Numbers 9:5

and they did so in the Wilderness of Sinai, at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. The Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Study Bible

and they did so in the Wilderness of Sinai
The Wilderness of Sinai is a significant location in the biblical narrative, serving as the backdrop for many of the Israelites' formative experiences after their exodus from Egypt. It is here that they received the Law, including the Ten Commandments, and where they constructed the Tabernacle. This wilderness period is a time of testing and preparation for the Israelites as they transition from slavery to becoming a covenant people. The obedience of the Israelites in this setting underscores their commitment to follow God's commands despite the harsh and challenging environment.

at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month
The timing of this event is crucial as it aligns with the Passover, which is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the first month, Nisan, in the Hebrew calendar. Twilight marks the beginning of the new day in Jewish tradition, and this specific timing is a direct command from God as seen in Exodus 12:6. The Passover commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, symbolizing God's salvation and protection. This observance in the wilderness highlights the continuity of God's covenant and the importance of remembering His past acts of deliverance.

The Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses
This phrase emphasizes the obedience of the Israelites to God's instructions given through Moses. It reflects a pattern of faithfulness that is expected of God's people, as seen throughout the Pentateuch. Moses, as the mediator of God's covenant, is a type of Christ, who perfectly fulfills and mediates the new covenant. The Israelites' adherence to God's commands here foreshadows the call for believers to live in obedience to Christ's teachings. This obedience is not merely ritualistic but is a demonstration of faith and trust in God's promises and His appointed leaders.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now journeying through the wilderness.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to guide them through the wilderness. He is the mediator between God and the Israelites.

3. The Passover
A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, specifically the night when the Lord passed over the houses of the Israelites marked with lamb's blood, sparing their firstborn.

4. The Wilderness of Sinai
The location where the Israelites camped and received the Law from God through Moses. It is a place of testing and revelation.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who commands and guides His people according to His divine will and purpose.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' observance of the Passover "just as the LORD had commanded Moses" underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions. As believers, we are called to follow God's Word faithfully, trusting in His wisdom and timing.

The Significance of Remembrance
The Passover serves as a reminder of God's deliverance and faithfulness. In our lives, we should regularly remember and celebrate God's past faithfulness, which strengthens our faith for present and future challenges.

The Role of Leadership
Moses' leadership in guiding the Israelites to observe the Passover highlights the importance of godly leadership. Leaders in the church and home should guide others in obedience to God's Word and in the remembrance of His works.

The Continuity of God's Plan
The observance of the Passover in the wilderness shows the continuity of God's plan from Egypt to the Promised Land. Similarly, God's plan for our lives is continuous, and we should trust His guidance through every season.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the observance of the Passover in the wilderness demonstrate the Israelites' trust in God's provision and protection?

2. In what ways can we, as modern believers, ensure that we are obedient to God's commands in our daily lives?

3. How does the Passover serve as a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice, and what implications does this have for our understanding of redemption?

4. What role does remembrance play in your spiritual life, and how can you incorporate regular times of remembrance into your personal or family worship?

5. How can leaders in the church and home effectively guide others in obedience to God's Word and in the remembrance of His faithfulness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
Provides the original instructions for the Passover, highlighting its significance as a perpetual ordinance for the Israelites.

Leviticus 23
Lists the appointed feasts of the LORD, including the Passover, emphasizing its importance in the religious calendar of Israel.

1 Corinthians 5:7
Paul refers to Christ as our Passover lamb, drawing a parallel between the Passover and the sacrifice of Jesus, highlighting the fulfillment of the Passover in Christ.

Hebrews 11:28
References Moses' faith in keeping the Passover, underscoring the importance of obedience and faith in God's promises.