Numbers 9:11

The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, [and] eat it with unleavened bread and bitter [herbs].

The fourteenth {H702}{H6240} day {H3117} of the second {H8145} month {H2320} at even {H6153} they shall keep {H6213} it, and eat {H398} it with unleavened bread {H4682} and bitter {H4844} herbs.

But he will observe it in the second month on the fourteenth day at dusk. They are to eat it with matzah and maror,

Such people are to observe it at twilight on the fourteenth day of the second month. They are to eat the lamb, together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs;

In the second month on the fourteenth day at even they shall keep it; they shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs:

Numbers 9:11 describes the specific timing and manner for observing what is often called the "Second Passover" (Pesach Sheni). This provision was given to the Israelites in the wilderness for those who were unable to celebrate the regular Passover at its appointed time in the first month.

Context

The immediate context of Numbers 9:11 is the divine instruction regarding the Passover celebration. According to Numbers 9:2, the Israelites were commanded to keep the Passover at its appointed season. However, a specific problem arose where some individuals were ritually unclean due to a dead body or were on a long journey, preventing them from participating (as seen in Numbers 9:6-7). In response to their plea, God provided this compassionate alternative: to observe the Passover exactly one month later.

This "Second Passover" demonstrates God's mercy and desire for all His people to participate in His covenant rituals, even if circumstances initially prevented them. It echoes the original Passover institution found in Exodus 12, which commemorated their liberation from Egyptian bondage.

Key Themes

  • Divine Mercy and Inclusivity: God provides a way for those legitimately hindered to still fulfill their spiritual obligations, showing His gracious desire for all to be included in His redemptive acts.
  • Importance of Observance: While a delay was permitted, the command to keep the Passover was not abrogated. It underscored the non-negotiable nature of remembering God's deliverance.
  • Symbolism of the Meal: The requirement to eat "unleavened bread" and "bitter herbs" remained, reinforcing the core messages of the original Passover: the haste of their departure from Egypt and the bitterness of their slavery.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the fourteenth day of the second month" (Hebrew: b'arba'ah asar yom ba'chodesh ha'sheni) explicitly differentiates this observance from the primary Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month. "At even" (Hebrew: ben ha'arbayim) refers to the twilight period, between the two evenings, which was the prescribed time for the slaughter of the Passover lamb.

The "unleavened bread" (Hebrew: matzah) symbolizes the hasty departure from Egypt, leaving no time for bread to rise. The "bitter herbs" (Hebrew: maror) served as a pungent reminder of the harshness of slavery endured by the Israelites in Egypt. These elements were crucial to the Passover meal's symbolic power.

Practical Application

Numbers 9:11 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It teaches us about God's compassionate understanding of human limitations and His provision for those who genuinely desire to obey Him but face unavoidable obstacles. While the specific ritual of Passover has been fulfilled in Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7), the principle of seeking to fulfill our spiritual duties, even if adjustments are needed, remains vital.

This verse encourages us to pursue spiritual disciplines with sincerity, knowing that God values our heart's desire for obedience and provides grace when circumstances are beyond our control. It reminds us to always remember and give thanks for God's redemptive acts in our lives.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:2

    For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:15

    Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth [day] of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD.

  • Numbers 9:3

    In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it.

  • Exodus 12:2

    This month [shall be] unto you the beginning of months: it [shall be] the first month of the year to you.

  • Exodus 12:14

    And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

  • Deuteronomy 16:3

    Thou shalt eat no leavened bread with it; seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread therewith, [even] the bread of affliction; for thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt in haste: that thou mayest remember the day when thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of thy life.

  • Exodus 12:43

    ¶ And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This [is] the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:
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