“But the man that is clean, and is not in a journey, and forbears to keep the passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he brought not the offering of the Lord in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.”
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book in the Old Testament and describes the journey of the Israelites from Mount Sinai to the border of the Promised Land. It contains numerous laws and regulations given by God to Moses for the Israelites’ guidance and worship.
The Passover:The Passover was an important festival for the Israelites, commemorating their liberation from slavery in Egypt. It involved sacrificing a lamb and applying its blood to the doorposts of their homes as a sign for the Lord to pass over them during the plague of the firstborn. The Passover lamb represented deliverance and atonement for sins.
Observance of the Passover:In Numbers 9:1-14, the Israelites were instructed to observe the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month (Nisan) each year. The passage focuses on individuals who were ritually clean and not on a journey, yet deliberately chose not to keep the Passover. Such individuals would be cut off from the community because they failed to bring the offering of the Lord in the appointed season.
Significance of obedience:God’s command to observe the Passover at the appointed time emphasizes the importance of obedience in Israel’s relationship with Him. The Passover was a solemn reminder of God’s faithfulness and deliverance. Neglecting this observance was considered a serious offense and carried consequences.
Bearing one’s sin:The phrase “that man shall bear his sin” suggests that the person who willfully disregarded the command to observe the Passover would bear the guilt and consequences of their disobedience. It implies personal responsibility for one’s actions and the need for individuals to actively participate in the prescribed worship and offerings.
Application:While the specific context of Numbers 9:13 relates to the observance of the Passover in ancient Israel, there are broader principles that can be applied to our lives today. It reminds us of the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the significance of participating in the appointed times of worship and celebration. It also highlights the consequences of willful disobedience and the need to take responsibility for our actions.
