Numbers 9

Numbers 9:1

IN the wildernesse] The Passover was kept but this once in the wildernesse; and then (as some thinke) for want of meale to make unleavened bread, they kept it with Manna; yet being here not very farre from Midian, they might be furnished thence with so much as might serve the turne for one Passeover; which is brought in here, though it were celebrated before the numbring of the people in the beginning of this Booke; for this was in the first moneth of the second yeare after the peoples departure out of Egypt; and the numbring of the people was in the second moneth of the second yeare, Chap. 1. 1. For the Spirit that indicted this Booke, with the rest of the Scripture, tyeth himselfe to the observation of truth, not to the order of time, which upon good reason may be sometimes left, though that reason doe not appeare.

Numbers 9:2

appointed season] Though time be but a circumstance, the command of God maketh it a necessary part of mans obedience, Matth. 5. 23, 24, 25. compare Leviticus 23:34. with 1 Kings 12:33.

Numbers 9:3

at even] Heb. betweene the two evenings. See Annot. on Exodus 12:6.

Numbers 9:6

by the dead] By touching of a dead corps, or being at the buriall of it; by that the party was uncleane seven dayes, Numbers 19:11. and an uncleane person might not eate of the holy things, Leviticus 22:4. 7.

Numbers 9:7

wherefore are we] They have given the reason before; yet that doth not satisfie them: their zeale of the Passeover was such, that they would either have that stand for no reason, or else that they might in such a case have some dispensation, that they might not be debarred from it untill another yeare.

offer an offering] The celebration of the Passeover, by the slaying of the Psachall Lambe, was the offering of a sacrifice unto God, Exodus 12:27.

Numbers 9:8

what the Lord] Religious doubts are to be resolved by God; and now he speaketh not in an extraordinary manner, as he did to Moses; we must take the Scripture, Gods written word, for our Oracle, and rely upon that, not on any mans word without it, much lesse against it, Esa. 8. 20.

Numbers 9:10

uncleane] Uncleannesse, and absence from home, are only mentioned; but there are other impediments as great as these, as sicknesse, especially the pestilence, warre, captivity, child-bearing, &c. which may be reasonably understood as just impediments, though not exprest.

Numbers 9:11

second moneth] So that they that have lawfull lets, have a moneth longer granted unto them, 2 Chron. 30. 2. but no more; for if in the first or second moneth it were not kept, it must be forborne untill the returne of the yeare.

Numbers 9:12

ordinances] Even in all points as the Lord hath instituted.

Numbers 9:14

one ordinance] See Annot. on Exodus 12:49.

Numbers 9:15

and at Even] See Annot. on Exodus 13:21. & 40. vers. 38.

appearance of fire] So it was in the night; and in the day the Lord guided them by a cloud, for that was best discerned in the day, as the other in the night.

Numbers 9:18

At the commandement of the Lord] As it was visibly signified unto them for their encamping, or journeying thereafter, as the cloud remained on, or removed from the Tabernacle; which appeared openly and evidently in their sight.

Numbers 9:21

by day or by night] God must be obeyed without any exception of time or season.

Numbers 9:23

by the hand] Under the charge and by the ministery of Moses, Malachi 1:1.