God told Moses to keep the Passover (9:1-3). Note the timing sited in 9:1. The day is specified (9:3). Remember, the Passover was to be on the 14th day of the first month every year.
This takes place just before leaving Mount Sinai (9:1-5). They have been free for one year now.
A question came up about a man who was defiled by a dead body so that he could not keep the Passover. What was the first thing Moses did in this situation? (9:8-9) He went and asked the Lord what to do.
God said that for one of two reasons, a person could postpone their Passover: For being defiled by a dead body or for being away on a journey. God’s solution was to allow a defiled person to keep the Passover in the second month.
If a person who was not defiled or on a journey did not keep the Passover in the first month as God ordered, he would be cut off from among his people (9:13).
If a stranger (non-Jew) lived with the Israelites and wanted to keep the Passover, he was to follow the same rules as given to Israel (9:14).
Sanctification through Divine Guidance
Guidance of the Cloud and Fire (9:15-23)
God’s protective cloud covered the tabernacle by day and the appearance of fire covered it at night (9:15-16).
When God’s cloud moved, it was a sign to Israel that they must move. When the cloud stopped, they were to stop. Note the last phrase of 9:21. Sometimes God had them travel at night as well.
At times the cloud tarried for two days, or a month or even a full year (9:22).
Guidance of the Silver Trumpets (10:1-10)
Moses led the children of Israel in an organised way by using two silver trumpets.
The trumpets gave several signals. The called the assembly and announced a journey (10:2). Just ONE trumpet called the princes to gather (10:4). A certain trumpet tune was an alarm to travel (10:6). Another tune that was NOT an alarm called gatherings (10:7).
Only the priests were to blow the trumpets (10:8). Another alarm tune announced a battle charge (10:9). Yet another tune was blown on days of gladness, in solemn days (i.e., feasts or sacred days), and in the beginnings of each month (10:10).
PART TWO: FAILURE & WANDERING
Israel’s Failure En Route to Kadesh
Israel departs from Mount Sinai (10:11-36)
They had been at Mount Sinai for most a one year. God had them begin travelling on the 20th day of the second month in year two (10:11). They followed the cloud and it rested in the wilderness of Paran (10:12).
Notice the travel order of the camp. See the chart in the second lesson (Numbers 1-2). Judah led, followed by his charge of Issachar and Zebulun. These were followed by Gershon and Merari who carried the tabernacle (10:14-17). Second, Reuben, followed by his charge of Simeon and Gad. The Kohathites followed them bearing the contents on their shoulders (10:18-21). Third, Ephraim, followed by his charge of Manasseh and Benjamin (10:22-24). Finally, Dan, followed by his charge of Asher and Naphtali (10:25-28).
Moses urged his father in law, Hobab (also known as Jethro) to come with them in their journey to the Promised Land (10:29). He declined though Moses urged him (10:30-32).
They travelled for three days.
Principles for Us Today
God ordained the yearly Passover so that Israel might never forget God’s power and blessing in bringing them out of Egypt. The Lord’s Supper serves a similar purpose for us, but we must also regularly take time to reflect on God’s goodness.
God guided Israel with His cloud. How does He guide us today?
What does God’s constant 24-7 protection with cloud and fire over Israel remind us of today?
What does God’s travel timeline for Israel tell us about His guidance in our lives?
