Numbers 9:1

KJV

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} unto Moses {H4872} in the wilderness {H4057} of Sinai {H5514}, in the first {H7223} month {H2320} of the second {H8145} year {H8141} after they were come out {H3318} of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI spoke to Moshe in the Sinai Desert in the first month of the second year after they had left the land of Egypt; he said,

Berean Standard Bible

In the first month of the second year after Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, the LORD spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai:

American Standard Version

And Jehovah spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 9:1 serves as a precise chronological marker within the book of Numbers, detailing a specific divine directive given to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai. This verse, occurring in the first month of the second year after the Exodus, intentionally re-establishes the timeline to introduce God's command for the second observance of the Passover. It underscores God's meticulous order, His direct communication with His people, and the foundational importance of remembering His redemptive acts as Israel prepared for the next phase of their journey towards the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 9:1 presents a deliberate chronological "flashback" within the broader narrative. The preceding chapters (Numbers 1-8) describe events that largely occurred in the *second* month of the *second* year after the Exodus, including the census (Numbers 1-4), various laws and purifications (Numbers 5-6), and the dedication of the Tabernacle (Numbers 7-8). Numbers 7-8, specifically, details the dedication offerings that took place *after* the Tabernacle's erection on the first day of the first month of the second year. Numbers 9:1 then explicitly states its setting as the "first month of the second year," effectively rewinding the timeline to highlight the paramount importance of the Passover command that follows. This literary reordering emphasizes the theological significance of the Passover, placing it as a critical spiritual foundation before detailing the practical preparations for their departure from Sinai.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this command, the Israelites were encamped at the base of Mount Sinai, a pivotal location where they had received the Law ([Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments")), entered into a covenant with God ([Exodus 24](/exodus/24 "Exodus 24 - The Covenant Ratified")), and constructed the Tabernacle ([Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")). They had been at Sinai for nearly a year since their arrival in the third month of the first year after the Exodus ([Exodus 19:1](/exodus/19-1 "Exodus 19:1 - Israel Arrives at Sinai")). The "first month of the second year" marks almost exactly one year since the original Passover and their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus")). This annual observance of Passover was not merely a historical commemoration but a perpetual ordinance, designed to remind every generation of God's mighty act of salvation and His covenant faithfulness. The command for the second Passover, given at this precise anniversary, underscores its enduring significance as Israel prepared to leave Sinai and embark on the next leg of their journey.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spake (Hebrew, דָּבַר, _davar_):** This verb signifies a direct, authoritative, and intentional communication. It emphasizes that the instructions that follow are not human invention or suggestion, but divine revelation. "The LORD spake" highlights God's initiative in guiding and directing His people, underscoring His active involvement in their lives and journey. This direct speech formula is a hallmark of divine revelation throughout the Pentateuch, establishing the absolute authority of the commands.
* **Wilderness of Sinai (Hebrew, מִדְבַּר סִינַי, _midbar Sinai_):** More than a mere geographical location, the "wilderness of Sinai" is a theological crucible. It was the place where God descended in fire and cloud, where the Law was given, where the covenant was established, and where the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God, was erected. It represents a period of intense divine encounter, spiritual formation, and preparation for nationhood. The setting implies that the commands given here are foundational for Israel's identity and future.
* **First month of the second year (Hebrew, בַּחֹדֶשׁ הָרִאשׁוֹן בַּשָּׁנָה הַשֵּׁנִית, _bachodesh harishon bashanah hashenit_):** This meticulous chronological detail is highly significant. It marks the precise anniversary of the original Passover and the Exodus from Egypt. The precision emphasizes God's divine order and timing. It also serves as a literary device, as explained in the context, to re-prioritize the Passover command over other events that chronologically followed it but are recorded earlier in Numbers. This specific date underscores the perpetual nature and foundational importance of the Passover ordinance for the nation of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD spake unto Moses":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of the subsequent instructions. It highlights Moses' unique role as God's chosen mediator and prophet, through whom God communicates His will to the entire nation of Israel. This formula emphasizes that what follows is not human wisdom but divine command.
* **"in the wilderness of Sinai":** This clause specifies the geographical and theological setting. The wilderness of Sinai was the place of God's dramatic revelation, the giving of the Law, and the construction of the Tabernacle. It signifies a period of intense spiritual training and the formation of Israel as God's covenant people. The commands given here are foundational to their identity and future.
* **"in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt":** This precise chronological marker is crucial. It places the command almost exactly one year after the original Passover and the Exodus. This timing is deliberate, setting the stage for the command to observe the Passover again, reinforcing its perpetual significance as a memorial of God's redemptive power and covenant faithfulness. It also highlights God's meticulous planning and ordering of events.
* **"saying,":** This simple word serves as a direct transition, indicating that the divine command or instruction is about to be revealed. It links the authoritative speaker (the LORD) and the recipient (Moses) to the specific content of the message that follows in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 9:1 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Chronological Marker**, providing an exceptionally precise date ("in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt"). This precision not only anchors the narrative in time but also serves as a **Literary Reversal** or **Flashback**, as this event chronologically precedes much of the material in Numbers 1-8. This deliberate reordering highlights the theological importance of the Passover command that follows, demonstrating that its significance transcends strict linear chronology. The phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses" functions as a **Divine Speech Formula**, a recurring motif throughout the Pentateuch that emphasizes the direct, authoritative, and divine origin of the subsequent instructions. The mention of the "wilderness of Sinai" serves as a powerful **Setting**, reminding the reader of the covenant context, the giving of the Law, and the Tabernacle's presence, all of which underscore the holiness and gravity of God's communication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 9:1 powerfully illustrates God's nature as a God of order, precision, and active engagement with His people. His direct communication to Moses, coupled with the meticulous dating, underscores that divine commands are not arbitrary but are given at specific, appointed times within His overarching redemptive plan. This verse sets the stage for the re-observance of the Passover, a perpetual ordinance that served as a foundational reminder of God's deliverance and covenant faithfulness. It teaches us that remembering God's past acts of salvation is crucial for present obedience and future trust, preparing His people for the journey ahead. The divine initiative in speaking to Moses also highlights the importance of divine revelation as the source of truth and guidance for humanity.

* [Exodus 12:1-14](/exodus/12-1-14 "Exodus 12:1-14 - Institution of the First Passover")
* [Deuteronomy 16:1-8](/deuteronomy/16-1-8 "Deuteronomy 16:1-8 - Passover Regulations in Deuteronomy")
* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 9:1, with its precise dating and divine initiative, invites us to reflect on God's intentionality and perfect timing in our own lives. Just as God gave specific instructions to Israel at a crucial juncture in their journey, He continues to guide and direct believers today. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of attentiveness to God's voice, trusting that His commands are always for our good, even when the path ahead seems uncertain, like the wilderness. It challenges us to remember and celebrate the "Passovers" in our own lives—those moments of divine deliverance, provision, and covenant faithfulness—allowing past grace to fuel present obedience and future hope. Recognizing God's meticulous order in the grand narrative should inspire us to seek His order and purpose in our daily walk, preparing us for whatever new phases of life's journey He calls us to embark upon.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of God's timing in this verse speak to our understanding of His providence in our own lives, especially during periods of waiting or transition?**
* **What "wilderness" moments are we currently in, and how can we better position ourselves to hear God's specific instructions for the next phase of our spiritual journey?**
* **What spiritual "milestones" or acts of deliverance in our past should we regularly remember and celebrate, much like Israel was commanded to observe the Passover, to strengthen our faith for the future?**

### FAQ
**Why is the chronology in Numbers sometimes seemingly out of order?**

Answer: The book of Numbers, particularly in its opening chapters, does not always follow a strict chronological sequence. Numbers 9:1 is a prime example, as it records an event (the command for the second Passover) that occurred in the "first month of the second year" after the Exodus, while the preceding chapters (Numbers 1-8) detail events that largely took place in the "second month of the second year" (e.g., the census in [Numbers 1:1](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1 - The First Census")). This literary arrangement is intentional. Instead of strict chronology, the author often employs a thematic or theological arrangement. By placing the Passover command (Numbers 9) after the census and Tabernacle dedication, the text emphasizes the enduring and foundational importance of the Passover observance for Israel's identity and worship, even as they prepared for their journey. It highlights that certain divine ordinances are paramount, regardless of precise temporal sequence.

**What is the significance of the "wilderness of Sinai" as a setting for God's communication?**

Answer: The "wilderness of Sinai" is far more than a geographical location; it is a profoundly significant theological setting in the biblical narrative. It was here that God dramatically revealed Himself to Israel ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Mount Sinai")), where the Mosaic Law was given, and where the covenant between God and Israel was formally established. The Tabernacle, the physical dwelling place of God among His people, was also constructed at Sinai. This setting signifies a period of intense divine encounter, spiritual formation, and the transformation of a group of liberated slaves into a nation under God's direct rule. God's speaking to Moses in this wilderness underscores that His commands are given in a context of His manifest presence, covenant relationship, and preparation for His people's journey and future.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 9:1, by setting the stage for the second observance of the Passover, points profoundly to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of this foundational Old Testament ordinance. The meticulous timing of God's command in the wilderness of Sinai foreshadows the perfect timing of God's ultimate redemptive act in history: the sending of His Son. Just as the Passover lamb's sacrifice secured Israel's liberation from bondage in Egypt, Jesus, identified by John the Baptist as the "[Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")," became the once-for-all sacrifice for humanity's sin. Paul explicitly declares, "[Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ, Our Passover Lamb")" (1 Corinthians 5:7). The precision of the "first month of the second year" in Numbers 9:1 echoes the divine precision with which Christ entered human history "[when the set time had fully come](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")" (Galatians 4:4). The Old Testament Passover, commanded by God in the wilderness, finds its complete and eternal meaning in the person and work of Jesus, who leads His people out of the bondage of sin and into the true Promised Land of eternal life, not through a temporary ritual, but through His perfect and sufficient sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 1:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first [day] of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,

Exodus 40:2

On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.