Números 9

Números 9

MacArthur- If any Israelite did not keep the Passover at the appointed time and was not unclean or away from the land, he was to be “cut off,” which implies that he was to be killed. (MSB) Wenham - This punishment (cut off) is repeatedly referred to in the Pentateuch for various religious and sexual sins (e.g. Lev. 17:4, 9; 20:6, 18; 23:29; Nu. 15:30f.; 19:13). It is a threat of sudden death at the hands of God, and may also hint at punishment in the life to come. Thus, both participation in the passover when unclean and abstention for no good reason are equally dangerous. (Ibid) NET Note - The verb חָדַל (khadal) means “to cease; to leave off; to fail.” The implication here is that it is a person who simply neglects to do it. It does not indicate that he forgot, but more likely that he made the decision to leave it undone. The pronouncement of such a person’s penalty is that his life will be cut off from his people. There are at least three possible interpretations for this: physical death at the hand of the community (G. B. Gray, Numbers [ICC], 84–85), physical and/or spiritual death at the hand of God (J. Milgrom, “A Prolegomenon to Lev 17:11,” JBL 90 [1971]: 154–55), or excommunication or separation from the community (R. A. Cole, Exodus [TOTC], 109). The direct intervention of God seem to be the most likely in view of the lack of directions for the community to follow. Excommunication from the camp in the wilderness would have been tantamount to a death sentence by the community, and so there really are just two views. Numbers 9:14 'If an alien sojourns among you and observes the Passover to the LORD, according to the statute of the Passover and according to its ordinance, so he shall do; you shall have one statute, both for the alien and for the native of the land.'" Ex 12:48,49 Lev 19:10 22:25 24:22 25:15 De 29:11 31:12 Isa 56:3-7 Eph 2:19-22 RIGHTS OF THE ALIEN TO THE PASSOVER 'If an alien sojourns among you and observes the Passover to the LORD - An alien, like a Hebrew, had to be circumcised before he could celebrate Passover. Aliens were not required to keep the Passover, but were welcome to observe it. They were expected to observe the Sabbath and the Day of Atonement (Ex. 20:10+; Lev. 16:29+). According to the statute of the Passover and according to its ordinance, so he shall do; you shall have one statute, both for the alien and for the native of the land - In Exodus we read that there was one condition for the alien to celebrate Passover "But if a stranger (alien) sojourns with you, and celebrates the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near to celebrate it; and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person may eat of it." (Ex. 12:48+) NKJVSB comments that "As a stranger heard the story of God’s gracious, powerful actions in the salvation of His people, that person would naturally question the Israelites on how he or she could participate in Israel’s blessing." Believer's Study Bible - Strangers or foreigners were excluded from the rite of the Passover unless they conformed to the laws of the Hebrews, including circumcision (15:14-16, note; Ex. 12:48, 49; Josh. 5:2-10). Alien (stranger, sojourner) (01616)(ger from gur = to live among people not one's blood relatives) is a masculine noun meaning sojourner, alien, stranger. The Septuagint translates here in Nu 9:14 with proselutos ("proselyte"). It describes someone who did not enjoy rights usually possessed by residents. It describes a person who does not belong to the nation of Israel by ancestry. Baker adds that ger "indicates in general anyone who is not native to a given land or among a given people (Ex. 12:19). The word is used most often to describe strangers or sojourners in Israel who were not native-born Israelites and were temporary dwellers or newcomers. All uses in Numbers - Num. 9:14; Num. 15:14; Num. 15:15; Num. 15:16; Num. 15:26; Num. 15:29; Num. 15:30; Num. 19:10; Num. 35:15; NET Note - The words translated “resident foreigner” and “live” are from the same Hebrew root, גּוּר (gur), traditionally translated “to sojourn.” The “sojourner” who “sojourns” is a foreigner, a resident alien, who lives in the land as a temporary resident with rights of land ownership. Numbers 9:15 Now on the day that the tabernacle was erected the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony, and in the evening it was like the appearance of fire over the tabernacle, until morning. on the day: Ex 40:2,18 the cloud: Nu 14:14 Ex 14:19,20,24 33:9,10 40:34 Ne 9:12,19 Ps 78:14 105:39 Isa 4:5 Eze 10:3,4 1Co 10:1 evening: Ex 13:21 40:38 Related Passages: Exodus 40:34-38+ Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36 Throughout all their journeys whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out; 37 but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up. 38 For throughout all their journeys, the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel. Shekinah Cloud THE CONTINUAL CLOUD NET Note on the continual cloud - This section (Num 9:15–23) recapitulates the account in Ex 40:34 but also contains some additional detail about the cloud that signaled Israel’s journeys. Here again material from the book of Exodus is used to explain more of the laws for the camp in motion. Jensen has a good summary to this point in Numbers writing that "The Israelite hosts had been numbered, organized, sanctified, given adequate spiritual leadership. They had themselves given gifts and oblations to God, and had celebrated the memorial feast of the Passover. In God’s estimate they were now ready for the journey as He gave them one last command: know and follow your leaders." (Ibid) Now on the day that the tabernacle was erected the cloud (Shekinah glory cloud) covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony, and in the evening it was like the appearance of fire over the tabernacle, until morning - This recalls Ex. 13:21–22+ where Moses described "The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. 22He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people." THOUGHT - The pillar was a cloud by day and a fire by night. God frees us from bondage, and He also guides us to the inheritance He has prepared for us. His Word is like that pillar of cloud and fire, and He will show us the way if we will trust Him. God always makes His will clear to those who are willing to follow (John 7:17). He saves us, feeds us, guides us, and protects us—and yet we do so little for Him! (Warren Wiersbe) NET Note - The cloud apparently was centered over the tent, over the spot of the ark of the covenant in the most holy place. It thereafter spread over the whole tabernacle. Believer's Study Bible - The last matter needing attention before the departure from Sinai was the means by which God would guide His people in the wilderness. The cloud (vv. 15-23) was already present. It was the visible sign of Yahweh's presence and His moving with His people (cf. Gen. 28:15). Its movements indicated the guidance of God. When the glory of God filled the Most Holy Place, the cloud lingered above, and the people would remain encamped. When the cloud moved from the tabernacle, the people moved (cf. Ex. 13:21, note). The Decalogue, which summarized the principles of God's covenant with Israel, was contained in the ark of the Testimony as the promise of God's gracious presence inside the tabernacle, just as the cloud outside represented the pledge of His presence. This cloud has often been referred to as the "Shekinah," a nonbiblical term which first appears in the Aramaic Targums. The term was employed in the Talmud also and means "that which dwells." Related Resources: Shekinah glory cloud - Tony Garland's The Abiding Presence of God Overview: The Glory of the LORD - departure in Ezekiel, chart of past,present, future glory, OT manifestations of Shekinah glory Numbers 9:15-23 Following The Master At the command of the Lord they remained encamped, and at the command of the Lord they journeyed. —Numbers 9:23 At a dog show near my home, I watched a Cardigan Welsh corgi named Trevor perform. At his master’s command, he ran several yards away and immediately returned, he jumped fences, and he identified objects using his sense of smell. After finishing each exercise, he sat down at his master’s feet and waited for more instructions. Trevor’s careful attention to his master’s instruction reminded me of the devotion God desired from His people as they followed Him through the wilderness. God led in a unique way. His presence appeared as a cloud. If the cloud ascended, He wanted His people to move to another area. If the cloud descended, they were to stay put. “At the command of the Lord they remained encamped, and at the command of the Lord they journeyed” (Nu 9:23). The Israelites followed this practice day or night, regardless of how long they had to remain in one place. God wasn’t simply testing the Israelites; He was leading them to the Promised Land (10:29). He wanted to take them to a better place. So it is with us when God asks us to follow Him. He wants to lead us to a place of closer fellowship with Himself. His Word assures us that He is loving and faithful in leading those who humbly follow Him. In fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet, Or we’ll walk by His side in the way; What He says we will do, where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey. —Sammis God asks His children to follow the Leader. INSIGHT: The tabernacle (Num. 9:15) was not only a place of worship, it was intended to be the center of Israel’s national life. This “tent of meeting” also foreshadowed the incarnation of Christ, the living Word who “dwelled” (that is, “tabernacled”) among us in a tent of human flesh (John 1:14). Numbers 9:15-23 To Work Or to Wait? "Be still, and know that I am God." - Psalm 46:10 A gifted and active Christian woman was stricken with an illness that confined her to bed. On her wall hung a motto, 'Be Strong - And Work For the Lord', based on 1 Chronicles 28:20. But those words, which used to bring her encouragement and strength, now brought only distress. A friend recognized her troubled state of mind and read the last part of Numbers 9 to her. She pointed out that during Israel's wilderness wanderings, they rested whenever the guiding cloud remained over the tabernacle. But when the cloud moved on, they journeyed forward. The friend then said that there are times when God expects us to move ahead in our work for Him. At other times He expects us to rest. To emphasize her point, she walked over to the wall, took down the first motto, and replaced it with a new one: 'Be Still, And Know that I Am God' (Psalm 46:10). All of us need to recognize that God in His wisdom not only leads us into service but also provides times of rest. Often we desire the thrill of activity when He knows we will draw closer to Him through peaceful stillness. A real test of consecration is the ability to wait when we prefer to work. - H G Bosch Whenever your plans are thwarted, Just Quietly keep still, And wait for God's sure leading, His timing, and His Will. -Anon. Thought for the Day: God orders our stops as well as our steps. James Smith - Handfuls of Purpose - THE HOLY CLOUD Numbers 9:15–23 “He leads round, but He leads right, All the way is in His sight; Be it rough, or be it long, Void of joy, or set to song, Bringing much, or mite by mite, He leads round, but He leads right. He leads round, but He leads right, Cloud by day and fire by night; Morn by morn, let God arise, Scattering all our enemies; And will sing with evening light, He leads round, but He leads right.” It did look like infinite madness that the children of Israel should be led “about by the way of the wilderness by the Red Sea.” It was indeed a roundabout way, but it was the right way, for God in the pillar of cloud led them. This holy, because divinely possessed, cloud was both a standing and a moving miracle, and a witness to the stability and mobility of God’s dealings with His people. No storm could shake it, yet it moved as a guiding lamp for the feet of the pilgrims. Let us think for a little of its— 1. Origin. Of how this cloud was formed we have no account. Like the body of Jesus, it had a common appearance, yet there was a great mystery about it. God was in it. It was to the Israelites the visible body of the invisible God. Great is the mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh. The flesh of Jesus Christ was the visible body in which the invisible Father spoke and wrought. “The Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works” (John 17:9, 10). Know ye not that your body is the temple of God, and that God dwelleth in you? 2. Coming. “On the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered it” (v. 15). When all had been set in order, and everything yielded up for the service of God, then the cloud rested on it and took possession of it. It is so still with regard to our individual lives. When all is surrendered to Him for His glory He will find a dwelling place in us, and use us for His own Name’s sake. 3. Character. “The cloud covered the tabernacle” (v. 15). This covering signified protection as well as possession. His presence is a covering presence. The same thought is here that we have in the atonement—covering. Covered by the wings of the Almighty. The Lord thy keeper, the Lord thy shade, hidden in His pavilion. 4. Significance. “The cloud covered the tent of the testimony” (v. 15). The tent, or tabernacle, was a testimony for God after it was covered with the cloud of His presence. We have only the form without the power till we are covered with the Holy Anointing One. It is His presence that makes the tent of our life a testimony for Him. Cloudless tents are very common, but very useless as witnesses for God. 5. Appearance. “The cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night” (v. 16). It had the appearance of fire until the morning (v. 15). During the absence of the sun the symbol of the Divine Presence took the likeness of fire. Is it not so now? During the absence of the Son of God the Holy Ghost takes the appearance of tongues of fire. This holy fire during the night of this world’s unbelief is indispensable until the morning of His appearing. Ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost and with fire (Acts 1:5). 6. Authority. The moving of the cloud is called “The command of the Lord” (vs. 17–20). A most impressive symbol of the Holy Spirit. 1. WHERE IT ABODE THEY ABODE (v. 17). Their communion with God depended on their keeping in touch with the pillar of cloud. Walk in the Spirit, and abide in Him, then your fellowship will be unbroken. 2. WHEN IT MOVED THEY MOVED (v. 21). As they followed the moving pillar, so we must be ready to follow the guiding Spirit. To be led by the Spirit of God is an evidence of sonship (Rom. 8:14). 3. AS LONG AS IT TARRIED THEY TARRIED (v. 22). It was not theirs to decide how long they should stay in a place. To move without the cloud was just to move into a godless condition. To go into a new sphere without the Spirit of God leading is to get into a state of spiritual powerlessness and disobedience. Christian worker, remember that the moving of the Holy Spirit is the commandment of the Lord. Grieve Him not by impatience or fearfulness. Numbers 9:16 So it was continuously; the cloud would cover it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. Nu 9:18-22 Ex 13:21,22 40:38 De 1:33 Ne 9:12,19 Ps 78:14 105:39 Isa 4:5,6 1Co 10:1 2Co 5:19 Rev 21:3 SUMMARY OF THE CLOUD So it was continuously; the cloud would cover it by day, and the appearance of fire by night - This was not a cloud like we see in the sky today for it never needed a weatherman or woman to give the forecast. Every day and every night Israel's camp was "cloudy!" Henry