“And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the Lord will command concerning you.”
This verse is part of the account in the book of Numbers that describes the establishment of the annual observance of the Passover festival among the Israelites. The context of Numbers 9:8 is that the children of Israel were in the wilderness, and the time had come for them to celebrate the Passover according to God’s command.
In this verse, Moses is addressing a specific group of people who had raised a concern. Some of the Israelites were ritually unclean due to being in contact with a dead body, which prevented them from participating in the Passover feast. They approached Moses seeking guidance on how to proceed in this situation.
Moses instructs them to “stand still,” indicating that they should wait and refrain from taking any action until he hears from the Lord. Moses had developed a close relationship with God, and he knew the importance of seeking divine guidance before making decisions.
The phrase “I will hear what the Lord will command concerning you” demonstrates Moses’ faith in God’s ability to provide guidance and direction. He was confident that God would respond to their inquiry and provide a solution that aligned with His will.
This verse highlights several important principles for believers today:
- Seeking God’s guidance: Just as Moses sought God’s direction, we should approach important decisions and challenges in our lives with a desire to hear from the Lord. It is important to seek His wisdom and guidance through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking counsel from other believers.
- Patience and trust: Moses tells the people to “stand still,” emphasizing the importance of patience. Sometimes, we may feel the need to take immediate action, but it is crucial to wait for God’s timing and direction. Trusting in God’s faithfulness and His ability to provide guidance helps us to cultivate patience in our lives.
- God’s commands: Moses assured the people that he would hear what the Lord commanded concerning them. In our lives, we have the privilege of having God’s Word, the Bible, as a guide. By studying and meditating on Scripture, we can discern God’s commands and align our lives with His will.
In summary, Numbers 9:8 reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance, being patient and trusting in His timing, and aligning our lives with His commands. By following these principles, we can navigate challenges and make decisions that honor God and reflect His wisdom in our lives.
