Numbers 9:7

and said to Moses, "We are unclean because of a dead body, but why should we be excluded from presenting the LORD's offering with the other Israelites at the appointed time?"

Study Bible

and said to Moses,
This phrase highlights the role of Moses as the leader and mediator between God and the Israelites. Moses is often approached by the people for guidance and clarification on the laws given by God. This reflects the hierarchical structure of leadership established by God, where Moses acts as the intermediary.

“We are unclean because of a dead body,
In the Israelite community, contact with a dead body rendered a person ceremonially unclean, as outlined in Leviticus 11 and Numbers 19. This uncleanness was not a moral failing but a ritual state that required purification. The concern for purity underscores the holiness required to approach God, emphasizing the separation between life and death, purity and impurity.

but why should we be excluded from presenting the LORD’s offering
The offering referred to is likely the Passover sacrifice, a critical observance for the Israelites commemorating their deliverance from Egypt. The question posed reflects a desire to participate in communal worship and fulfill religious obligations, highlighting the importance of inclusion in the covenant community and the collective memory of God's salvation.

with the other Israelites
This phrase emphasizes the communal aspect of worship and the shared identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people. Being part of the community was essential for maintaining one's identity and relationship with God. It also reflects the unity and collective responsibility of the Israelites in observing God's commands.

at the appointed time?”
The appointed time refers to the specific timing of the Passover, which was a divinely ordained festival. Observing it at the correct time was crucial, as it was a remembrance of God's deliverance and a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice. The concern for timing underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions and the anticipation of future fulfillment in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Men Who Were Unclean
These individuals had become ceremonially unclean due to contact with a dead body, which was a common occurrence in the Israelite community, especially during their wilderness journey.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who was approached by the unclean men for guidance on how to participate in the Passover despite their impurity.

3. The LORD’s Offering
Refers to the Passover sacrifice, a critical observance for the Israelites, symbolizing their deliverance from Egypt.

4. The Israelite Community
The collective group of God's chosen people, who were commanded to observe the Passover at its appointed time.

5. The Wilderness Journey
The context in which these events occur, highlighting the challenges of maintaining ceremonial purity while traveling.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience and Purity
The men’s concern about missing the Passover highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the desire to maintain purity.

God’s Provision for All
The subsequent verses (Numbers 9:8-14) show God’s provision for those who are unclean or on a journey, allowing them to celebrate the Passover at a later time. This demonstrates God's understanding and accommodation for human circumstances.

The Role of Community in Worship
The men’s desire to participate with the community underscores the importance of communal worship and fellowship in the faith journey.

Seeking Guidance from Godly Leaders
The men approached Moses for guidance, illustrating the importance of seeking wisdom from godly leaders when faced with spiritual dilemmas.

The Symbolism of the Passover
The Passover is a foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice, reminding believers of the importance of remembering and celebrating our deliverance through Jesus.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the concern of the unclean men teach us about the importance of participating in communal worship and observances?

2. How can we apply the principle of seeking guidance from godly leaders in our own spiritual journeys?

3. In what ways does the provision for a second Passover (later in Numbers 9) reflect God’s grace and understanding of human circumstances?

4. How does the Passover serve as a foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice, and how should this impact our observance of communion today?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that we maintain spiritual purity in our daily lives, especially when faced with unavoidable "unclean" situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11-15
These chapters provide detailed laws on cleanliness and uncleanliness, offering context for why the men were considered unclean.

Exodus 12
Describes the original Passover event, establishing its significance and the command for its annual observance.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8
Paul refers to Christ as our Passover lamb, drawing a parallel between the Old Testament Passover and the sacrifice of Jesus.