Numbers 9 3

Numbers 9:3 kjv

In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it.

Numbers 9:3 nkjv

On the fourteenth day of this month, at twilight, you shall keep it at its appointed time. According to all its rites and ceremonies you shall keep it."

Numbers 9:3 niv

Celebrate it at the appointed time, at twilight on the fourteenth day of this month, in accordance with all its rules and regulations."

Numbers 9:3 esv

On the fourteenth day of this month, at twilight, you shall keep it at its appointed time; according to all its statutes and all its rules you shall keep it."

Numbers 9:3 nlt

at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. Be sure to follow all my decrees and regulations concerning this celebration."

Numbers 9 verses

Numbers 9 3 Meaning

This verse details the specific instructions given by God to Israel concerning the proper observance of the Passover. It commands that the Passover sacrifice and meal are to be performed precisely on the fourteenth day of the first month, at twilight, emphasizing both the exact timing and the strict adherence to all established statutes and ordinances without deviation. It reinforces the seriousness of God's commandments regarding this pivotal feast of redemption.

Numbers 9 3 Context

Numbers chapter 9 marks a specific moment in Israel's wilderness journey. While the Book of Numbers generally chronicles Israel's travels and experiences over approximately 38 years after Sinai, Numbers 9:1 indicates that the command for this particular Passover celebration came "in the first month of the second year" after leaving Egypt, even before the wilderness wandering truly commenced. This implies a pause in the narrative's chronological flow to highlight the significance of the Passover observance. Verse 3 is a direct reiteration of God's explicit commands for keeping the Passover, emphasizing meticulous adherence to timing and method. It sets the stage for the following discussion where individuals, impure through various circumstances, inquire about observing Passover, leading to the provision of a "second Passover" for those unable to keep it at the appointed time. This verse underscores that while the second Passover provided grace, the standard remained the precise, original timing and procedure.

Numbers 9 3 Word analysis

• In the fourteenth day: The Hebrew bə-’ar-bā-‘āh ‘ā-śār yōwm (literally "in four ten day"). This specifies the exact day of the month. The number "fourteen" carries significance as it points directly to the historical date of the Exodus from Egypt and the initial institution of the Passover (Exod 12:6). It emphasizes precision and a fixed point in time within the divine calendar.
• of this month: The Hebrew ba-ḥō-ḏeš haz-zeh (literally "in the month the-this"). This refers to the month of Nisan (also called Abib), which was designated as the first month of the sacred calendar year (Exod 12:2). This reinforces the concept of a divinely ordered sacred year, beginning with redemption.
• at twilight: The Hebrew bên hā-‘ar-ba-yim (literally "between the two evenings"). This is a critical phrase with specific halakhic (Jewish law) interpretations. It typically refers to the period between the sun beginning to decline from its meridian and its actual setting, commonly understood to be from about 3 PM to sunset, with the offering of the Passover lamb usually around 3 PM. This precision in timing was paramount, contrasting with the imprecise religious observances of surrounding pagan nations.
• you shall keep it: The Hebrew ta-‘ă-śū ’ō-ṯōw (literally "you shall do it"). The verb ‘asah (עָשָׂה) means "to do," "make," or "perform." This emphasizes active execution and diligent observance, not mere intellectual acknowledgment. The repetition of this phrase later in the verse reinforces the imperative and the non-negotiable nature of the command.
• at its appointed time: The Hebrew bə-mōw-mō-‘ă-ḏōw (literally "in its appointed time/season"). The word mo'ed (מֹעֵד) signifies a "fixed time" or "appointed place" for a divine gathering or holy convocation (e.g., Lev 23:2,4). This underlines that the Passover is a divine appointment, precisely scheduled by God, not determined by human preference or convenience.
• according to all the statutes of it: The Hebrew kə-ḵol-ḥuq-qō-ṯāw (literally "according to all its statutes"). The term chuqqah (חֻקָּה) refers to a prescribed rule, an unchangeable ordinance, or a fixed decree, often a ritual or ceremonial law whose reason may not be immediately apparent but is binding because it is divinely commanded. This emphasizes the meticulous details of the ritual practices.
• and according to all the ordinances thereof: The Hebrew ū-ḵə-ḵol-miš-pā-ṭāw (literally "and according to all its ordinances/judgments"). The term mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט) refers to a judgment, a just decision, a custom, or a legal ruling. While chuqqah can refer to unexplainable divine decrees, mishpat often implies the principles of justice and proper procedure underlying those decrees. Together, they stress adherence to both the ritual forms and the underlying principles governing the Passover.
• you shall keep it: This is a repetition of the earlier phrase. The reiteration intensifies the divine command, underscoring the absolute necessity and thoroughness with which the Passover must be observed, leaving no room for neglect or deviation.

Numbers 9 3 Bonus section

The insistence on exact adherence to the "statutes" and "ordinances" for the Passover served as a powerful counter-cultural message. Many ancient Near Eastern religions often involved chaotic or unpredictable rituals, often dependent on the whims of deities or shifting environmental factors. By contrast, Yahweh's commands were fixed, rational (even if the underlying reason wasn't always obvious to humanity), and unchanging, reflecting His own unchangeable character (Mal 3:6). This verse subtly yet clearly reinforces monotheism and the sovereignty of God by declaring His complete authority over time, ritual, and all aspects of human conduct in His worship. The meticulous details also prepared Israel for the reality of God's omnipresence and His attention to all details, big and small, in the lives of His people.

Numbers 9 3 Commentary

Numbers 9:3 presents a powerful statement about the nature of divine command and the requirement for precise obedience in worship. The specific dating to "the fourteenth day of this month, at twilight" and the reiteration of "you shall keep it at its appointed time" underscore that God's covenant expectations are fixed and non-negotiable. The phrase "between the two evenings" for "twilight" points to a deeply significant time in Israelite tradition, a period precisely linked to the sacrifice of the Passover lamb, foreshadowing the timing of Christ's crucifixion, who is our ultimate Passover Lamb (1 Cor 5:7). Furthermore, the directive to follow "all the statutes" (chukkot) and "all the ordinances" (mishpatim) signifies that the Passover was not merely a ceremonial act, but a divinely ordained liturgy encompassing both detailed ritual procedures and foundational legal principles. This strictness highlighted the gravity of their covenant relationship with God, reminding them that their redemption (symbolized by Passover) demanded faithful and meticulous obedience to Him who delivered them. It demonstrates God's demand for complete dedication in their worship and daily walk.