Numbers 9:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 9:14
14 And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the LORD; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.
Chapter Context
Numbers 9 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, redemption, fellowship. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 9:14
14 And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the LORD; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.
Analysis
If a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the LORD (וְכִי־יָגוּר אִתְּכֶם גֵּר וְעָשָׂה פֶסַח לַיהוָה, vechi-yagur itkhem ger ve'asah fesaḥ laYHWH)—The ger (sojourner, resident alien) could participate in Israel's central redemptive feast, foreshadowing Gentile inclusion in the New Covenant. Ye shall have one ordinance (חֻקָּה אַחַת, ḥuqqah aḥat)—singular statute for native and foreigner alike.
This principle destroys ethnic favoritism: both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land (כַּגֵּר כָּאֶזְרָח, kager ka'ezraḥ). Paul quotes this theology in Galatians 3:28, 'There is neither Jew nor Greek.' The Passover, pointing to Christ our Passover sacrificed for us (1 Corinthians 5:7), was always meant for 'whosoever will' (Revelation 22:17).
Historical Context
Written during the wilderness period (c. 1444 BC), this law established inclusion criteria for non-Israelites in the covenant community. The requirement to observe Passover 'according to the ordinance' implied circumcision (Exodus 12:48), making this full covenant membership, not mere tolerance. The early church struggled with this same question at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15).
Reflection
- How does the single standard for Israelite and stranger challenge both ethnic pride and cultural relativism in God's covenant people?
- What does the stranger's inclusion in Passover teach about the nature of salvation—by grace through faith, not by ethnic descent?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Leviticus 24:22