v.1-14
Observations/interpretations:
(1) The repeated words/ideas: Observe/keep/do the Passover, at appointed time and in accordance with its statutes and all its customs v.3,5,12, 14. The fact of coming out of Egypt by the 10th plague, the exemption from the plague because of the obedience of the Jews to paint blood over the door posts, the eating of the passover meal were meant to be remembered and past down to generations. Therefore, the time, the food, and the manner of eating the food were important to keep.
Application: Do I remember what God has done to my life? Do I know how significant that moment is? Do I pass it down and let my second generation know about that?
(2) Group A: Those who wanted to observe the Passover but could not because they were defiled or they were far away got another chance other than the appointed time. (NET) The delay of four weeks for such people would have permitted enough time for them to return from their journey, or to recover from any short term defilement such as is mentioned here. Apart from this provision, the Passover was to be kept precisely at the proper time.
Group B: However, some people had the chance but were wilfully disobedient. "fail to keep"-(NET) “to cease; to leave off; to fail.” The implication here is that it is a person who simply neglects to do it. It does not indicate that he forgot, but more likely that he made the decision to leave it undone.
Those people would be cut off from his people. (NET) There are at least three possible interpretations for this: physical death at the hand of the community, physical and/or spiritual death at the hand of God, or excommunication or separation from the community. The direct intervention of God seems to be the most likely in view of the lack of directions for the community to follow.
Application: What is the difference between Group A and B? A did not want to disobey God like B. They knew they were saved from Egypt just because of God. Obeying God is not an option to them. However, because of circumstances not under their control, they knew they cannot meet the standard of God, but they really want to. They come before God and ask for an alternative. God did give them an alternative. Do I have that determination of not missing the opportunity to obey God? Do I have this eagerness to follow the will of God?
9:15-10:10
Observations and interpretations:
(1) The cloud was the equivalent of the commandment of the LORD. The Israelites followed the cloud as an indicator of their obedience to the instructions of the LORD. v.18-19. However, the number of days of staying/remaining in a certain location was unknown v.20-22 or whether they traveled by day or by night was also unknown v.21. It purely depended on the LORD's commandment. Application: It was not easy to be obedient like the Israelites, but they did that because they treated God as their leader. He knows the best. The tabernacle and the cloud over it was an assurance that God was among them. There was no better way to live and there was no better protection than when God was with you. Are we willing to go anywhere just knowing that God is with us? Are we willing to take any inconvenience or risk if we know that God will protect us?
(2) Only the priests will blow the trumpets 10:8 to gather the people/the leader in the time of travel during the war v.9, and in the appointed festivals v.10. The result was the guarantee that God would remember them v.9 and that their offers might become a memorial before God v.10.
Application: It seemed that the presence of the tabernacle and the clouds were not enough assurance that God had given to Israelites to tell them about His guidance and protection. He wanted them to be sure He would be with them in the time of war and the time of peace. If the people follow the way God provided for them to gather together (with the priests blowing the trumpets) God would save them!
In the New Testament, God told believers over and over again for our assurance of salvation. However, we have fears and worries when our eyes focus on the world/difficulties/dangers just like Peter (Mt 14:22-33). Pray that we have self-discipline or focus on the truth to fight with fears (2 Tim 1:7).
Audrey
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