Old Testament
Numbers 9:5
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the Israelites observe the Passover, a significant event that commemorates their deliverance from slavery in Egypt.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
They celebrated it on the 14th day of the 1st month at twilight in the wilderness of Sinai. The Israelites did everything exactly as the LORD had commanded Moses.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Israelites observe the Passover, a significant event that commemorates their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. They do this on the 14th day of the first month, which is a specific time set by God. The mention of twilight indicates the time of day when the celebration begins, emphasizing the importance of following God's instructions precisely. The wilderness of Sinai is their current location, highlighting their journey and reliance on God during this period. The phrase 'did everything exactly as the LORD had commanded Moses' underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, which is a recurring theme throughout the book of Numbers. This act of remembrance not only honors their past but also reinforces their identity as God's chosen people, bound by covenant and law. Explore related atonement.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 9:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to remember and celebrate the significant moments of deliverance in our lives. Just as the Israelites followed God's commands, we too should strive to obey God's guidance in our lives. Celebrating our spiritual milestones can strengthen our faith and community.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 9:5 mean?
Numbers 9:5 describes the Israelites celebrating the Passover in the wilderness of Sinai, emphasizing their obedience to God's commands and the significance of this event in commemorating their deliverance from Egypt.
What is the significance of the Passover in Numbers 9:5?
The Passover in Numbers 9:5 is significant as it marks the Israelites' remembrance of their liberation from slavery in Egypt, highlighting their identity as God's chosen people and the importance of following His instructions.
Why is the 14th day of the first month important in Numbers 9:5?
The 14th day of the first month is important in Numbers 9:5 because it is the specific time set by God for the Israelites to celebrate the Passover, reinforcing the theme of obedience to divine commands.
What does 'twilight' signify in Numbers 9:5?
In Numbers 9:5, 'twilight' signifies the time of day when the Passover celebration begins, indicating the precise timing that the Israelites were to follow as part of their obedience to God's instructions.

The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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