Big Idea: We need to recall how God saved us.

Understanding the Text

The book of Numbers begins with the census initiated twelve and a half months after the exodus (Num. 1:1, 18). But in Numbers 9 (and probably Num. 7–8 as well; see comments as Num. 7:1), the book flashes back to the previous month (Num. 9:1)—that is, to the very month when the tabernacle had been completed (Exod. 40:17).

Precisely one year after the initial Passover, the Israelites begin the first annual Passover commemoration around their newly completed tent of meeting in remembrance of those events that had led to their departure from Egypt (Num. 9:1–14). This is part of their preparation for departing from Sinai toward the promised land.

Historical and Cultural Background

On the Passover, see Exodus 12 and Leviti…