Numbers 9:2

KJV

Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} also keep {H6213} the passover {H6453} at his appointed season {H4150}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Let the people of Isra'el observe Pesach at its designated time.

Berean Standard Bible

“The Israelites are to observe the Passover at its appointed time.

American Standard Version

Moreover let the children of Israel keep the passover in its appointed season.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 9:2 presents a direct divine imperative for the children of Israel to meticulously observe the Passover at its divinely designated time. This command, issued early in their wilderness sojourn, powerfully underscores the enduring significance of this foundational feast, serving as an essential reminder of God's redemptive faithfulness and Israel's unique covenant identity. Its placement within the narrative emphasizes that faithful worship and remembrance are paramount, preceding and enabling their continued journey and the eventual inheritance of the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 9:2 is strategically positioned within the book of Numbers, immediately following the completion and dedication of the Tabernacle (Numbers 7-8) and the meticulous organization of the Israelite camp according to tribal standards (Numbers 1-4). This precise placement is profoundly significant: having established their central place of worship and their societal order, God now calls them to observe a pivotal covenantal ordinance. The verses immediately succeeding this command (Numbers 9:3-5) detail the Israelites' prompt and obedient execution of this instruction, specifying the exact timing and location of the observance. This Passover celebration marks a crucial moment, occurring before the divine cloud lifts and the Israelites embark on the next phase of their journey from Mount Sinai (Numbers 10), thereby emphasizing that proper worship, covenant fidelity, and communal remembrance are foundational prerequisites for forward movement in God's redemptive plan. It highlights that their identity as God's people is intrinsically linked to their obedience to His sacred calendar and commands.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This divine mandate for Passover observance occurs in the second year after the momentous Exodus from Egypt, specifically in the first month, while the Israelites remained encamped at the base of Mount Sinai. This marks a historically significant moment, as it is the first time the Passover was to be celebrated since its original institution on the very night of their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, as comprehensively detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover and the Exodus"). The challenging wilderness environment presented unique logistical and spiritual obstacles, yet God's instruction unequivocally reiterated the non-negotiable nature of this feast. Culturally, the Passover was far more than a mere historical commemoration; it was a profound re-enactment of God's mighty redemptive act, serving to continuously solidify Israel's identity as a people supernaturally delivered by divine power and bound by an unbreakable covenant. The phrase "appointed season" (Hebrew: *mo'ed*) critically highlights that this was a fixed, divinely ordained time, an integral part of Israel's sacred calendar, thereby underscoring God's precise ordering of their worship, their communal life, and their relationship with Him.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 9:2 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch as a whole. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Order**, evident in God's meticulous establishment of Israel's sacred calendar and His precise timing for their worship and movements. This verse reinforces the idea that God governs all aspects of His people's lives, from their daily encampments to their annual feasts. Another prominent theme is **Covenant Faithfulness and Obedience**, as the command to "keep the Passover" serves as a continuous test and affirmation of Israel's commitment to their covenant with Yahweh, a covenant established at Sinai and rooted in the Exodus event (cf. [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel as God's Treasured Possession")). The Passover itself is a powerful theme of **Redemption and Remembrance**, ensuring that the foundational act of God's deliverance from slavery is perpetually recalled and re-experienced by each generation, fostering a corporate memory of God's saving power. Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Preparation for the Journey**, as this act of worship precedes Israel's departure from Sinai, signaling that spiritual readiness and adherence to divine ordinances are essential for navigating the wilderness and entering the Promised Land (cf. [Numbers 10:11-12](/numbers/10-11-12 "Numbers 10:11-12 - The Departure from Sinai")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to build," this term refers to a son, but in its widest sense, it encompasses descendants, offspring, or members of a group, signifying those who belong to a family, nation, or collective. In this context, "children of Israel" (H1121 and H3478) refers to the entire Israelite community, emphasizing their collective identity as the chosen people, descendants of Jacob (Israel), and their shared responsibility in observing God's commands. It underscores the communal nature of the covenant and the intergenerational transmission of faith and obedience.
* **Keep (Hebrew, _ʿâśâh'_):** This primitive root is exceptionally broad, meaning "to do or make" in the widest application. In this context, it specifically means "to perform," "to observe," or "to execute" the Passover ritual. It implies active, intentional, and complete obedience to the divine instruction, requiring the Israelites not merely to remember passively but to engage in the prescribed rituals, demonstrating their commitment to the covenant and their gratitude for God's redemption. This verb highlights the practical, actionable nature of faith.
* **Appointed Season (Hebrew, _môwʻêd'_):** This term signifies a fixed, designated time or season for a sacred assembly or festival. It emphasizes God's precise ordering of their worship calendar and His sovereign timing. The Passover was not to be observed arbitrarily but at a specific, divinely ordained moment, reinforcing the importance of obedience to God's timing and His established ordinances for their communal life and worship. It speaks to the divine precision and the sacredness of the timing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let the children of Israel also keep":** This phrase functions as a direct, authoritative command from God, conveyed through Moses. The inclusion of "also" (Hebrew: *gam*) implies a continuity with the original institution of the Passover in Egypt, reminding the current generation of their ongoing obligation to this foundational ordinance. It emphasizes the collective responsibility of the entire community, highlighting the communal nature of their covenant relationship with Yahweh and the intergenerational transfer of their sacred duties.
* **"the passover":** This refers to the specific ritual commemoration of God's miraculous deliverance from Egyptian slavery. It involved the sacrifice of a lamb, the application of its blood to doorposts, and the eating of its roasted flesh with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, all performed within family units (cf. [Exodus 12:8-11](/exodus/12-8-11 "Exodus 12:8-11 - Instructions for Eating the Passover Meal")). This annual observance was crucial for maintaining the historical memory and theological understanding of their national identity and God's saving power.
* **"at his appointed season":** This phrase underscores the precise timing required for the Passover observance. It was to be kept on the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight (Numbers 9:3), a specific date on the Israelite calendar. This adherence to God's timing was not merely a matter of ritualistic precision but an act of trust and obedience, acknowledging God's sovereignty over time and His meticulous ordering of their lives and worship. It emphasizes the sacredness of the divine calendar.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 9:2 primarily employs **Imperative Mood**, as it is a direct divine command ("Let the children of Israel... keep"). This grammatical structure powerfully conveys God's absolute authority and the non-negotiable nature of the instruction, emphasizing the necessity of immediate and complete obedience from the Israelite community. The verse also functions as a form of **Reiteration** or **Reinforcement**, as the Passover was already instituted in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover"). Its re-issuance here, in the wilderness, underscores its enduring importance and perpetual relevance for the covenant community, preventing its neglect despite their transient circumstances and ensuring its transmission to the next generation. Furthermore, the verse is a **Prescription** for a sacred **Ritual**, part of the larger body of Mosaic Law that meticulously outlines Israel's religious practices, thereby shaping their identity and relationship with God through structured, divinely ordained worship. The specific mention of "appointed season" also highlights **Emphasis**, drawing attention to the precise timing and order God demands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 9:2 powerfully communicates the enduring theological themes of divine remembrance, covenant faithfulness, and the necessity of obedient worship. The command to observe the Passover in the wilderness served as a vital anchor for Israel, reminding them of God's mighty act of redemption and their identity as His liberated people, even amidst their transient existence. It teaches that God's ordinances are not optional but essential for maintaining a vibrant relationship with Him, fostering both corporate memory and individual devotion. The Passover, with its blood sacrifice and communal meal, profoundly foreshadowed the ultimate redemptive work of the Messiah, providing a rich theological tapestry that connects the Old Covenant with the New.

* [Exodus 12:24-27](/exodus/12-24-27 "Exodus 12:24-27 - Passover as a Perpetual Ordinance and Teaching")
* [Deuteronomy 16:1-3](/deuteronomy/16-1-3 "Deuteronomy 16:1-3 - Instructions for Passover and Unleavened Bread")
* [2 Chronicles 30:1-5](/2_chronicles/30-1-5 "2 Chronicles 30:1-5 - Hezekiah's Call for a Deferred Passover")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The command in Numbers 9:2 to "keep the Passover at his appointed season" carries profound implications for believers today, transcending its historical context to offer timeless spiritual truths. Just as Israel was called to remember God's physical deliverance from bondage, we are called to remember and continually acknowledge God's spiritual deliverance through Jesus Christ. Our participation in the Lord's Supper, or Communion, serves as our New Covenant memorial, a sacred ordinance that points us back to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, our true Passover Lamb. This verse reminds us of the importance of spiritual disciplines and corporate worship, observed not out of mere tradition, but with intentionality, reverence, and a sincere heart, recognizing them as God-appointed means of grace that deepen our relationship with Him and reinforce our identity in Christ. Furthermore, the emphasis on the "appointed season" encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing in all areas of our lives, submitting our plans and desires to His sovereign will, knowing that His ways and His timing are always best for our spiritual growth, our communal flourishing, and His ultimate glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance, both in biblical history and in your personal life, shape your present faith and future hope?**
* **In what ways do we, like Israel, need to be reminded to "keep" God's commands and spiritual ordinances at His "appointed season" in our lives, rather than on our own terms or convenience?**
* **What spiritual "ordinances" or disciplines in your life serve as memorials of Christ's work, and how can you observe them with greater intentionality and a renewed sense of their sacred purpose and power?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for Israel to observe the Passover in the wilderness, far removed from Egypt?**

Answer: Observing the Passover in the wilderness was crucial for several profound reasons. Firstly, it served as a powerful and ongoing reminder of God's miraculous deliverance from Egyptian slavery, reinforcing their national identity and their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. This act of remembrance ensured that the foundational story of their redemption was not forgotten, especially by the younger generation who had not personally experienced the Exodus (cf. [Exodus 12:26-27](/exodus/12-26-27 "Exodus 12:26-27 - The Purpose of Passover for Future Generations")). Secondly, it was an act of direct obedience to a divine command, demonstrating their faithfulness and submission to God's authority even in challenging and transient circumstances. Thirdly, it helped to transmit the story of the Exodus to the younger generation, ensuring that the foundational narrative of their faith was preserved and understood as a living, current reality. Finally, it prepared them spiritually for the journey ahead and the eventual entrance into the Promised Land, reminding them that God's faithfulness extended beyond their initial salvation and that their future depended on continued obedience and remembrance.

**How does the concept of "appointed season" (mo'ed) in Numbers 9:2 relate to God's character?**

Answer: The phrase "appointed season" (Hebrew: *mo'ed*) reveals several key aspects of God's character. It highlights His **orderliness and precision**, demonstrating that God is not a God of chaos but of divine arrangement and meticulous planning. His commands are not arbitrary but are given with specific timing and purpose, reflecting His perfect design for creation and redemption. It also underscores His **sovereignty**, as He sets the times and seasons for His people's worship and actions, asserting His ultimate control over history and human affairs (cf. [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - God's Sovereignty Over Nations and Times")). Furthermore, it speaks to His **faithfulness**, as He consistently provides the means and opportunities for His people to remember His acts of redemption and to draw near to Him according to His established patterns. This emphasis on divine timing encourages trust in God's perfect plan, even when circumstances are uncertain, knowing that God's timing is always for our good and His glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 9:2, with its command for Israel to keep the Passover, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Passover, centered on the sacrificial lamb whose blood protected from death, was a powerful type pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of the [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 Passover marked Israel's liberation from physical bondage, Christ's death on the cross secures our liberation from the bondage of sin and death, establishing a new and eternal covenant. 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), signifying that He is the fulfillment of all that the Passover foreshadowed. The Last Supper, observed by Jesus with His disciples, transformed the Passover meal into the institution of the Lord's Supper, a new covenant memorial where believers remember His broken body and shed blood, which inaugurated the new covenant (cf. [Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). Through Christ, the temporary, annual observance of the Passover is superseded by a permanent, perfect redemption, offering eternal life and access to God through His superior sacrifice (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Thus, the command in Numbers 9:2 ultimately points us to the person and work of Jesus, the true and eternal Passover, whose once-for-all sacrifice provides the ultimate deliverance and establishes the new covenant of grace (cf. [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's 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

1 Corinthians 5:7

¶ Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

1 Corinthians 5:8

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened [bread] of sincerity and truth.

Deuteronomy 16:1

¶ Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night.

Deuteronomy 16:2

Thou shalt therefore sacrifice the passover unto the LORD thy God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there.

2 Chronicles 35:1

¶ Moreover Josiah kept a passover unto the LORD in Jerusalem: and they killed the passover on the fourteenth [day] of the first month.

Leviticus 23:5

In the fourteenth [day] of the first month at even [is] the LORD'S passover.

Luke 22:7

¶ Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.