Numbers 9

1 The passover is again commanded.

6 A second passover for the unclean or absent.

15 The cloud directs the removals and encampments of the Israelites.

9:1

[A.M. 2514. B.C. 1490. An. Ex. Is. 2. Abib. in the first month.]

The fourteen first verses of this chapter evidently refer to a time previous to the commencement of this book; but as there is no evidence of a transposition, it is better to conclude with Houbigant, that "it is enough to know, that these books contain an account of things transacted in the days of Moses, though not in their regular or chronological order."

9:2

observe <06213> [keep.]

appointed time <04150> [his appointed.]

9:3

fourteenth <0702> [the fourteenth.]

twilight <06153> [at even. Heb. between the two evenings.]

statutes <02708> [according to all the rites.]

[See on]

9:5

observed ................................ did <06213> [they kept.]

Lord <03068> [according.]

9:6

ceremonially defiled <02931> [defiled.]

came <07126> [they came.]

9:7

<07126> [we may not offer.]

9:8

Remain <05975> [Stand.]

hear <08085> [I will.]

9:10

ceremonially defiled <02931> [be unclean.]

<06213> [yet he shall keep.]

9:11

fourteenth <0702> [fourteenth.]

eat .... bread ... without yeast <0398 04682> [and eat it.]

9:12

leave <07604> [shall leave.]

break ..... bones <06106 07665> [break any bone.]

In the East, Belon says, he "met with shepherds who were roasting sheep whole, which they sold to travellers stuck upon sticks of willow tree. The entrails were taken out, and the body again sewed up."

statute <02708> [according.]

9:13

fails <02308> [forbeareth.]

bring <07126> [because.]

bear ... sin <02399 05375> [bear his sin.]

9:14

9:15

day <03117> [on the day.]

cloud <06051> [the cloud.]

evening <06153> [at even.]

9:16

This cloud not only enlightened the Israelites, but also protected them, and was a continual pledge of God's presence and protection. To this manifestation of the Divine glory, the prophet Isaiah alludes, when he says, (Isa 4:5,) "The Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night." God is the director, protector, and glory of his church.

9:17

Whenever ... cloud ...................... cloud <06051 06310> [when the cloud.]

place <04725> [and in the.]

9:18

commandment .............. commandment <06310> [and at the.]

long <03117> [as long as.]

There is no time lost, while we are waiting God's time. It is as acceptable a piece of submission to the will of God, to sit still contentedly when our lot requires it, as to work for him when we are called to it.

9:19

remained <0748> [tarried long. Heb. prolonged. kept the.]

9:21

evening <06153> [abode. Heb. was.]

9:22

camped <02583> [abode.]

9:23

kept <08104> [they kept.]

Some of the Levites may have been appointed to watch the moving of the pillar, and to give timely notice to the camp of its beginning to stir; and this is called "keeping the charge of the Lord." It is uncomfortable staying when God is departed, but very safe and pleasant going, when we see God go before us, and resting where he appoints us to rest.