Today’s passage: Numbers 9
Helpful thoughts:
- A year after the Israelites were redeemed from their bondage, they celebrated the Passover for the first time outside of Egypt. The events of this chapter happened in between what we read from chapters 7-8 and 1-4.
- All those who were “unclean” or away from the rest of the nation on a long journey (Unable to attend) were given the provision of celebrating the Passover one month after everyone else.
- God’s presence and leadership over the people of Israel was made visible through the cloud. There was a continual opportunity for the people to know He was with them and for them to be obedient to the Lord, whether that meant going or staying put.
Questions to consider:
- Why was the appeal by those who were presently “unclean” so appropriate and honored by the Lord? What was their heart to do? Why were they hesitant? How did God honor their request?
- What assurances do we have today that God is with us (Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 8:9-11)?
- Why is the promise of God’s Word enough to communicate God’s presence with us? How does the Word of God also fulfill the role of helping us know what to do (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:3-4, 2 Peter 1:20-21)? In other words, why don’t we need a pillar of cloud or pillar of fire today?