Numbers 9 11

Numbers 9:11 kjv

The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

Numbers 9:11 nkjv

On the fourteenth day of the second month, at twilight, they may keep it. They shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

Numbers 9:11 niv

but they are to do it on the fourteenth day of the second month at twilight. They are to eat the lamb, together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

Numbers 9:11 esv

In the second month on the fourteenth day at twilight they shall keep it. They shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

Numbers 9:11 nlt

They must offer the Passover sacrifice one month later, at twilight on the fourteenth day of the second month. They must eat the Passover lamb at that time with bitter salad greens and bread made without yeast.

Numbers 9 verses

Numbers 9 11 Meaning

Numbers 9:11 establishes the specific date and essential components for observing the Passover a month later (Pesach Sheni, or the Second Passover). This provision was granted for Israelites who were ritually unclean due to contact with a dead body, or who were on a long journey and therefore unable to observe the primary Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month. They were commanded to perform this vital commemorative feast on the fourteenth day of the second month, observing all its traditional rites, including eating it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. This demonstrated God's compassionate allowance for unforeseen circumstances while still maintaining the sanctity and necessity of the commandment.

Numbers 9 11 Context

Numbers chapter 9 elaborates on the divine command to observe the Passover within the wilderness journey. Verses 1-5 recount the children of Israel celebrating the Passover at Mount Sinai in the wilderness, exactly one year after their Exodus from Egypt. Immediately after this, in verses 6-7, a critical situation arises: some men were ritually defiled by contact with a dead body, which prevented them from observing the Passover at the appointed time (Lev 7:20-21). These men, alongside others who were on a long journey, brought their plea to Moses. In response, God Himself provides a direct instruction to Moses, detailed in verses 9-14, which grants the concession of a second Passover a month later. Verse 11 specifically outlines the exact time and required components for this alternative observance, ensuring that no one with a legitimate impediment would be permanently excluded from this fundamental national and religious commemoration, unless by willful defiance.

Numbers 9 11 Word analysis

• The fourteenth day: Signifies the exact calendar date of the observance, mirroring the original Passover.
• of the second month: Refers to the Hebrew month of Iyar, precisely one month after Nisan, allowing for those who missed the original Passover. This establishes a precedent for divine accommodation due to genuine impediment.
• at even (בֵּין הָעַרְבָּיִם, bein ha'arbayim): Literally "between the two evenings," indicating twilight or the time between the sun's descent and full darkness. This was the precise time when the Passover lamb was sacrificed and prepared, emphasizing the adherence to all original ritual requirements. This timeframe highlights the sacred timing ordained by God for this covenant meal.
• they shall keep it (יַעֲשׂוּ אֹתוֹ, ya'asu oto): Meaning "they shall do it" or "they shall perform it." This signifies not merely remembering but actively performing the prescribed ritual. It emphasizes the mandatory nature of the entire Passover observance, including the sacrifice and communal meal.
• and eat it (וְאָכְלוּ אֹתוֹ, ve'akhlu oto): Stresses the act of consumption as central to the Passover memorial, connecting participants directly to the Exodus event and the Lamb.
• with unleavened bread (מַצּוֹת, matzot): Mandatory ritual element, symbolizing the haste of the Exodus (Ex 12:34) and often called the "bread of affliction" (Deut 16:3). Its consumption recalls the humility and the rapid deliverance.
• and bitter herbs (וּמְרֹרִים, u'merorim): Mandatory ritual element, symbolizing the bitterness of slavery endured by the Israelites in Egypt (Ex 1:14). Their pungent taste served as a constant, tangible reminder of the harsh bondage from which God delivered them.

Word-Group Analysis:

• "The fourteenth day of the second month at even": This precise time designation underlines God's intentional provision and the solemnity of this alternative observance. It demonstrates divine grace and specificity, not just a vague 'later.'
• "they shall keep it, and eat it": This phrase links the ritual action ("keep") with the sacred consumption ("eat"), highlighting that the complete performance of the Passover meal was required, embodying remembrance, thanksgiving, and adherence to God's commands.
• "with unleavened bread and bitter herbs": These specific elements are non-negotiable for any Passover observance. Their inclusion ensures that even the delayed observance conveys the full historical and theological meaning of the Exodus narrative—haste, deliverance, and the memory of oppression.

Numbers 9 11 Bonus section

The institution of Pesach Sheni, detailed in Numbers 9:6-14, stands as a unique instance in Mosaic Law where a highly significant annual festival commandment had an alternative "make-up" date provided. This sets it apart from many other laws which offered little to no flexibility. It highlights the profound importance of the Passover as the foundational covenant meal for Israel's identity, commemorating God's ultimate act of redemption. The precise parameters given (same components, different date) underscore that while God is merciful and understanding of human limitations, His divine commands still require specific and complete fulfillment of their essential nature. This can be seen as an example of the principle of hesed (loyal love/mercy) extended even within the strictures of the Mosaic covenant, a quality fully revealed in the New Covenant through Christ, who as our Passover Lamb fulfills all aspects of salvation's perfect plan (1 Cor 5:7).

Numbers 9 11 Commentary

Numbers 9:11 is a profound demonstration of God's character, combining unwavering righteousness with compassionate flexibility. Faced with legitimate impediments (ritual impurity, distant journey) that prevented certain individuals from observing the primary Passover, God did not simply excuse them. Instead, He provided an explicit, second opportunity, establishing a new legal precedent known as Pesach Sheni. This ensured that despite circumstances, every Israelite who genuinely desired to partake in this foundational covenant memorial could do so.

Crucially, while the timing of the observance could be adjusted, the content and mode of the Passover remained constant. The mandate to "keep it" and "eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs" reinforces that the essence of the divine command, with its deep historical and theological symbolism, could not be compromised. The unleavened bread reminded them of God's swift deliverance and their hurried escape, while the bitter herbs served as a perpetual sensory reminder of the hardships of Egyptian slavery.

This verse therefore teaches us about divine accommodation: God desires active and inclusive worship from His people, even when challenges arise. It distinguishes between willful disobedience (which carries a severe penalty, Num 9:13) and unavoidable impediments. It anticipates a God who provides for sincere hearts seeking to obey, reflecting His perfect balance of holiness and grace. Practically, this implies that when true obstacles prevent faithful adherence to a spiritual practice, God may provide alternative pathways for obedience without compromising the truth of the command.