King James Version

What Does Numbers 9:2 Mean?

Numbers 9:2 in the King James Version says “Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season.”

Numbers 9:2 · KJV

Context

1

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,

2

Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season.

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. at even: Heb. between the two evenings

4

And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, that they should keep the passover.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command to keep Passover 'in his appointed season' emphasizes timing prescribed by God, not human convenience. The Hebrew mo'ed (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 human preferences. New Testament worship maintains divine appointment—Word and sacrament instituted by Christ, not left to individual taste or cultural adaptation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The fourteenth day of Nisan (first month) began at sunset, following Jewish reckoning where days ran from evening to evening (Genesis 1:5). This precise timing commemorated the exact night of deliverance from Egypt. Later, Christ was crucified on Passover day, fulfilling the typology as our Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's appointed timing for worship challenge contemporary 'relevance'-driven services?
  2. What dangers arise when we prioritize convenience over God's prescribed means?
  3. How does Christ's death on Passover demonstrate God's sovereignty over redemptive history?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְיַֽעֲשׂ֧וּ1 of 6

“also keep”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בְנֵֽי2 of 6

“Let the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל3 of 6

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶת4 of 6
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַפָּ֖סַח5 of 6

“the passover”

H6453

a pretermission, i.e., exemption; used only techically of the jewish passover (the festival or the victim)

בְּמֽוֹעֲדֽוֹ׃6 of 6

“at his appointed season”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 9:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 9:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 16:1-21 Corinthians 5:7-82 Chronicles 35:1Leviticus 23:5Numbers 28:16Ezra 6:19

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Numbers 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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