Numbers 9:10

KJV

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or [be] in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, If any {H376} man {H376} of you or of your posterity {H1755} shall be unclean {H2931} by reason of a dead body {H5315}, or be in a journey {H1870} afar off {H7350}, yet he shall keep {H6213} the passover {H6453} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Tell the people of Isra'el, 'If any of you now or in future generations is unclean because of a corpse, or if he is on a trip abroad, nevertheless he is to observe Pesach.

Berean Standard Bible

“Tell the Israelites: ‘When any one of you or your descendants is unclean because of a dead body, or is away on a journey, he may still observe the Passover to the LORD.

American Standard Version

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any man of you or of your generations shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or be on a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 9:10 unveils a profound instance of divine grace and practical wisdom within the Mosaic Law, establishing a provision for those legitimately hindered from observing the Passover at its appointed time. This verse, part of God's direct response to a specific query, outlines two primary conditions—ritual impurity from a dead body or being on a distant journey—that would necessitate a delayed observance, known as the "second Passover" (Pesach Sheni). It powerfully demonstrates God's compassionate desire for His people's inclusion in covenantal worship and His willingness to accommodate human limitations while upholding the sanctity and importance of His commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 9:10 is embedded within a pivotal narrative in the book of Numbers, specifically detailing the second Passover observance since the Exodus from Egypt. The preceding verses [Numbers 9:1-5](/numbers/9-1 "Numbers 9:1-5 - The First Passover in the Wilderness") recount the Lord's command to Moses for Israel to keep the Passover in the wilderness, emphasizing its non-negotiable nature as a foundational covenantal act. Immediately, a dilemma arises: a group of men, ritually unclean due to contact with a dead body, approach Moses and Aaron, expressing their earnest desire to participate but their inability to do so under the current law [Numbers 9:6-7](/numbers/9-6 "Numbers 9:6-7 - The Unclean Men's Query"). Moses, acting as the mediator, brings their case directly before the Lord [Numbers 9:8](/numbers/9-8 "Numbers 9:8 - Moses Inquires of the Lord"). Numbers 9:9-14 records God's comprehensive and compassionate response, with verse 10 laying out the specific conditions for a delayed observance. This passage underscores God's attentiveness to His people's sincere desire to obey and His provision for legitimate hindrances, highlighting a dynamic interaction between divine law and human circumstances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Numbers 9:10 is the Israelite encampment at Sinai, approximately one year after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt. By this time, the Tabernacle had been erected, and the intricate system of Levitical purity laws was fully operational. Contact with a dead body was a significant source of ritual impurity, rendering an individual unclean for seven days and prohibiting participation in sacred assemblies or touching holy things [Numbers 19:11-22](/numbers/19-11 "Numbers 19:11-22 - Laws of Purification from a Corpse"). This uncleanness was not a moral failing but a ritual state that temporarily separated one from the sphere of the holy. The Passover itself was the quintessential covenantal feast, commemorating God's redemptive act in Egypt [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover"). Its annual observance was a vital act of national identity and covenant fidelity. The provision for those "in a journey afar off" acknowledges the practical realities of a large, mobile population, where individuals might be legitimately distant and unable to return in time for the communal observance. This divine allowance demonstrates God's understanding of human limitations and His desire to foster inclusion and obedience rather than strict exclusion based on unavoidable circumstances.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 9:10 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Pentateuch and broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Accommodation and Compassion**. God, who instituted strict laws, also provides gracious exceptions when genuine impediments arise, demonstrating His desire for His people's participation rather than their exclusion. This highlights His character as both just and merciful. Another prominent theme is **Inclusion in the Covenant Community**. Despite ritual barriers or physical distance, God makes a way for all who sincerely desire to obey to participate in the foundational covenant meal, emphasizing the importance of corporate worship and belonging. The passage also reinforces the theme of **Obedience and Fidelity**, showing that while circumstances may alter the *timing* of obedience, they do not nullify the *obligation*. The Passover remained a non-negotiable command, even if its observance had to be deferred. Finally, it subtly introduces the concept of **Second Chances** within the legal framework, a principle that finds its ultimate expression in God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unclean (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ_ H2931):** This term refers to a state of ritual impurity, not moral sinfulness. Derived from a root meaning "foul in a religious sense," it signifies being "defiled" or "polluted." In the context of Numbers 9:10, it specifically denotes uncleanness incurred through contact with a dead body, a significant source of ritual defilement that temporarily disqualified an individual from participating in sacred rituals and approaching the Tabernacle. The provision here highlights God's recognition of legitimate, unavoidable hindrances to ritual purity, distinguishing them from willful negligence.
* **Journey (Hebrew, _derek_ H1870):** This noun, derived from a root meaning "to tread," signifies a "road" or "way." Figuratively, it can refer to a "course of life" or "mode of action." In Numbers 9:10, "in a journey afar off" refers to a situation where an individual is physically distant or remote, making it impossible to return to the central encampment in time for the primary Passover observance. This acknowledges the practical realities of travel and dispersion in the wilderness, indicating God's understanding of logistical barriers to immediate obedience.
* **Keep (Hebrew, _‘âśâh_ H6213):** This primitive root is a broad verb meaning "to do or make" in the widest sense and application. It encompasses actions such as "accomplish," "perform," "observe," or "execute." In this verse, "yet he shall keep the passover" emphasizes the enduring obligation to observe the Passover. Despite the legitimate obstacles of ritual impurity or physical distance, the command to celebrate this covenantal memorial is not nullified. Instead, a specific provision is made for its observance at a later, appointed time, underscoring the importance God places on this act of worship and fidelity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak unto the children of Israel, saying,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and universal scope of the instruction. God is directly addressing the entire community through Moses, indicating that this is a binding and enduring principle for Israel, not merely a one-time concession to a specific group. It underscores the importance of the message that follows.
* **"If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body,"**: This clause specifies the first legitimate reason for delayed Passover observance. It covers not only the current generation but also future generations ("your posterity"), making the provision a standing law for all time. The phrase "unclean by reason of a dead body" points to a specific, significant source of ritual impurity that rendered one temporarily unfit for sacred participation, highlighting the seriousness of such defilement within the Levitical system.
* **"or [be] in a journey afar off,"**: This clause presents the second legitimate reason for postponement. It addresses a practical, physical impediment—being too far away to return to the central assembly for the Passover at its prescribed time. This demonstrates God's consideration for the logistical realities and unavoidable circumstances of His people's lives in a mobile society.
* **"yet he shall keep the passover unto the LORD."**: This concluding clause is the crucial directive that encapsulates the divine accommodation. Despite the aforementioned obstacles, the fundamental obligation to observe the Passover remains. The word "yet" emphasizes that the command is not excused but rather accommodated by a delayed observance. The phrase "unto the LORD" underscores that the Passover is a sacred act of worship and obedience directed toward God Himself, reinforcing its non-negotiable importance and the desire for His people to participate.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 9:10 primarily functions as a piece of **Casuistic Law**, characterized by its "if-then" structure ("If X happens, then Y is the prescribed action"). This legal formulation provides clear, conditional guidelines for specific situations, demonstrating the practical and adaptable nature of God's covenantal instructions. The passage also powerfully exemplifies divine **Compassion** and **Inclusion**, as God makes a special provision to ensure that those legitimately hindered are not permanently excluded from a vital religious observance. This highlights His character as one who deeply desires relationship and participation from all His people. Furthermore, the very existence of this law introduces the concept of a "second chance" or **Grace-filled Accommodation** within the otherwise rigid framework of the Law, revealing God's character as one who desires obedience and fellowship, even when circumstances create significant obstacles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 9:10 profoundly illustrates God's character as both just in His demands and merciful in His provisions. While the Passover was a strict command, God provided a gracious accommodation for those genuinely unable to observe it at the appointed time due to ritual impurity or physical distance. This demonstrates that God values the sincere desire to obey and provides a way for His people to fulfill their covenant obligations, even when facing legitimate obstacles. It underscores the principle that God's laws are not meant to be burdensome or exclusionary when circumstances are beyond one's control, but rather to facilitate a relationship with Him. This provision for a "second Passover" (Pesach Sheni) highlights divine compassion and the importance of inclusion in the community of faith, ensuring that no one is permanently alienated from a vital act of worship due to unavoidable circumstances.

* [Exodus 12:1-14](/exodus/12-1-14 "Exodus 12:1-14 - Institution of the Passover")
* [Numbers 19:11-22](/numbers/19-11-22 "Numbers 19:11-22 - Laws of Uncleanness from a Dead Body")
* [2 Chronicles 30:1-5](/2_chronicles/30-1-5 "2 Chronicles 30:1-5 - Hezekiah's Delayed Passover")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 9:10 offers a powerful and enduring spiritual lesson for believers today. It reveals a God who is intimately aware of our limitations and circumstances, providing grace and alternative pathways when genuine obstacles prevent us from fulfilling our spiritual duties or participating fully in the community of faith. This passage encourages us to seek God's will and provision when we encounter hindrances, rather than succumbing to despair or abandoning obedience altogether. It reminds us that our desire to draw near to God is paramount, and He will always make a way for those who sincerely seek Him. Just as God provided for those ritually unclean or physically distant from the Tabernacle, He provides for us when we feel spiritually distant, defiled by sin, or hindered by life's challenging circumstances, always inviting us back into fellowship and worship. This divine accommodation serves as a profound comfort, assuring us that God's desire for our relationship outweighs rigid adherence to impossible standards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "unclean" or "far off" circumstances in my life might be hindering my full participation in spiritual disciplines or Christian community?**
* **How does God's provision in Numbers 9:10 encourage me when I feel unable to meet a spiritual expectation due to legitimate obstacles?**
* **What "second chances" or alternative pathways has God provided in my life to enable continued obedience or fellowship despite my failings or limitations?**
* **How can I extend similar grace, understanding, and practical accommodation to others in the body of Christ who face legitimate obstacles to their spiritual walk?**

### FAQ
**What is the "second Passover" (Pesach Sheni) and how does it relate to this verse?**

Answer: The "second Passover," or Pesach Sheni, is the provision established in [Numbers 9:10-12](/numbers/9-10-12 "Numbers 9:10-12 - The Law of the Second Passover"), allowing for a delayed observance of the Passover. If an Israelite was ritually unclean due to contact with a dead body or was on a distant journey and unable to return for the primary Passover observance on the 14th day of the first month, they were permitted to observe it exactly one month later, on the 14th day of the second month. This demonstrates God's grace and desire for inclusion, ensuring that all who genuinely desired to keep the Passover could do so. The instructions for this delayed observance mirrored the original Passover, including eating unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

**Why were "unclean by reason of a dead body" and "in a journey afar off" the specific reasons for postponement?**

Answer: These two conditions represent unavoidable and legitimate hindrances to participation in the primary Passover. Ritual uncleanness from a dead body was a significant and common form of impurity (as detailed in [Numbers 19](/numbers/19 "Numbers 19 - Laws of Purification")), which temporarily disqualified individuals from sacred activities and access to the Tabernacle. It was not a moral failing but a ritual state requiring a period of purification. Similarly, being "in a journey afar off" acknowledges the practical realities of travel and the difficulty of returning to the central encampment in time for the feast. God, in His wisdom and compassion, recognized these as valid reasons for postponement, distinguishing them from willful negligence or disobedience, thereby ensuring that His people were not unfairly excluded from covenantal worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 9:10, with its provision for a "second Passover" for those who were ritually unclean or physically distant, beautifully foreshadows the expansive and inclusive grace of Christ. The original Passover pointed to a sacrificial lamb whose blood brought deliverance from death, serving as a powerful type of Christ, the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as the Old Testament Passover required ritual purity and proximity to participate, humanity, in its fallen state, is spiritually "unclean" by sin and inherently "far off" from God due to our rebellion [Ephesians 2:12](/ephesians/2-12 "Ephesians 2:12 - Alienated from God"). Yet, Christ, our true [Passover Lamb](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ, our Passover Lamb"), through His perfect sacrifice on the cross, has made a way for all—regardless of their spiritual impurity or distance—to be cleansed and brought near to God. He is the ultimate "second chance," providing purification not just for a temporary ritual state but for the deep-seated uncleanness of sin. Through faith in Him, we who were once [far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Made Near by the Blood of Christ"), gaining access to God's presence and participation in the new covenant feast, the Supper of the Lamb [Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"). This passage, therefore, subtly points to the inclusive and redemptive work of Jesus, who ensures that no one genuinely desiring to come to God is excluded due to their condition, for He Himself is the way, the truth, and the life [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life").

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

1 Corinthians 6:9

¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

1 Corinthians 6:11

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Ephesians 3:6

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Ephesians 3:9

And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Romans 16:25

¶ Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

Romans 16:26

But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Matthew 5:24

Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.