Numbers 9:5

KJV

And they kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month at even in the wilderness of Sinai: according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they kept {H6213} the passover {H6453} on the fourteenth {H702}{H6240} day {H3117} of the first {H7223} month {H2320} at even {H6153} in the wilderness {H4057} of Sinai {H5514}: according to all that the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}, so did {H6213} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they observed Pesach at dusk on the fourteenth day of the month in the Sinai Desert; the people of Isra'el acted in accordance with all that ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

and they did so in the Wilderness of Sinai, at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. The Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

American Standard Version

And they kept the passover in the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, at even, in the wilderness of Sinai: according to all that Jehovah commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 9:5 meticulously records the second observance of the Passover by the children of Israel, taking place precisely on the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight, while they were still encamped in the demanding wilderness of Sinai. This verse powerfully underscores Israel's unwavering and meticulous obedience to every detail of the divine command given through Moses, demonstrating their faithfulness to the covenant even amidst the challenging and transient conditions of their nomadic journey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 9:5 is situated within a distinct section (Numbers 9:1-14) that specifically addresses the observance of the Passover, serving as a direct fulfillment of the Lord's instruction given in the preceding verses, Numbers 9:1-2. This passage falls after the detailed census of the tribes ([Numbers 1-4](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census")), the laws concerning purity and restitution ([Numbers 5](/numbers/5 "Numbers 5 - Laws of Purity and Restitution")), and the regulations for Nazirite vows and priestly blessings ([Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - Nazirite Vows and Priestly Blessing")). It also follows the elaborate account of the offerings made by the tribal leaders for the dedication of the Tabernacle ([Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings for the Tabernacle's Dedication")) and the consecration of the Levites ([Numbers 8](/numbers/8 "Numbers 8 - Consecration of the Levites")). This moment of collective obedience precedes the significant narrative shift in [Numbers 10](/numbers/10 "Numbers 10 - Departure from Sinai"), where Israel finally departs from Mount Sinai, embarking on the long and often rebellious journey through the wilderness. Thus, Numbers 9:5 stands as a poignant affirmation of Israel's faithfulness at a critical juncture before their subsequent failures.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Numbers 9:5 finds the Israelites encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai, approximately one year after their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage. This location was profoundly significant, as it was here that God had established His covenant with Israel, delivered the Ten Commandments, and provided the detailed blueprints for the Tabernacle and its associated laws, as recorded throughout [Exodus 19-40](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai") and [Leviticus 1-27](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Laws of Offerings"). The Passover itself was not a new institution; it was a foundational covenantal feast, first observed in Egypt as the prelude to the Exodus ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover and Exodus")). Its observance in the "wilderness of Sinai" highlights a crucial theological point: God's commands were binding regardless of Israel's geographical location or transient status. Despite the logistical challenges of performing such a complex ritual in a nomadic setting, the precise adherence to the "fourteenth day of the first month at even" underscores their commitment to the divine calendar and their covenant obligations. This act of obedience reaffirmed their identity as God's redeemed people, chosen and set apart.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 9:5 contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command**, which is explicitly stated in the concluding phrase, emphasizing Israel's adherence to "all that the LORD commanded Moses." This moment of faithfulness stands in stark contrast to the recurring theme of **Rebellion and Disobedience** that will characterize much of Israel's subsequent wilderness journey, particularly from [Numbers 11](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - Murmuring and Quail") onwards. The verse also reinforces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as the Passover itself is a central covenantal institution, reminding Israel of God's redemptive act and their unique relationship with Him. Furthermore, the setting "in the wilderness of Sinai" highlights the theme of **God's Presence and Provision in the Wilderness**, demonstrating that even in challenging, unsettled circumstances, God's commands are to be observed, and His presence is active among His people. Finally, the meticulous timing and location underscore the theme of **Divine Order and Specificity in Worship**, reflecting God's precise requirements for His people's spiritual life, a theme echoed in the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its rituals found in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") and [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Laws of Offerings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **kept (Hebrew, _‘âsâh'_):** The Hebrew verb עָשָׂה (_‘âsâh'_, H6213) carries the broad meaning of "to do," "to make," "to perform," or "to carry out." In this context, it signifies an active, intentional, and diligent execution of the command. It implies more than mere passive acknowledgment; it speaks to the meticulous and dutiful performance of the Passover ritual. This active "doing" underscores the Israelites' commitment to God's directive, highlighting their volitional response to divine instruction.
* **Passover (Hebrew, _peçach'_):** The noun פֶּסַח (_peçach'_, H6453) refers to the annual feast commemorating God's "passing over" the houses of the Israelites when He struck the firstborn of Egypt, thus sparing His people and delivering them from bondage. It is central to Israel's national and religious identity, serving as a perpetual memorial of divine redemption and the establishment of the covenant. Its observance was a re-affirmation of their relationship with Yahweh and a remembrance of His mighty acts.
* **wilderness (Hebrew, _midbâr'_):** The Hebrew noun מִדְבָּר (_midbâr'_, H4057) typically denotes a "pasture" or "open field" where cattle are driven, and by implication, a "desert" or "wilderness." In biblical narrative, the wilderness is often a place of testing, purification, and direct encounter with God. Its mention here emphasizes the challenging and transient environment in which this significant religious observance occurred, highlighting that God's commands are binding regardless of difficult or inconvenient circumstances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they kept the passover":** This opening clause immediately establishes the central action of the verse: the children of Israel actively performed the Passover ritual. It signifies their obedience to a foundational divine institution, emphasizing their collective participation in this crucial act of worship and remembrance.
* **"on the fourteenth day of the first month at even":** This specifies the exact timing of the observance, demonstrating precise adherence to the divinely appointed calendar. The "fourteenth day of the first month" (Nisan) and "at even" (referring to the twilight period, or "between the two evenings") were the exact times prescribed for the original Passover in [Exodus 12:6](/exodus/12-6 "Exodus 12:6 - Timing of the Passover Sacrifice"), underscoring the Israelites' meticulous obedience to God's detailed instructions.
* **"in the wilderness of Sinai":** This phrase highlights the geographical context, emphasizing that this significant religious observance occurred not in a settled land or a temple, but in the challenging, transient environment of the wilderness. It underscores that God's commands were binding and to be obeyed regardless of difficult or inconvenient circumstances, showcasing their commitment even amidst hardship.
* **"according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel":** This is the climactic statement of the verse, serving as a powerful affirmation of complete and meticulous obedience. The repetition of the idea of divine command and human fulfillment emphasizes that every detail of the instruction was precisely carried out. This phrase functions as a seal of approval on Israel's faithfulness at this moment, highlighting the absolute authority of God's word mediated through Moses.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 9:5 employs several subtle yet effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically through the recurring phrase "according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel." This precise formulation, or variations of it, appears frequently throughout Exodus and Numbers, functioning as a powerful **rhetorical device** to underscore the completeness and exactness of Israel's obedience. It serves as an emphatic affirmation of their faithfulness to the divine mandate at this specific point in their journey. Furthermore, the verse subtly employs **Contrast** when viewed against the broader narrative of Numbers. This moment of perfect, collective obedience stands in stark contrast to the numerous instances of murmuring, rebellion, and disobedience that will characterize the Israelites' subsequent wilderness wanderings (e.g., [Numbers 11:1-6](/numbers/11-1-6 "Numbers 11:1-6 - Murmuring and Quail")). By highlighting this initial faithfulness, the text implicitly **foreshadows** the importance of obedience while simultaneously setting a benchmark against which later failures can be measured. Finally, the Passover itself is rich in **Symbolism**, representing deliverance, sacrifice, and the covenant relationship, and its observance in the wilderness reinforces its enduring significance beyond a specific geographical location.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 9:5 profoundly underscores the centrality of obedience to God's revealed will as the non-negotiable foundation of the covenant relationship. It teaches that divine commands are not optional suggestions but binding directives, whose authority transcends geographical location or challenging circumstances. The meticulous observance of the Passover in the wilderness serves as a powerful reminder of God's redemptive power and Israel's identity as His chosen people, emphasizing the themes of remembrance, covenant faithfulness, and the absolute authority of God's word. This act of obedience also highlights the importance of precise adherence to divine instruction, setting a standard for future generations and demonstrating that true worship involves diligent conformity to God's revealed will.

* [Exodus 12:14](/exodus/12-14 "Exodus 12:14 - Passover as a Perpetual Memorial")
* [Deuteronomy 11:27](/deuteronomy/11-27 "Deuteronomy 11:27 - Blessing for Obedience")
* [Joshua 1:7](/joshua/1-7 "Joshua 1:7 - The Importance of Obeying the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 9:5 offers a timeless and powerful challenge for contemporary believers, urging us to consider the depth of our own obedience to God's commands. Just as Israel was called to observe the Passover in the challenging "wilderness of Sinai," we too are called to maintain our spiritual disciplines and faithfulness to God's word regardless of our life circumstances, whether in seasons of prosperity or adversity. This verse reminds us that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrated through active, intentional, and often costly obedience. It prompts us to remember God's past acts of deliverance and faithfulness in our own lives, allowing that remembrance to fuel our present and future commitment to Him. Our obedience, like Israel's, should be a response to God's authority and a reflection of our covenant relationship with Him, demonstrating that we trust His wisdom and love above our own understanding or convenience. This passage encourages us to seek not just partial compliance, but a wholehearted and meticulous adherence to God's will in every area of our lives, recognizing that such obedience is an act of worship and a testament to His sovereignty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "wilderness" seasons of life might God be calling me to renewed obedience, even when circumstances are difficult or inconvenient?**
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance in my life strengthen my resolve to obey Him today, particularly when faced with challenges?**
* **What specific commands of God am I currently struggling to obey fully, and what practical steps can I take towards greater faithfulness in those areas, recognizing that true obedience often requires sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for Israel to keep the Passover in the wilderness of Sinai?**

Answer: It was critically important for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated that God's commands were not geographically limited or dependent on comfortable, settled circumstances. Even in the transient, challenging environment of the [wilderness](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33 - Forty Years in the Wilderness"), God's law was binding. Secondly, it reinforced Israel's covenant identity and obligation. The Passover was a foundational feast commemorating their deliverance from Egypt, and its observance reminded them who they were as God's redeemed people, even before entering the Promised Land. Thirdly, it served as a test and affirmation of their obedience to the Mosaic Law, which they had recently received at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai"). This act of faithfulness at the beginning of their journey set a precedent for future obedience and showed their commitment to the divine calendar and instructions.

**Is this the first Passover observance mentioned in the Bible?**

Answer: No, this is not the first Passover observance mentioned in the Bible. The first Passover was instituted and observed in Egypt just before the Exodus, as detailed comprehensively in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover and Exodus"). That initial Passover was the pivotal event that led to Israel's liberation from slavery. The observance in Numbers 9:5 is the second recorded Passover, taking place approximately one year later, while Israel was still encamped at [Mount Sinai](/numbers/9-1 "Numbers 9:1 - Passover Commanded at Sinai"). This second observance signifies a renewed commitment to God's commands and covenant after receiving the Law, highlighting the ongoing importance of this foundational feast for their national and spiritual identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous observance of the Passover in Numbers 9:5, with its emphasis on the sacrificial lamb and deliverance from death, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross delivers humanity not merely from physical bondage but from the spiritual slavery to sin and the certainty of eternal death ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected Israel, so the shed blood of Christ inaugurates a new covenant, providing atonement and access to God for all who believe ([Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - The New Covenant in His Blood")). The New Testament portrays Christ as "our Passover lamb" who "has been sacrificed" ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb")), transcending the shadow of the Old Testament ritual with the reality of His saving work. Our obedience as New Covenant believers is no longer primarily a legalistic adherence to external commands, but a Spirit-empowered response of gratitude and love, flowing from our identification with Christ's death and resurrection. We remember His sacrifice through the Lord's Supper ([1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")) and live lives transformed by His grace, presenting ourselves as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice")), demonstrating our faithfulness to the One who perfectly fulfilled all that the Law and the Prophets foreshadowed.

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

Joshua 5:10

¶ And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Acts 26:19

Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Exodus 39:32

¶ Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.

Deuteronomy 1:3

And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first [day] of the month, [that] Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them;

Deuteronomy 4:5

Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.