What is the meaning of Numbers 9:7? And said to Moses – The men approach God’s appointed mediator rather than acting on their own, honoring the structure the Lord established (Exodus 18:15; Numbers 12:8). – They expect Moses to seek the Lord for an answer, reflecting confidence that “the word of the LORD” will clarify every dilemma (Deuteronomy 17:8-11). We are unclean because of a dead body – Contact with a corpse brought a seven-day defilement (Numbers 19:11-13). – Their statement shows humble acknowledgment; they do not deny their condition (Leviticus 5:2). – By confessing impurity, they uphold God’s holiness, agreeing that “nothing unclean shall enter” His presence (cf. Revelation 21:27). But why should we be excluded – Their question springs from a longing to worship, not rebellion (Psalm 42:2). – They recognize that exclusion from corporate worship is serious (Genesis 17:14; Deuteronomy 23:1). – The appeal highlights God’s mercy: if He provided a way for lepers and childbirth impurities, surely He can provide here (Leviticus 12:6-8; 14:19-20). From presenting the LORD’s offering – The phrase points to the Passover sacrifice (Numbers 9:2-5), the foundational remembrance of redemption (Exodus 12:24-27). – They fear missing the privilege of obedience (“presenting”) and fellowship (“the LORD’s offering,” Leviticus 3:11). – Their concern underscores that worship involves giving to God, not merely receiving from Him (Psalm 96:8). With the other Israelites – Corporate unity mattered; God ordained that “all the congregation of Israel shall keep it” (Exodus 12:47). – Isolation would symbolize disconnection from covenant blessings (Numbers 15:30-31). – Their desire anticipates the New-Covenant truth that we are “one body” around one sacrifice (1 Corinthians 10:17). At the appointed time? – Passover had a fixed date, the fourteenth day of the first month (Exodus 12:6; Leviticus 23:5). – Timeliness is part of obedience; delays dishonor God’s schedule (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). – Their question presses for a righteous solution before the deadline, showing reverence for God’s order. summary Numbers 9:7 reveals sincere Israelites caught between ceremonial impurity and a passionate desire to honor God. Acknowledging their defilement, they appeal through God’s ordained leader, confident that the Lord who set the standard of holiness can also provide a gracious accommodation. Their plea affirms three enduring truths: God’s holiness must be respected, God’s people long for corporate worship, and God in mercy will make a way—later confirmed when He grants the “second Passover” (Numbers 9:9-13). |
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