Numbers 9:4

KJV

And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, that they should keep the passover.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} spake {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, that they should keep {H6213} the passover {H6453}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe told the people of Isra'el to observe Pesach.

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses told the Israelites to observe the Passover,

American Standard Version

And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, that they should keep the passover.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 9:4 precisely records Moses' divine mandate to the Israelites, instructing them to observe the Passover. This command, issued in the wilderness, transcends a mere historical recollection; it underscores the perpetual nature and vital importance of this divinely ordained memorial. It serves to reinforce Israel's covenant identity, their ongoing obligation to remember God's mighty act of redemption and deliverance from Egyptian bondage, and their call to faithful obedience as His redeemed people, regardless of their circumstances or location.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a distinct narrative block (Numbers 9:1-14) that functions as a chronological interlude within the broader Book of Numbers. While the preceding chapters (Numbers 7-8) meticulously detail the dedication of the Tabernacle and the consecration of the Levites, and subsequent chapters (Numbers 10ff) resume the narrative of Israel's journey from Sinai, Numbers 9:1 explicitly states that the events of this section occurred "in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt." This precise temporal marker places the command and observance of this second Passover *prior* to the general census in Numbers 1 and the subsequent departure from Mount Sinai. This strategic interruption of the journey narrative emphasizes the enduring significance of the Passover as a foundational ordinance, highlighting a critical act of covenant faithfulness that transcends the immediate flow of events and underscores its perpetual relevance for the nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in Numbers 9:4 is given while the Israelites are still encamped at Mount Sinai, approximately one year after their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage. The first Passover, meticulously detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover"), was the pivotal event that marked their liberation, where the blood of the lamb on their doorposts caused the angel of death to "pass over" their homes, sparing their firstborn. This second observance underscores that the Passover was not a one-time historical event but a perpetual statute, a "memorial throughout your generations" ([Exodus 12:14](/exodus/12-14 "Exodus 12:14 - A Perpetual Ordinance")). Observing it in the wilderness, away from the settled life of Canaan, highlights God's expectation of unwavering obedience regardless of challenging circumstances. This act reinforced their identity as His redeemed people, bound by covenant and called to remember His mighty acts, even in a nomadic and transient setting.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 9:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Pentateuch and the Book of Numbers. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Command and Obedience**, emphasizing that God's instructions are binding and require faithful adherence, even when logistically challenging in the wilderness. It powerfully reinforces the theme of **Remembrance and Memorial**, ensuring that the foundational act of deliverance from Egypt, central to Israel's identity, is never forgotten but continually re-enacted. This perpetuates the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as the Passover is a key ordinance that solidifies Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh. Furthermore, the verse subtly highlights **God's Unchanging Nature**, demonstrating His consistent expectation of worship and adherence to His statutes, regardless of the people's location or stage in their journey, as seen in the repeated emphasis on observing the Passover "at its appointed time" ([Numbers 9:2](/numbers/9-2 "Numbers 9:2 - Keep the Passover at its Appointed Time")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This verb (H1696) signifies a forceful, authoritative utterance, often implying a divine communication. In the context of Moses speaking to Israel, it denotes that Moses is not merely offering advice or a suggestion but relaying a direct, binding command from God. This emphasizes the divine origin and the non-negotiable nature of the instruction, highlighting Moses' role as a faithful messenger of Yahweh.
* **keep (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This verb (H6213) is a primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In this context, it implies "to observe," "to perform," or "to celebrate" with diligence, intentionality, and precision according to prescribed rituals. It signifies not merely a passive remembrance but an active, ritualistic observance of the Passover, complete with all its prescribed elements, as a continued act of worship and remembrance of God's redemptive power.
* **passover (Hebrew, _peçach'_):
** This term (H6453) refers to the annual festival commemorating God's act of "passing over" the homes of the Israelites marked by the blood of the lamb, thereby sparing their firstborn during the final plague in Egypt. The word itself carries connotations of protection, sparing, and deliverance, encapsulating the core theological meaning of the event—God's gracious act of redemption and judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses spake unto the children of Israel":** This initial clause establishes Moses' pivotal role as the divinely appointed mediator and messenger. It underscores the direct and authoritative nature of the communication, signifying that this is not a human decree but a command originating from God, relayed through His chosen leader, to the entire community of Israel, thereby requiring universal compliance and attention.
* **"that they should keep the passover":** This is the specific divine imperative conveyed through Moses. The command to "keep" (Hebrew: _ʻâsâh_) the Passover signifies a comprehensive and active observance of the festival, encompassing all its prescribed rituals, sacrifices, and communal meals. It is a call to diligent and intentional participation, ensuring that the memory of God's mighty act of deliverance is perpetually enshrined in the life and worship of the nation, serving as a foundational pillar of their covenant identity.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 9:4 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Direct Command**, as the verse presents a clear, unambiguous instruction from God, relayed through Moses, to the Israelite community. This highlights the absolute divine authority behind the ordinance and the expectation of immediate and complete obedience. Implicit in this command is the literary device of **Continuity**, as the verse explicitly refers back to the initial institution of the Passover in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover"), emphasizing that this was not a new or isolated command but a reaffirmation of an established, perpetual statute. Furthermore, Moses functions as a **Mediator Figure**, a recurring literary and theological motif throughout the Pentateuch, underscoring the structured relationship between God and His people, where divine will is communicated through a chosen leader, bridging the gap between the transcendent God and His earthly covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 9:4 profoundly underscores the enduring importance of divine ordinances and the principle of faithful obedience within the covenant relationship. The Passover was not merely a historical commemoration but a perpetual act of remembrance, reinforcing Israel's identity as God's redeemed people. It teaches that God's commands are for their good and demand consistent observance as an act of faith and gratitude for His saving acts. The continuity of the command, even in the challenging wilderness, highlights God's unchanging nature and His expectation of faithfulness from His people, demonstrating that true worship transcends circumstances. This verse establishes a pattern of God's people being called to remember and re-enact His redemptive acts, ensuring that the foundational truths of their salvation are passed down through generations and remain central to their communal life and individual devotion.

* [Exodus 12:14](/exodus/12-14 "Exodus 12:14 - A Perpetual Ordinance")
* [Deuteronomy 16:1-8](/deuteronomy/16 "Deuteronomy 16 - The Feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread")
* [Joshua 5:10](/joshua/5-10 "Joshua 5:10 - Passover in Canaan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 9:4 serves as a potent reminder that God's commands are not arbitrary suggestions but essential expressions of His will for our flourishing and His glory. Just as the Israelites were called to remember God's mighty deliverance through the Passover, believers today are called to remember and live out the profound salvation wrought by Christ. This verse challenges us to consider the consistency of our obedience, not just in times of ease but also in the "wilderness" seasons of life—periods of uncertainty, hardship, or transition where faithfulness might be tested. It invites us to reflect on how deeply we value divine ordinances and whether our lives truly reflect a grateful response to God's redemptive work, leading us to active participation in the spiritual disciplines and communal observances He has established for our good and His honor. Our faithfulness in "keeping" God's commands is a tangible expression of our love and trust in Him, echoing the ancient Israelites' commitment to their covenant Lord and demonstrating our ongoing reliance on His grace and provision, even when circumstances seem to defy easy observance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance strengthen our faith and obedience in the present, especially when facing new challenges?**
* **In what "wilderness" seasons of life might God be calling us to renewed faithfulness and diligent observance of His commands, even when it feels inconvenient or difficult?**
* **What specific "ordinances" or practices in our Christian faith (e.g., communion, baptism, corporate worship, personal devotion) are we called to "keep" with diligence and intentionality today, and how do they connect us to God's redemptive story?**

### FAQ
**Why is the Passover being observed again in Numbers, not long after its initial institution in Exodus?**

Answer: This observance, recorded in [Numbers 9:1-5](/numbers/9-1-5 "Numbers 9:1-5 - The Second Passover"), takes place approximately one year after the first Passover in Egypt, while the Israelites are still encamped at Mount Sinai. The text explicitly states it was "in the first month of the second year" after their departure from Egypt. This repetition underscores the Passover's nature as a perpetual ordinance, not a one-time event. God commanded that it be kept "at its appointed time" ([Numbers 9:2](/numbers/9-2 "Numbers 9:2 - Keep the Passover at its Appointed Time")), emphasizing its ongoing significance as a memorial of God's deliverance and a foundational element of Israel's covenant identity, regardless of their physical location or circumstances. It served to embed the memory of God's saving power deeply within the national consciousness.

**What does it mean for the Israelites to "keep" the Passover?**

Answer: To "keep" (Hebrew: _ʻâsâh_) the Passover means to actively observe, perform, or celebrate it according to God's precise instructions. This involved specific rituals, including the sacrifice of a lamb, the application of its blood, and the eating of unleavened bread and bitter herbs, as detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover"). It was a comprehensive act of worship and remembrance, designed to ensure that the memory of God's mighty act of salvation—His "passing over" their homes during the final plague—was continually passed down through generations. It was a tangible expression of their covenant loyalty, gratitude for redemption, and ongoing reliance on God's protection.

**Was it challenging for the Israelites to observe the Passover while in the wilderness?**

Answer: While the logistics of observing such a large-scale festival in the wilderness for a nation of millions would certainly present challenges, the biblical text does not focus on these difficulties. Instead, it highlights their obedience: "[And the children of Israel did keep the passover at his appointed season in the wilderness of Sinai]" ([Numbers 9:5](/numbers/9-5 "Numbers 9:5 - Israel Observes the Passover")). This demonstrates their commitment to God's commands even in non-ideal circumstances. The fact that God specifically commanded its observance in the wilderness underscores that His ordinances are binding regardless of external conditions, and He provides the means for His people to obey, demonstrating His expectation of faithfulness even amidst hardship and transience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The command in Numbers 9:4 for Israel to "keep the passover" finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The original Passover lamb, whose innocent blood protected Israel from divine judgment, was a powerful type foreshadowing 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 blood of the lamb secured physical deliverance for Israel from Egyptian bondage and death, the shed blood of Christ on the cross provides spiritual deliverance from the bondage of sin and eternal death for all who believe. [Paul explicitly declares](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ, Our Passover Lamb") that "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us," identifying Jesus as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that the Old Testament Passover anticipated. The New Covenant "Passover" is not merely a remembrance of a past event but a participation in the ongoing reality of Christ's triumph over sin and death, celebrated in the [Lord's Supper](/1_corinthians/11-23 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"), which proclaims His death until He comes again. Thus, the imperative to "keep the passover" for ancient Israel transforms into the call for New Covenant believers to live in grateful obedience to Christ, our true and eternal Passover, whose perfect sacrifice ushered in a new era of grace and redemption, fulfilling the very essence of God's saving plan and offering ultimate freedom from judgment.

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.