God and the separation between the sacred and the profane.

from contact with a dead body
This phrase specifies the reason for the uncleanness of the men. In ancient Israelite culture, contact with a dead body was one of the most severe forms of impurity. This is rooted in the belief that death is the antithesis of the life-giving presence of God. The laws concerning purity and impurity served to maintain the sanctity of the community and its worship practices. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of life and death, purity and impurity, and the need for atonement and cleansing.

came to Moses and Aaron
Moses and Aaron were the central leaders of the Israelites during the Exodus. Moses, as the prophet and lawgiver, and Aaron, as the high priest, were the mediators between God and the people. The act of coming to Moses and Aaron signifies the proper channel of seeking guidance and resolution according to God's law. It reflects the order and structure within the Israelite community, where leaders were appointed to interpret and apply God's commandments.

that same day
This phrase indicates the immediacy and urgency of the situation. The timing is significant because it shows the men's desire to resolve their state of impurity promptly, especially in relation to the observance of the Passover. The Passover was a critical event in the Israelite religious calendar, commemorating their deliverance from Egypt. The immediacy also highlights the importance of maintaining a right relationship with God and the community through timely obedience and adherence to His laws.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Men Who Were Unclean
These individuals had become ceremonially unclean due to contact with a dead body, which was a common occurrence in the Israelite community, especially during their wilderness journey.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who was approached by the unclean men for guidance on how to participate in the Passover despite their impurity.

3. The LORD’s Offering
Refers to the Passover sacrifice, a critical observance for the Israelites, symbolizing their deliverance from Egypt.

4. The Israelite Community
The collective group of God's chosen people, who were commanded to observe the Passover at its appointed time.

5. The Wilderness Journey
The context in which these events occur, highlighting the challenges of maintaining ceremonial purity while traveling.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience and Purity
The men’s concern about missing the Passover highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the desire to maintain purity.

God’s Provision for All
The subsequent verses (Numbers 9:8-14) show God’s provision for those who are unclean or on a journey, allowing them to celebrate the Passover at a later time. This demonstrates God's understanding and accommodation for human circumstances.

The Role of Community in Worship
The men’s desire to participate with the community underscores the importance of communal worship and fellowship in the faith journey.

Seeking Guidance from Godly Leaders
The men approached Moses for guidance, illustrating the importance of seeking wisdom from godly leaders when faced with spiritual dilemmas.

The Symbolism of the Passover
The Passover is a foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice, reminding believers of the importance of remembering and celebrating our deliverance through Jesus.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the concern of the unclean men teach us about the importance of participating in communal worship and observances?

2. How can we apply the principle of seeking guidance from godly leaders in our own spiritual journeys?

3. In what ways does the provision for a second Passover (later in Numbers 9) reflect God’s grace and understanding of human circumstances?

4. How does the Passover serve as a foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice, and how should this impact our observance of communion today?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that we maintain spiritual purity in our daily lives, especially when faced with unavoidable "unclean" situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11-15
These chapters provide detailed laws on cleanliness and uncleanliness, offering context for why the men were considered unclean.

Exodus 12
Describes the original Passover event, establishing its significance and the command for its annual observance.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8
Paul refers to Christ as our Passover lamb, drawing a parallel between the Old Testament Passover and the sacrifice of Jesus.