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Numbers 9

Book of ChroniclesHebrew Bible TranslationJewish Publication Society Bible

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This is a passage from the Hebrew Bible, specifically from the book of Numbers (chapter 9), written in the tradition of Mosaic law narrative. It recounts two distinct divine instructions given to the Israelites during their wilderness period: the command to observe Passover on its appointed date, and a supplementary ruling for those ritually impure or traveling who may observe it a month later in the second month. A notable legal development here is the introduction of "Pesach Sheni" (the Second Passover), presented as a response to a real case — men who were ritually unclean petitioned Moses for inclusion, prompting a new divine ruling rather than blanket exclusion. The passage also extends Passover observance explicitly to resident foreigners, emphasizing a single law for all. The second half shifts to describing the cloud over the Tabernacle as the mechanism of divine guidance for the Israelites' movements — they camped or journeyed strictly according to whether the cloud lifted or remained, whether for a night, days, or a year. The overall thrust is theological: Israel's movements and religious calendar are entirely subordinate to divine command, mediated through Moses.

Numbers 9

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