Numbers 9:10

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.

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}.

"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.

“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.

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

Numbers 9:10 KJV is part of God's response to a specific question raised by some Israelites regarding their ability to observe the Passover. This verse provides a clear instruction for those who were ritually unclean or physically distant at the appointed time for the first Passover observance in the wilderness.

Context

Following the command to keep the Passover in the first month of the second year after leaving Egypt (Numbers 9:1-5), some men approached Moses and Aaron. They were unclean because of a dead body and therefore restricted from participating in the communal religious rituals, including the Passover. They asked why they should be excluded from bringing their offering to the LORD at its appointed time (Numbers 9:6-7). Moses brought their case before the LORD (Numbers 9:8), and verses 9-14 contain God's direct answer, providing an alternative arrangement for them and future generations. This verse specifies who qualifies for this alternative.

Key Themes

  • Provision for Obstacles: God makes a way for those genuinely prevented from obeying a command at the prescribed time due to unavoidable circumstances (like ritual uncleanness or physical distance).
  • Importance of Obedience: Despite the obstacle, the command to keep the Passover is not nullified. A provision is made for obedience at a later date.
  • The Second Passover (Pesach Sheni): This verse, along with the following verses, establishes the "second Passover," allowing observance one month later (Numbers 9:11). This demonstrates God's grace and desire for inclusion for all who desire to obey Him.
  • Ritual Purity and Distance: The verse highlights two specific hindrances recognized by God as legitimate reasons for postponement: ritual uncleanness related to death and being on a distant journey.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "unclean by reason of a dead body" reflects the significant ritual impurity associated with death in the Levitical law, often requiring a period of separation and purification (e.g., Numbers 19). The term "afar off" (Hebrew: rechowq) simply means distant, indicating a physical inability to return in time for the primary observance.

Practical Application

Numbers 9:10 reveals God's compassionate nature and His desire for His people to be included in worship and obedience, even when facing difficult circumstances. It teaches us that while God values timely obedience, He also provides grace and alternative means when genuine obstacles arise. This can be applied spiritually today, reminding us that if we are hindered from full fellowship or obedience due to circumstances beyond our control, God desires to make a way for us to return and participate when possible. It underscores the principle that God seeks relationship and obedience and provides means for restoration and inclusion.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 3:9 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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