Numbers 9 6

Numbers 9:6 kjv

And there were certain men, who were defiled by the dead body of a man, that they could not keep the passover on that day: and they came before Moses and before Aaron on that day:

Numbers 9:6 nkjv

Now there were certain men who were defiled by a human corpse, so that they could not keep the Passover on that day; and they came before Moses and Aaron that day.

Numbers 9:6 niv

But some of them could not celebrate the Passover on that day because they were ceremonially unclean on account of a dead body. So they came to Moses and Aaron that same day

Numbers 9:6 esv

And there were certain men who were unclean through touching a dead body, so that they could not keep the Passover on that day, and they came before Moses and Aaron on that day.

Numbers 9:6 nlt

But some of the men had been ceremonially defiled by touching a dead body, so they could not celebrate the Passover that day. They came to Moses and Aaron that day

Numbers 9 verses

Numbers 9 6 Meaning

Numbers 9:6 introduces a specific dilemma faced by a group of men during the celebration of the second Passover in the wilderness of Sinai. These individuals had become ritually defiled by contact with a dead human body, rendering them ceremonially unclean. As the Mosaic Law strictly prohibited anyone in such a state of impurity from participating in holy assemblies or offering sacrifices, they were unable to observe the Passover feast on its appointed day. Out of a sincere desire to fulfill God's command, they brought their unique predicament directly to Moses and Aaron, seeking guidance and a resolution for their inability to partake in this foundational commemoration of Israel's deliverance from Egypt.

Numbers 9 6 Context

Numbers chapter 9 opens with a re-establishment of the Passover observance in the wilderness of Sinai, commanded by the Lord to Moses in the first month of the second year after the Exodus from Egypt (Num 9:1). This particular Passover celebration is the first since the initial institution and observance in Egypt itself, before the Exodus. Verses 3-5 recount Israel's obedience to this command, holding the Passover exactly as specified.

Verse 6 immediately introduces an unforeseen issue arising from this celebration: a group of men were ritually defiled due to contact with a human corpse. Under the elaborate Mosaic Law, such contact rendered a person unclean for seven days, during which they were prohibited from participating in sacred activities, including eating the Passover meal (Numbers 5:2; 19:11). This situation posed a significant challenge: a divine command to keep Passover clashed with another divine command regarding ritual purity. Their earnest desire to fulfill the Law prompted them to seek counsel from the highest spiritual and judicial authorities, Moses and Aaron, setting the stage for divine clarification on a previously unaddressed legal scenario, which culminates in the institution of a "second Passover" for those legitimately prevented from observing the first (Numbers 9:9-14).

Numbers 9 6 Word analysis

• But there were certain men (וַיְהִי אֲנָשִׁים - va'yehi anashim):

  • Signifies a specific, but perhaps unspecified number, group of individuals. Not a universal problem but an exception.
  • Highlights the immediate onset of the problem during the Passover season.

• who were defiled (אֲשֶׁר הָיוּ טְמֵאִים - asher hayu t'mei'im):

  • Tamei (טָמֵא) signifies a state of ritual impurity or ceremonial uncleanness, not necessarily moral sin.
  • This state renders one unfit to approach or participate in holy things. It means "separated" from the sacred space or act.
  • This separation protects the holiness of God's presence and ensures reverence for sacred things.

• by the dead body of a man (לְנֶפֶשׁ אָדָם - le'nefesh adam):

  • Nefesh (נֶפֶשׁ), typically meaning "soul" or "life," here refers to a dead body or corpse. This is a common Hebrew idiom.
  • Contact with death was considered the highest form of ritual impurity, deeply antithetical to God, who is the source of life. This impurity typically lasted seven days, requiring a purification ritual (Numbers 19).
  • The act itself was unavoidable, likely due to duty, compassion, or a family obligation to bury the dead, showing it wasn't a casual disregard for law.

• that they could not keep the Passover (וְלֹא יָכְלוּ לַעֲשׂוֹת אֶת־הַפָּסַח - v'lo yaklu la'asot et-haPesach):

  • Pesach (פֶּסַח) refers to the Passover, the annual feast commanded by God, memorializing Israel's deliverance from Egypt. It was a crucial and compulsory observance.
  • Their inability stemmed from ritual impurity, making participation unlawful rather than a lack of desire or opportunity.
  • This reflects the stringent nature of the cultic laws regarding purity and holiness for engagement with God's commands and presence.

• on that day (בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא - ba'yom ha'hu):

  • Refers to the precise 14th day of the first month, the specific time mandated for the Passover sacrifice.
  • Emphasizes the immediate, current prohibition preventing their participation, creating a temporal dilemma.

• and they came before Moses and before Aaron (וַיִּקְרְבוּ לִפְנֵי מֹשֶׁה וְלִפְנֵי אַהֲרֹן - va'yikrebu lifney Mosheh v'lifney Aharon):

  • Vayikrebu ("they approached" or "they drew near") signifies their proactive and respectful action.
  • Moses, as the leader and recipient of God's law, and Aaron, as the High Priest representing the cultic system, were the designated authorities for interpreting and adjudicating such matters.
  • This demonstrates the men's reverence for the Law and their leaders, seeking lawful guidance rather than acting on their own.

• on that day (בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא - ba'yom ha'hu):

  • Repetition of "on that day" stresses the urgency and the precise timing of their approach. They came to the leaders on the very day they realized their dilemma and were prevented from partaking.

Numbers 9 6 Bonus section

• This incident, alongside that of Zelophehad's daughters (Num 27), exemplifies a pattern in the Torah where specific, novel circumstances lead to further divine legislation, demonstrating the practical, case-law application of God's broad principles. It showcases God's willingness to clarify and expand upon His law in response to real-life challenges.
• The ritual impurity from contact with a corpse underlines the strong contrast between life, which is associated with God, and death, which is seen as an anathema and a consequence of sin (Rom 5:12). God, as the God of the living, established strict protocols around death to highlight His holiness and the ultimate consequences of rebellion against Him.
• The men's concern was not just ritual adherence, but a profound spiritual longing to participate in a communal act of remembrance that united them with God's saving acts. This deep desire to fulfill God's will is highly commended by God in His response.

Numbers 9 6 Commentary

Numbers 9:6 is a pivotal verse that highlights the intricate yet practical nature of God's Law for Israel. It introduces a specific human predicament—men defiled by a dead body—which creates a tension between two divine commands: the imperative to celebrate Passover and the requirement for ritual purity to participate in sacred acts. The core of this issue lies not in their rebellion or negligence, but in an unavoidable circumstance related to life and death in a communal setting. Their defilement, while making them temporarily unfit for ceremonial worship, did not disqualify them from desiring to obey God's command. Their proactive decision to bring their case to Moses and Aaron, rather than disregard the Passover, demonstrates genuine piety, reverence for divine commands, and respect for God-ordained authority.

This instance prefigures the adaptive yet unwavering nature of God's revealed will. God's Law is perfect and just, but human circumstances sometimes reveal new facets or require specific applications. This case prompts a direct divine intervention, establishing the law of the "second Passover" (Numbers 9:9-14), providing a solution for those legitimately hindered. This principle is vital: God desires obedience, and He provides means for His people to fulfill His commands, even when unforeseen obstacles arise. It underscores that God is merciful and pragmatic, always desiring to facilitate fellowship and obedience, demonstrating His willingness to meet His people where they are, without compromising the underlying principles of holiness. This concept also subtly foreshadows New Testament themes of access to God, not by ritualistic purification from external defilements, but by the internal cleansing of Christ's sacrifice that addresses the ultimate impurity of sin, making continuous fellowship possible (Hebrews 9:13-14).