Numbers 9:3, "On the fourteenth day of this month, at evening, you shall keep it in its appointed season—according to all its statutes, and according to all its ordinances, you shall keep it,” refers to the observance of the Passover (Pesach). Let's break down what the verse means:
"On the fourteenth day of this month...": This specifies the date: the 14th day of the first month of the Hebrew calendar (Nisan). This corresponds to March/April in the Gregorian calendar.
"...at evening...": This indicates the time of day when the Passover observance should begin – at twilight or dusk on the 14th of Nisan. The Jewish day traditionally starts at sunset.
"...you shall keep it in its appointed season...": This emphasizes the importance of observing Passover at the correct time. The phrase "appointed season" (Hebrew: moed) signifies a set time and purpose. It reinforces that this is a divinely ordained observance.
"...according to all its statutes, and according to all its ordinances, you shall keep it.”: This is a crucial instruction. It means that the Israelites were to celebrate Passover according to all the laws and regulations associated with it. This includes the sacrifices, the meal (Seder), and all other rituals and observances prescribed by God. "Statutes" (Hebrew: chukkot) refers to laws that are beyond human reason or logic, while "ordinances" (Hebrew: mishpatim) refers to laws that can be understood by human reason.
In essence, this verse is a direct commandment from God to the Israelites to observe the Passover precisely on the 14th of Nisan, at twilight, and in accordance with all of the detailed laws and instructions that He had given them regarding its celebration. This ensured proper remembrance and reenactment of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
Numbers 9:3, "On the fourteenth day of this month, at evening, you shall keep it in its appointed season—according to all its statutes, and according to all its ordinances, you shall keep it,” refers to the observance of the Passover (Pesach). Let's break down what the verse means:
"On the fourteenth day of this month...": This specifies the date: the 14th day of the first month of the Hebrew calendar (Nisan). This corresponds to March/April in the Gregorian calendar.
"...at evening...": This indicates the time of day when the Passover observance should begin – at twilight or dusk on the 14th of Nisan. The Jewish day traditionally starts at sunset.
"...you shall keep it in its appointed season...": This emphasizes the importance of observing Passover at the correct time. The phrase "appointed season" (Hebrew: moed) signifies a set time and purpose. It reinforces that this is a divinely ordained observance.
"...according to all its statutes, and according to all its ordinances, you shall keep it.”: This is a crucial instruction. It means that the Israelites were to celebrate Passover according to all the laws and regulations associated with it. This includes the sacrifices, the meal (Seder), and all other rituals and observances prescribed by God. "Statutes" (Hebrew: chukkot) refers to laws that are beyond human reason or logic, while "ordinances" (Hebrew: mishpatim) refers to laws that can be understood by human reason.
In essence, this verse is a direct commandment from God to the Israelites to observe the Passover precisely on the 14th of Nisan, at twilight, and in accordance with all of the detailed laws and instructions that He had given them regarding its celebration. This ensured proper remembrance and reenactment of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
