Numbers 9:3
In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it.
Original Language Analysis
עָשָֽׂר
H6240
עָשָֽׂר
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
2 of 16
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
י֠וֹם
day
H3117
י֠וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 16
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
הַזֶּ֜ה
H2088
בֵּ֧ין
H996
בֵּ֧ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
6 of 16
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
תַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
thereof shall ye keep
H6213
תַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
thereof shall ye keep
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֹת֖וֹ
H853
אֹת֖וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּמֹֽעֲד֑וֹ
it in his appointed season
H4150
בְּמֹֽעֲד֑וֹ
it in his appointed season
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
כְּכָל
H3605
כְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וּכְכָל
H3605
וּכְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִשְׁפָּטָ֖יו
of it and according to all the ceremonies
H4941
מִשְׁפָּטָ֖יו
of it and according to all the ceremonies
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
Historical Context
The Passover ritual included specific elements: unblemished lamb, bitter herbs, unleavened bread, specific timing, eating in haste with staff and sandals, applying blood to doorposts (in Egypt), and recounting the redemption narrative. Deviation from these prescriptions was not permitted. Later Jewish tradition elaborated extensively on Passover observance (the Seder).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's concern for worship details challenge the 'form doesn't matter, only heart' mindset?
- What prescribed elements of New Testament worship must not be altered?
- How can we maintain both sincere hearts and faithful forms in worship?
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Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof' stresses meticulous obedience to prescribed forms. The Hebrew chukim (statutes) and mishpatim (judgments) cover all aspects of the ritual. God cares about the details of worship, not just general intent. This opposes the idea that sincerity matters more than form. While New Testament worship is simpler, it retains divine prescription—baptism and the Lord's Supper have specific elements, meanings, and recipients that cannot be altered by human preference without violating divine command.