Numbers 9:13
But if a man who is ceremonially clean and is not on a journey still fails to observe the Passover, he must be cut off from his people, because he did not present the LORD's offering at its appointed time. That man will bear the consequences of his sin.
But if anyone
This phrase introduces a conditional statement, emphasizing personal responsibility. In Hebrew, the word for "anyone" (אִישׁ, 'ish) signifies an individual, highlighting that the command applies universally to each member of the community. It underscores the personal accountability each person has in their relationship with God.

who is ceremonially clean
The concept of ceremonial cleanliness is central to the Levitical laws. The Hebrew word for "clean" (טָהוֹר, tahor) refers to a state of ritual purity required to participate in sacred activities. This condition signifies the importance of spiritual readiness and purity before God, reflecting the holiness He demands from His people.

and not on a journey
This phrase provides an exception for those who are unable to participate due to travel. The Hebrew word for "journey" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek) implies being on a path or road, suggesting physical absence. It highlights God's understanding and provision for those genuinely unable to partake in the Passover due to circumstances beyond their control.

fails to celebrate the Passover
The Passover is a pivotal event in Israel's history, commemorating their deliverance from Egypt. The Hebrew word for "celebrate" (עָשָׂה, asah) means to do or make, indicating active participation. This command underscores the importance of remembering and honoring God's redemptive acts, a central theme in the life of the Israelites.

that person must be cut off from his people
The phrase "cut off" (כָּרַת, karat) is a severe consequence, indicating exclusion from the community. This punishment reflects the seriousness of neglecting God's commands and the communal nature of Israel's covenant relationship with God. It serves as a warning against spiritual negligence and disobedience.

because he did not present the LORD’s offering
The "LORD’s offering" refers to the sacrifices made during the Passover. The Hebrew word for "present" (קָרַב, qarab) means to bring near, signifying an act of worship and devotion. This phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience in worship and the need to honor God with the prescribed offerings.

at its appointed time
The "appointed time" (מוֹעֵד, moed) refers to the specific time set by God for the Passover celebration. This highlights the importance of divine timing and order in worship. It reminds believers of the need to align their lives with God's ordained times and seasons.

That man will bear the consequences of his sin
The phrase "bear the consequences" (נָשָׂא, nasa) implies carrying a burden or responsibility. This underscores the principle of personal accountability for one's actions. The word "sin" (חֵטְא, chet) denotes a failure to meet God's standards, reminding believers of the gravity of disobedience and the need for repentance and atonement.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The covenant people of God, called to obedience and holiness as they journeyed through the wilderness.

2. The Passover
An essential observance commanded by God, commemorating the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and pointing to the ultimate redemption in Christ.

3. The LORD’s Offering
Refers to the lamb or substitute offered during the Passover as a reminder of God’s provision and protection.

4. The Wilderness Journey
The Israelites’ period of wandering, representing a time of testing and spiritual formation.

5. Being Cut Off
A term denoting separation from the covenant community and divine blessings, symbolizing the severity of disobedience.
Teaching Points
The Priority of Obedience
Disobedience to God's clear commands—such as keeping the Passover—was considered rebellion against His authority. Today, obedience is equally important in following Christ’s teachings.

The Call to Holiness
The requirement for ceremonial cleanliness underscores the call for believers to live pure and holy lives before God.

Corporate and Personal Responsibility
The Passover was a communal event, but individual participation was necessary. This teaches us that while we belong to the body of Christ, we are each accountable for our faith.

Christ as the Fulfillment
The Passover points to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice. Observing spiritual disciplines helps us remember and proclaim His redemption.

The Weight of Sin
The penalty of being "cut off" reminds us that sin has serious consequences. Through Christ, we are offered reconciliation, but we must take His grace seriously.
Bible Study Questions
1. Why was the Passover so significant in the lives of the Israelites, and how does it point forward to Jesus?

2. What does the phrase “cut off from his people” teach about the seriousness of disobedience to God?

3. How can we ensure that we don’t neglect the spiritual disciplines God calls us to in our lives?

4. In what ways does the concept of holiness and ceremonial cleanliness apply to New Testament believers?

5. Reflect on how Christ fulfills the symbolism of the Passover lamb. How can this truth transform your daily walk with God?

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This study challenges believers to reflect on the seriousness of obedience, the depth of God’s holiness, and the grace found in Christ, who became our perfect Passover Lamb.

Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12:43–50
emphasizes the Passover regulations and its inclusivity for those who follow God's commands, even non-Israelites.

Leviticus 17:8–9
discusses the centrality of obedience in offering sacrifices to the LORD at the appointed place.

Hebrews 10:26–27
warns of the consequences of deliberate sin, drawing a parallel to the seriousness of failing to honor God's commands.

1 Corinthians 5:7–8
identifies Jesus as our Passover Lamb, connecting the Old Testament Passover to its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
The Letter and the Spirit of the Law of the PassoverE.S. Prout Numbers 9:1-14
A Difficulty RemovedD. Young Numbers 9:6-13
A Communicant in Israel, Disabled by Some Mischance from Eating the PassoverW. Binnie Numbers 9:6-14
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Egypt, Sinai
Topics
Appointed, Bear, Ceased, Celebrate, Ceremonially, Clean, Consequences, Cut, Didn't, Fails, Forbeareth, Hold, Journey, Keeping, Lord's, Neglects, Oblation, Observe, Offer, Offered, Offering, Passover, Peoples, Prepare, Present, Presented, Refrains, Regular, Season, Sin, Soul, Unclean, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 9:13

     7525   exclusiveness

Numbers 9:1-14

     7406   Passover

Library
The Guiding Pillar
'So it was alway: the cloud covered [the tabernacle] by day, and the appearance of fire by night.'--Num. ix. 16. The children of Israel in the wilderness, surrounded by miracle, had nothing which we do not possess. They had some things in an inferior form; their sustenance came by manna, ours comes by God's blessing on our daily work, which is better. Their guidance came by this supernatural pillar; ours comes by the reality of which that pillar was nothing but a picture. And so, instead of fancying
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Holy Spirit Sending Men Forth to Definite Lines of Work.
We read in Acts xiii. 2-4, "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed into Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus." It is evident from this passage that the Holy Spirit calls men into definite lines of work and sends them forth into the work. He not
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Of Preparation.
That a Christian ought necessarily to prepare himself before he presume to be a partaker of the holy communion, may evidently appear by five reasons:-- First, Because it is God's commandment; for if he commanded, under the pain of death, that none uncircumcised should eat the paschal lamb (Exod. xii. 48), nor any circumcised under four days preparation, how much greater preparation does he require of him that comes to receive the sacrament of his body and blood? which, as it succeeds, so doth it
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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