Numbers 9:11
The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
Original Language Analysis
הַשֵּׁנִ֜י
of the second
H8145
הַשֵּׁנִ֜י
of the second
Strong's:
H8145
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
עָשָׂ֥ר
H6240
עָשָׂ֥ר
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
4 of 13
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
י֛וֹם
day
H3117
י֛וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
5 of 13
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
בֵּ֥ין
H996
בֵּ֥ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
6 of 13
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
יַֽעֲשׂ֣וּ
they shall keep
H6213
יַֽעֲשׂ֣וּ
they shall keep
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֹת֑וֹ
H853
אֹת֑וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
The second Passover required identical observance: unblemished lamb, bitter herbs, unleavened bread, specific timing (though one month later), and recounting the Exodus narrative. Only the date shifted; nothing else could be modified. This precision shows that God's accommodation extended to when worship occurred, not how it was performed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does fixed content with flexible circumstances inform contemporary worship debates?
- What elements of Christian worship are negotiable versus non-negotiable?
- How can we accommodate different people's situations while maintaining gospel truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command that the second Passover be kept 'according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof' shows that accommodation regarding timing did not permit alteration of substance. The Hebrew chukat (ordinance) and mishpat (manner) emphasize that all ritual elements remained mandatory. This teaches that divine flexibility in circumstances does not equal latitude in content. The gospel similarly accommodates all peoples and conditions, yet remains fixed in content—faith in Christ crucified and risen (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Grace does not change truth; it makes truth accessible.