Topical Encyclopedia
The observance of the Second Passover, or Pesach Sheni, is a significant event in the history of Israel, as recorded in the Old Testament. This observance is detailed in the Book of Numbers and provides insight into the flexibility and compassion inherent in God's laws for His people.
Biblical ContextThe Second Passover is introduced in
Numbers 9:1-14. The Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt. God commanded the Israelites to celebrate the Passover at its appointed time, on the fourteenth day of the first month, in accordance with all its statutes and ordinances.
However, there arose a situation where certain men were ceremonially unclean due to contact with a dead body and thus unable to observe the Passover at the appointed time. They approached Moses and Aaron, expressing their desire to participate in the Passover despite their impurity. Moses, seeking divine guidance, inquired of the Lord regarding their situation.
Divine ProvisionIn response, the Lord provided a gracious provision for those who were unable to celebrate the Passover at the appointed time due to ceremonial uncleanness or being on a distant journey.
Numbers 9:10-11 states: "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. Such people are to observe it at twilight on the fourteenth day of the second month. They are to eat the lamb together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.'"
This provision allowed those who were unable to participate in the initial Passover to observe it one month later, on the fourteenth day of the second month. The observance was to be conducted in the same manner as the original Passover, with all its rites and regulations.
Theological SignificanceThe Second Passover underscores the importance of the Passover celebration as a perpetual ordinance for the Israelites, commemorating their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It highlights God's desire for all His people to participate in this significant event, reflecting His understanding and accommodation of human circumstances.
This provision also illustrates the balance between the holiness required by God's law and His mercy towards His people. It demonstrates that while God's standards are unchanging, He provides a means for His people to fulfill their obligations even when unforeseen circumstances arise.
Application for IsraelFor the nation of Israel, the Second Passover served as a reminder of God's deliverance and His covenant faithfulness. It reinforced the communal aspect of worship and the importance of maintaining purity and obedience to God's commands. The allowance for a Second Passover ensured that all Israelites, regardless of their circumstances, could partake in this foundational event, fostering unity and continuity in their worship practices.
In summary, the Second Passover observed by Israel is a testament to God's compassion and the adaptability of His laws to accommodate the needs of His people, ensuring that all could participate in the remembrance of His mighty acts of deliverance.
Nave's Topical Index
Numbers 9:1-5And the LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,
Nave's Topical Index
Library
A Loving Call to Reunion
... to imply the previous fall of the kingdom of Israel, If so ... first month to the same
day of the second was in ... afar off.' The decision to have the passover was not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a loving call to reunion.htm
The Passover: an Expiation and a Feast, a Memorial and a Prophecy
... In the Passover, this second stage received for future ages ... This year, here; next
year, in the land of Israel. ... So this Passover, like Guy Fawkes' Day in England ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the passover an expiation and.htm
On Feast Days and Fast Days.
... For concerning the former Israel the Lord speaks thus, on account of ... Do you therefore
fast on the days of the passover, beginning from the second day of ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii on feast days and.htm
Jesus Living at Nazareth and visiting Jerusalem in his Twelfth ...
... at the feast of the passover [The Passover, one of ... The second feast, Pentecost, occurred
fifty days later, and ... and commemorated the days when Israel dwelt in ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvi jesus living at nazareth.htm
The Fifth Day in Passion-Week - Make Ready the Passover!'
... had passed Levitical inspection, since on the Passover-day there ... City a few days
before, when Israel had greeted ... The second company of offerers could not have ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the fifth day.htm
The Lord's Supper
... was to take the place of the Jewish Passover, and to ... he said to Saul, the first king
of Israel, by the ... The second reason why we ought to "do this""is because ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/the lords supper.htm
Samaria. Sychem.
... in mount Gerizim, on the day of the Passover, and the ... the times of Samaria under
the second Temple into ... here: "Then" (under Simeon the Just) "Israel went into ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 56 samaria sychem.htm
Index.
... Messiah, Old Testament idea of, 84, 364, seq.; in Israel, 21, 22 ... Passover, but one
in synoptical Gospels, three in John, 155; first, 168; second, 217; last ...
/.../neander/the life of jesus christ in its historical connexion/index 2.htm
The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... The first and third figures are Medes, the second and fourth Persians. ... all, they
applied themselves to the task of rewriting the history of Israel, which, as ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm
"In Remembrance of Me"
... The Passover was ordained as a commemoration of the ... Till He shall come the second
time in power and glory ... deliverance from Egypt, the children of Israel ate the ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 72 in remembrance of.htm
Resources
What is New Israel? | GotQuestions.orgShould Israel be building settlements in the occupied territories, i.e., the West Bank and East Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWill all Israel be saved in the end times? | GotQuestions.orgIsrael: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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