King James Version
Numbers 9
23 verses with commentary
The Second Passover
And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The first month of the second year marks exactly one year since the Exodus Passover. God's command to observe Passover demonstrates His insistence on memorial worship—Israel must not forget redemption. The Hebrew <em>pesach</em> (Passover) commemorates the angel passing over blood-marked homes (Exodus 12). This establishes the pattern of covenant renewal through commemorative ritual. Christians co...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
IX.
(1) **In the first month of the second year.**—The celebration of the Passover, as recorded in this chapter, preceded in order of time the numbering of the people recorded in Numbers 1, and the other events which were connected with it. No provision had hitherto been made for the celebration of the Passover in the wilderness. A special injunction was, therefore, required for this purpose. Had ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-20. when the days of his separation are fulfilled, &c.--**On the accomplishment of a limited vow of Nazaritism, Nazarites might cut their hair wherever they happened to be (Ac 18:18); but the hair was to be carefully kept and brought to the door of the sanctuary. Then after the presentation of sin offerings and burnt offerings, it was put under the vessel in which the peace offerings were...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Of the Passover.(1-14)
The removals of the Israelites.(15-23)
**Verses 1-14**
God gave particular orders for the keeping of this passover, and, for aught that appears, after this, they kept no passover till they came to Canaan, Jos 5:10. It early showed that the ceremonial institutions were not to continue always, as so soon after they were appointed, so...
Read full commentary →Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season.
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KJV Study Commentary
The command to keep Passover 'in his appointed season' emphasizes timing prescribed by God, not human convenience. The Hebrew <em>mo'ed</em> (appointed time) indicates divinely fixed occasions. The specificity—'the fourteenth day of this month at even'—teaches that worship follows God's calendar, not ours. This principle opposes worship innovations where churches replace God-ordained means with hu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-20. when the days of his separation are fulfilled, &c.--**On the accomplishment of a limited vow of Nazaritism, Nazarites might cut their hair wherever they happened to be (Ac 18:18); but the hair was to be carefully kept and brought to the door of the sanctuary. Then after the presentation of sin offerings and burnt offerings, it was put under the vessel in which the peace offerings were...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Of the Passover.(1-14)
The removals of the Israelites.(15-23)
**Verses 1-14**
God gave particular orders for the keeping of this passover, and, for aught that appears, after this, they kept no passover till they came to Canaan, Jos 5:10. It early showed that the ceremonial institutions were not to continue always, as so soon after they were appointed, so...
Read full commentary →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. at even: Heb. between the two evenings
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study 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 <em>chukim</em> (statutes) and <em>mishpatim</em> (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 worshi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **At even.**—Hebrew, *between the two evenings. *(See Note on Exodus 12:6.)
**According to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof.**—Better, *according to all the statutes and ordinances thereof. *It is obvious that some of the directions concerning the Egyptian Passover could not be observed in the wilderness. The reference must, therefore, be to those statutes and o...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-20. when the days of his separation are fulfilled, &c.--**On the accomplishment of a limited vow of Nazaritism, Nazarites might cut their hair wherever they happened to be (Ac 18:18); but the hair was to be carefully kept and brought to the door of the sanctuary. Then after the presentation of sin offerings and burnt offerings, it was put under the vessel in which the peace offerings were...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Of the Passover.(1-14)
The removals of the Israelites.(15-23)
**Verses 1-14**
God gave particular orders for the keeping of this passover, and, for aught that appears, after this, they kept no passover till they came to Canaan, Jos 5:10. It early showed that the ceremonial institutions were not to continue always, as so soon after they were appointed, so...
Read full commentary →And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, that they should keep the passover.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study 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 ow...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-20. when the days of his separation are fulfilled, &c.--**On the accomplishment of a limited vow of Nazaritism, Nazarites might cut their hair wherever they happened to be (Ac 18:18); but the hair was to be carefully kept and brought to the door of the sanctuary. Then after the presentation of sin offerings and burnt offerings, it was put under the vessel in which the peace offerings were...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Of the Passover.(1-14)
The removals of the Israelites.(15-23)
**Verses 1-14**
God gave particular orders for the keeping of this passover, and, for aught that appears, after this, they kept no passover till they came to Canaan, Jos 5:10. It early showed that the ceremonial institutions were not to continue always, as so soon after they were appointed, so...
Read full commentary →And they kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month at even in the wilderness of Sinai: according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The record 'they kept the passover...according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel' demonstrates corporate covenant faithfulness. The entire nation obeyed precisely. This pattern of obedience precedes the subsequent rebellion and unbelief, showing that early faithfulness does not guarantee perseverance. The conditional nature of the Mosaic covenant meant blessing fo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **And they kept the passover on the fourteenth day . . . —**There is no mention here of the observance of the feast of unleavened bread for seven days, as it was enjoined in Exodus 12:18. It might not have been practicable to obtain a sufficient quantity of flour to last so large a number of people for seven days, though it may have been easy to procure from Midian or elsewhere a sufficient qu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-20. when the days of his separation are fulfilled, &c.--**On the accomplishment of a limited vow of Nazaritism, Nazarites might cut their hair wherever they happened to be (Ac 18:18); but the hair was to be carefully kept and brought to the door of the sanctuary. Then after the presentation of sin offerings and burnt offerings, it was put under the vessel in which the peace offerings were...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Of the Passover.(1-14)
The removals of the Israelites.(15-23)
**Verses 1-14**
God gave particular orders for the keeping of this passover, and, for aught that appears, after this, they kept no passover till they came to Canaan, Jos 5:10. It early showed that the ceremonial institutions were not to continue always, as so soon after they were appointed, so...
Read full commentary →And there were certain men, who were defiled by the dead body of a man, that they could not keep the passover on that day: and they came before Moses and before Aaron on that day:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The case of men defiled by dead bodies unable to keep Passover introduces a problem requiring divine solution. Their ceremonial uncleanness prohibited participation in the holy feast, yet they desired to obey. The Hebrew <em>tame</em> (unclean) created an impossible situation—they could not become clean quickly enough. This reveals the inadequacy of the ceremonial system to fully accommodate human...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **And there were certain men . . . —**It has been supposed that the reference is to Mishael and Elzaphan, who appear to have buried their cousins, Nadab and Abihu, about this time (Blunt’s “Script. Coincidences,” pp. 66, 67,1850). If the consecration of Aaron and his sons began on the first day of the first month (Exodus 40:2; Exodus 40:12), and the death of Nadab and Abihu could not have take...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-20. when the days of his separation are fulfilled, &c.--**On the accomplishment of a limited vow of Nazaritism, Nazarites might cut their hair wherever they happened to be (Ac 18:18); but the hair was to be carefully kept and brought to the door of the sanctuary. Then after the presentation of sin offerings and burnt offerings, it was put under the vessel in which the peace offerings were...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Of the Passover.(1-14)
The removals of the Israelites.(15-23)
**Verses 1-14**
God gave particular orders for the keeping of this passover, and, for aught that appears, after this, they kept no passover till they came to Canaan, Jos 5:10. It early showed that the ceremonial institutions were not to continue always, as so soon after they were appointed, so...
Read full commentary →And those men said unto him, We are defiled by the dead body of a man: wherefore are we kept back, that we may not offer an offering of the LORD in his appointed season among the children of Israel?
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KJV Study Commentary
The defiled men's question 'Wherefore are we kept back, that we may not offer an offering of the LORD in his appointed season?' expresses genuine grief over exclusion from corporate worship. Their phrase 'kept back' (Hebrew <em>gara</em>—diminished/restrained) reveals they felt impoverished by missing the feast. This holy desire for participation led to divine accommodation. The principle emerges ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **An offering.**—Better, *the offering, *or *oblation.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-20. when the days of his separation are fulfilled, &c.--**On the accomplishment of a limited vow of Nazaritism, Nazarites might cut their hair wherever they happened to be (Ac 18:18); but the hair was to be carefully kept and brought to the door of the sanctuary. Then after the presentation of sin offerings and burnt offerings, it was put under the vessel in which the peace offerings were...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Of the Passover.(1-14)
The removals of the Israelites.(15-23)
**Verses 1-14**
God gave particular orders for the keeping of this passover, and, for aught that appears, after this, they kept no passover till they came to Canaan, Jos 5:10. It early showed that the ceremonial institutions were not to continue always, as so soon after they were appointed, so...
Read full commentary →And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you.' When faced with a situation not clearly addressed in existing revelation (men defiled by corpse who wanted to keep Passover), Moses didn't presume to decide but sought God's specific guidance. The phrase 'I will hear what the LORD will command' demonstrates humble dependence on divine direction. Mose...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Of the Passover.(1-14)
The removals of the Israelites.(15-23)
**Verses 1-14**
God gave particular orders for the keeping of this passover, and, for aught that appears, after this, they kept no passover till they came to Canaan, Jos 5:10. It early showed that the ceremonial institutions were not to continue always, as so soon after they were appointed, so...
Read full commentary →And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God's instruction for Moses to 'speak unto the children of Israel, saying' introduces the solution to the Passover dilemma. The divine provision of a second Passover (verse 11) demonstrates God's gracious accommodation within His holiness. The Hebrew construction indicates permanent law, not temporary exception. This teaches that God's law includes compassionate provisions for human frailty withou...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Of the Passover.(1-14)
The removals of the Israelites.(15-23)
**Verses 1-14**
God gave particular orders for the keeping of this passover, and, for aught that appears, after this, they kept no passover till they came to Canaan, Jos 5:10. It early showed that the ceremonial institutions were not to continue always, as so soon after they were appointed, so...
Read full commentary →Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or be in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover unto the LORD.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The law that 'if any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or be in a journey afar off' extends the second Passover provision to future generations. The Hebrew <em>dorot</em> (generations) makes this permanent statute. Two categories received accommodation: the ceremonially unclean and travelers. This demonstrates God's realism about human conditions while main...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **In a journey afar off.**—Or, *on a distant journey. *This is one of the ten passages in the Pentateuch in which one or more words are marked with certain dots, known as *puncta extraordinaria. *In this case these dots stand over the word *rehokah, distant. *The Rabbinical explanation is that the word is either spurious, as not being found in Numbers 9:13, or is not to be interpreted in its ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nu 6:23-27. The Form of Blessing the People.
**23-27. Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the congregation of Israel, &c.--**This passage records the solemn benediction which God appointed for dismissing the people at the close of the daily service. The repetition of the name "Lord" or "Jehovah" three times, expresses the great mystery of the Godhead--three...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Of the Passover.(1-14)
The removals of the Israelites.(15-23)
**Verses 1-14**
God gave particular orders for the keeping of this passover, and, for aught that appears, after this, they kept no passover till they came to Canaan, Jos 5:10. It early showed that the ceremonial institutions were not to continue always, as so soon after they were appointed, so...
Read full commentary →The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study 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 <em>chukat</em> (ordinance) and <em>mishpat</em> (manner) emphasize that all ritual elements remained mandatory. This teaches that divine flexibility in circumstances does not equa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nu 6:23-27. The Form of Blessing the People.
**23-27. Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the congregation of Israel, &c.--**This passage records the solemn benediction which God appointed for dismissing the people at the close of the daily service. The repetition of the name "Lord" or "Jehovah" three times, expresses the great mystery of the Godhead--three...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Of the Passover.(1-14)
The removals of the Israelites.(15-23)
**Verses 1-14**
God gave particular orders for the keeping of this passover, and, for aught that appears, after this, they kept no passover till they came to Canaan, Jos 5:10. It early showed that the ceremonial institutions were not to continue always, as so soon after they were appointed, so...
Read full commentary →They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The law 'they shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it' establishes specific ritual requirements with prophetic significance. The prohibition against leaving remnants or breaking bones was exactly fulfilled in Christ's crucifixion. John explicitly connects this: 'that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken' (John 19:36, citing Exodus 12:46). T...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **According to all the ordinances.**—The word rendered *ordinances *is in the singular number:* according to all the ordinance *(or *statute*). The primary reference is probably to the law respecting the Paschal Lamb. According to Jewish tradition the feast was only observed for one day instead of seven, and it was not necessary to put away leaven.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nu 6:23-27. The Form of Blessing the People.
**23-27. Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the congregation of Israel, &c.--**This passage records the solemn benediction which God appointed for dismissing the people at the close of the daily service. The repetition of the name "Lord" or "Jehovah" three times, expresses the great mystery of the Godhead--three...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Of the Passover.(1-14)
The removals of the Israelites.(15-23)
**Verses 1-14**
God gave particular orders for the keeping of this passover, and, for aught that appears, after this, they kept no passover till they came to Canaan, Jos 5:10. It early showed that the ceremonial institutions were not to continue always, as so soon after they were appointed, so...
Read full commentary →But the man that is clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he brought not the offering of the LORD in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The severe penalty 'that soul shall be cut off from among his people' for neglecting Passover without excuse shows covenant obligations' seriousness. The Hebrew <em>karat</em> (cut off) may indicate execution or excommunication. Those with legitimate excuse (uncleanness, travel) received accommodation; those without excuse faced judgment. This teaches that covenant privilege brings covenant respon...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Shall bear his sin**—i.e., shall be put to death. (Comp. Leviticus 24:15; Numbers 18:22.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nu 6:23-27. The Form of Blessing the People.
**23-27. Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the congregation of Israel, &c.--**This passage records the solemn benediction which God appointed for dismissing the people at the close of the daily service. The repetition of the name "Lord" or "Jehovah" three times, expresses the great mystery of the Godhead--three...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Of the Passover.(1-14)
The removals of the Israelites.(15-23)
**Verses 1-14**
God gave particular orders for the keeping of this passover, and, for aught that appears, after this, they kept no passover till they came to Canaan, Jos 5:10. It early showed that the ceremonial institutions were not to continue always, as so soon after they were appointed, so...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the LORD</strong> (וְכִי־יָגוּר אִתְּכֶם גֵּר וְעָשָׂה פֶסַח לַיהוָה, vechi-yagur itkhem ger ve'asah fesaḥ laYHWH)—The <em>ger</em> (sojourner, resident alien) could participate in Israel's central redemptive feast, foreshadowing Gentile inclusion in the New Covenant. <strong>Ye shall have one ordinance</strong> (חֻקָּה...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **And if a stranger . . . —**The law respecting the stranger is contained in Exodus 12:48-49.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Nu 6:23-27. The Form of Blessing the People.
**23-27. Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the congregation of Israel, &c.--**This passage records the solemn benediction which God appointed for dismissing the people at the close of the daily service. The repetition of the name "Lord" or "Jehovah" three times, expresses the great mystery of the Godhead--three...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Of the Passover.(1-14)
The removals of the Israelites.(15-23)
**Verses 1-14**
God gave particular orders for the keeping of this passover, and, for aught that appears, after this, they kept no passover till they came to Canaan, Jos 5:10. It early showed that the ceremonial institutions were not to continue always, as so soon after they were appointed, so...
Read full commentary →The Cloud Above the Tabernacle
And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the cloud covering the tabernacle when it was erected, appearing as fire by night. The cloud (Hebrew ''anan', עָנָן) and fire manifested God's glorious presence dwelling among His people, providing both visible assurance and practical guidance. The phenomenon's continuous nature—cloud by day, fire by night—ensured Israel always saw evidence of God's presence. This wasn't natur...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **The cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony.**—Better, *the tabernacle of *(or, belonging to) *the tent of the testimony. *It is stated in Exodus 40:34, after the account of the erection of the Tabernacle, that the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and that the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. There is, therefore, no sufficient ground for the supposition tha...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
This cloud was appointed to be the visible sign and symbol of God's presence with Israel. Thus we are taught to see God always near us, both night and day. As long as the cloud rested on the tabernacle, so long they continued in the same place. There is no time lost, while we are waiting God's time. When the cloud was taken up, they removed, however comfortably they were encam...
Read full commentary →So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The cloud covered the tabernacle by day and appeared as fire by night, providing visible manifestation of God's presence. The Hebrew 'anan' (cloud) represents divine glory (Ex 40:34-35), while the fire's appearance recalls Sinai's theophany (Ex 19:18). This perpetual presence demonstrated God dwelling among His people, guiding their travels and encampments. The pillar of cloud and fire combined tr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **The cloud covered it by day.**—There is no need for the insertion of the words in italics. It was the same cloud which was “alway” over the Tabernacle during the continuance of the journeyings through the wilderness.
**And the appearance of fire by night.**—Better, *and there was the appearance of fire by night. *(Comp. Exodus 13:21-22.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 7 Nu 7:1-89. The Princes' Offerings.
**1. the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle--**Those who take the word "day" as literally pointing to the exact date of the completion of the tabernacle, are under a necessity of considering the sacred narrative as disjointed, and this portion of the history from the seventh to the eleventh chapters as out of its place--the chronology requi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
This cloud was appointed to be the visible sign and symbol of God's presence with Israel. Thus we are taught to see God always near us, both night and day. As long as the cloud rested on the tabernacle, so long they continued in the same place. There is no time lost, while we are waiting God's time. When the cloud was taken up, they removed, however comfortably they were encam...
Read full commentary →And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>When the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed</strong> (וּלְפִי הֵעָלוֹת הֶעָנָן מֵעַל הָאֹהֶל אַחֲרֵי־כֵן יִסְעוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, ul'fi he'alot he'anan me'al ha'ohel aḥarey-chen yis'u veney yisra'el)—<em>Le'fi</em> means 'according to the mouth/command of.' The cloud's movement was Yahweh's visible command. <em>Nasa</em> (to journey, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **And when the cloud was taken up. . . **—Only one instance is recorded of disregard of the Divine direction thus miraculously vouchsafed, viz., in Numbers 14:40-42. It was necessary that the hosts of Israel should be always in a watchful state, and ready to obey at once the intimations given to them of the Divine will, thus affording a striking type and pattern to the Christian Church, and t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-3. the princes of Israel ... brought their offering before the Lord--**The finishing of the sacred edifice would, it may well be imagined, be hailed as an auspicious occasion, diffusing great joy and thankfulness throughout the whole population of Israel. But the leading men, not content with participating in the general expression of satisfaction, distinguished themselves by a movement, which...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
This cloud was appointed to be the visible sign and symbol of God's presence with Israel. Thus we are taught to see God always near us, both night and day. As long as the cloud rested on the tabernacle, so long they continued in the same place. There is no time lost, while we are waiting God's time. When the cloud was taken up, they removed, however comfortably they were encam...
Read full commentary →At the commandment of the LORD the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the LORD they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse establishes the fundamental principle governing Israel's wilderness journey: 'At the commandment of the LORD' they traveled and camped. The phrase appears twice, emphasizing complete dependence on divine direction. The Hebrew 'al-pi YHWH' (עַל־פִּי יְהוָה) literally means 'according to the mouth of the LORD,' suggesting that the cloud's movements constituted God's spoken command. Israel...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-3. the princes of Israel ... brought their offering before the Lord--**The finishing of the sacred edifice would, it may well be imagined, be hailed as an auspicious occasion, diffusing great joy and thankfulness throughout the whole population of Israel. But the leading men, not content with participating in the general expression of satisfaction, distinguished themselves by a movement, which...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
This cloud was appointed to be the visible sign and symbol of God's presence with Israel. Thus we are taught to see God always near us, both night and day. As long as the cloud rested on the tabernacle, so long they continued in the same place. There is no time lost, while we are waiting God's time. When the cloud was taken up, they removed, however comfortably they were encam...
Read full commentary →And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the LORD, and journeyed not. tarried: Heb. prolonged
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>When the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days</strong> (וּבְהַאֲרִיךְ הֶעָנָן עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן יָמִים רַבִּים, uv'ha'arich he'anan al-hamishkan yamim rabbim)—<em>Arich</em> (to lengthen, prolong) tests patience differently than constant movement. Extended waiting (<em>yamim rabbim</em>, many days) requires endurance, faith that God hasn't forgotten. The temptation to move ahead...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Kept the charge of the Lord.**—The same expression is used of Aaron and his sons in Leviticus 8:35, and also in respect to the office of the Levites in Numbers 3:7, as keeping the charge of Aaron and of the congregation. It is also used of the people generally in 2Chronicles 23:6, in regard to the charge or “watch” of the Lord. It may imply that the people were to engage in acts of religiou...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-5. The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation--**They exhibited a beautiful example to all who are great in dignity and in wealth, to be foremost in contributing to the support and in promoting the interests of religion. The strictness of the injunctions Moses had received to adhere with scrupulous fidelity to th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
This cloud was appointed to be the visible sign and symbol of God's presence with Israel. Thus we are taught to see God always near us, both night and day. As long as the cloud rested on the tabernacle, so long they continued in the same place. There is no time lost, while we are waiting God's time. When the cloud was taken up, they removed, however comfortably they were encam...
Read full commentary →And so it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the LORD they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the LORD they journeyed.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>When the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle</strong> (וְיֵשׁ אֲשֶׁר יִהְיֶה הֶעָנָן יָמִים מִסְפָּר עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן, veyesh asher yihyeh he'anan yamim mispar al-hamishkan)—<em>Yamim mispar</em> (days of number, countable days) contrasts with v. 19's 'many days.' Variability itself is the pattern: sometimes long, sometimes short, never predictable. <strong>According to the commandmen...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **And so it was . . . —**Better, *And sometimes, *&c., i.e., there were times or occasions in which, &c. So in Numbers 9:21.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-5. The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation--**They exhibited a beautiful example to all who are great in dignity and in wealth, to be foremost in contributing to the support and in promoting the interests of religion. The strictness of the injunctions Moses had received to adhere with scrupulous fidelity to th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
This cloud was appointed to be the visible sign and symbol of God's presence with Israel. Thus we are taught to see God always near us, both night and day. As long as the cloud rested on the tabernacle, so long they continued in the same place. There is no time lost, while we are waiting God's time. When the cloud was taken up, they removed, however comfortably they were encam...
Read full commentary →And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed. abode: Heb. was
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>When the cloud abode from even unto the morning</strong> (וְיֵשׁ אֲשֶׁר־יִהְיֶה הֶעָנָן מֵעֶרֶב עַד־בֹּקֶר, veyesh asher-yihyeh he'anan me'erev ad-boqer)—A single night's rest before moving again. <strong>Whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed</strong> (יוֹמָם אוֹ־לַיְלָה וְנַעֲלָה הֶעָנָן וְנָסָעוּ, yomam o-laylah vena'alah he'anan venasa'u)—no exemp...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **By day or by night.**—It is obvious from this verse that there must have been sentinels constantly watching by night as well as by day, whose office it was to give notice when the cloud was removed. (Comp. Psalm 134:1.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-9. Moses took the wagons and the oxen--**The Hebrew word seems to be fairly rendered by the word "wagons." Wheel carriages of some kind are certainly intended; and as they were covered, the best idea we can form of them is, that they bore some resemblance to our covered wagons. That wheel carriages were anciently used in Egypt, and in what is now Asiatic Turkey, is attested, not only by histor...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
This cloud was appointed to be the visible sign and symbol of God's presence with Israel. Thus we are taught to see God always near us, both night and day. As long as the cloud rested on the tabernacle, so long they continued in the same place. There is no time lost, while we are waiting God's time. When the cloud was taken up, they removed, however comfortably they were encam...
Read full commentary →Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Whether it were two days, or a month, or a year</strong> (אוֹ־יֹמַיִם אוֹ־חֹדֶשׁ אוֹ־יָמִים, o-yomayim o-ḥodesh o-yamim)—The Hebrew <em>yamim</em> (days) can mean an extended period, hence 'year' in translation. This comprehensive summary emphasizes complete unpredictability. <strong>The children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not</strong> (יַחֲנוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל וְלֹא יִס...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **Or a year.**—Literally, *days *(comp. Genesis 4:3; Genesis 40:4, and Notes). If the rendering of the Authorised Version, “a year,” is correct, as it probably is, it will follow that these words could not have been written until after the first arrival at Kadesh (Numbers 13:26), and probably not until after the end of the wanderings in the wilderness. The elaborate manner in which the statem...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-9. Moses took the wagons and the oxen--**The Hebrew word seems to be fairly rendered by the word "wagons." Wheel carriages of some kind are certainly intended; and as they were covered, the best idea we can form of them is, that they bore some resemblance to our covered wagons. That wheel carriages were anciently used in Egypt, and in what is now Asiatic Turkey, is attested, not only by histor...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
This cloud was appointed to be the visible sign and symbol of God's presence with Israel. Thus we are taught to see God always near us, both night and day. As long as the cloud rested on the tabernacle, so long they continued in the same place. There is no time lost, while we are waiting God's time. When the cloud was taken up, they removed, however comfortably they were encam...
Read full commentary →At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse concludes the passage about the cloud guiding Israel's movements, emphasizing absolute obedience to divine direction. The phrase 'At the commandment of the LORD' (Hebrew: 'al-pi YHWH', literally 'at the mouth of the LORD') appears three times, creating rhythmic emphasis on God's sovereign control. The cloud's movements determined when Israel camped and when they journeyed—not convenienc...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-9. Moses took the wagons and the oxen--**The Hebrew word seems to be fairly rendered by the word "wagons." Wheel carriages of some kind are certainly intended; and as they were covered, the best idea we can form of them is, that they bore some resemblance to our covered wagons. That wheel carriages were anciently used in Egypt, and in what is now Asiatic Turkey, is attested, not only by histor...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
This cloud was appointed to be the visible sign and symbol of God's presence with Israel. Thus we are taught to see God always near us, both night and day. As long as the cloud rested on the tabernacle, so long they continued in the same place. There is no time lost, while we are waiting God's time. When the cloud was taken up, they removed, however comfortably they were encam...
Read full commentary →