Numbers 9:4
And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, that they should keep the passover.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 7
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְּנֵ֥י
unto the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 7
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Historical Context
Moses' consistent faithful transmission of God's word established him as the prophetic standard until Christ (Deuteronomy 18:15). Unlike pagan prophets who mixed divine and human words, Moses delivered revelation with precision. This fidelity made the Pentateuch authoritative Scripture for all subsequent generations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' pattern of exact transmission inform faithful preaching today?
- What happens when preachers add personal opinions to Scripture as if equally authoritative?
- How can we discern between faithful exposition and innovative speculation?
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses speaking to Israel 'as the LORD commanded' demonstrates prophetic faithfulness in transmitting divine revelation without addition or subtraction. Moses did not interpret, adapt, or update God's word for cultural relevance—he delivered it intact. The Hebrew construction emphasizes exactitude. This establishes the biblical principle of prophetic and apostolic authority: they spoke not their own words but God's (2 Peter 1:21). Preachers today have similar responsibility—faithful exposition, not creative innovation. Scripture remains the authority; preachers are merely its servants.