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Numbers 9:4 - Moshe commands Passover observance

Numbers 9:4 - במדבר 9:4

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לַעֲשֹׂת הַפָּסַח׃

English Translation

And Moshe spoke to the children of Yisra᾽el, that they should keep the passover.

Transliteration

Vayedaber Moshe el-bnei Yisrael la'asot haPesach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶל־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לַעֲשֹׂ֥ת הַפָּֽסַח׃
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶל־בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לַעֲשֹׂ֥ת הַפָּֽסַח׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 12:21) occurs during the narrative of the Exodus, where Moshe instructs Bnei Yisrael regarding the Korban Pesach (Paschal sacrifice) before their departure from Mitzrayim. This commandment is central to the redemption from slavery and the establishment of Bnei Yisrael as a nation.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that Moshe's instruction here is a reiteration of the earlier command (given in Shemot 12:3-11), emphasizing the urgency and importance of fulfilling the mitzvah precisely as commanded. Rashi notes that the phrase "לַעֲשֹׂת הַפֶּסַח" ("to keep the Passover") refers not only to the sacrifice itself but also to all its accompanying mitzvot, such as eating matzah and maror, and telling the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus).

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:1), the Rambam (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon) elaborates that the Korban Pesach is a unique mitzvah, as it was the first commandment given collectively to Bnei Yisrael. Its performance demonstrated their faith in Hashem and their readiness to follow His commandments, marking their transition from slaves to servants of the Almighty.

Midrashic Insights

The Mechilta (a halachic Midrash on Shemot) explains that Moshe's instruction was given with great clarity and detail to ensure that every family understood how to properly observe the mitzvah. The Midrash emphasizes that the blood of the Korban Pesach on the doorposts was a public declaration of faith, distinguishing Bnei Yisrael from the Egyptians.

Key Themes in the Verse

  • Unity: The Korban Pesach was a communal mitzvah, requiring families or groups to join together, fostering unity among Bnei Yisrael.
  • Faith: The act of sacrificing a lamb—an Egyptian deity—demonstrated complete trust in Hashem and rejection of idolatry.
  • Redemption: The Pesach sacrifice was the first step toward geulah (redemption), symbolizing Bnei Yisrael's emergence as a free nation.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Pesachim 96a) discusses the details of how the Korban Pesach was to be prepared and eaten, including the requirement to roast it whole and consume it in groups. These halachot underscore the precision required in fulfilling mitzvot and the importance of remembering Yetziat Mitzrayim in every generation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 96a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the commandment to keep the Passover and the role of Moses in conveying this commandment to the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 9:4 mean when it says Moshe told Bnei Yisrael to 'keep the Pesach'?
A: This verse refers to Moshe instructing the Jewish people to observe the mitzvah of Korban Pesach (the Passover sacrifice) in the desert, as commanded by Hashem. Rashi explains that this was the second Pesach observed - the first was in Egypt before the Exodus, and this one was a year later in the wilderness (Sinai).
Q: Why was it important for Bnei Yisrael to keep Pesach in the desert?
A: The Pesach sacrifice was a fundamental mitzvah that reminded the Jews of their redemption from Egypt and their special relationship with Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:1) teaches that observing Pesach in the desert showed their commitment to Torah even in difficult wilderness conditions.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 9:4 today?
A: We learn that mitzvot must be observed even in challenging circumstances. Just as our ancestors kept Pesach in the desert, we must maintain our Torah observance regardless of our situation. The Midrash (Mechilta) notes this demonstrates the Jewish people's dedication to fulfilling Hashem's commandments at all times.
Q: How is this command to keep Pesach different from the first Pesach in Egypt?
A: Rashi explains that the first Pesach (in Egypt) had unique laws like taking the lamb four days early and putting blood on doorposts. This Pesach in the wilderness followed the standard laws of the holiday. The Talmud (Pesachim 96a) discusses how certain Egyptian Pesach laws were temporary exceptions.
Q: Does this verse teach us anything about Jewish leadership?
A: Yes - it shows Moshe's role as the faithful transmitter of Hashem's commandments. The Sifrei notes that Moshe didn't add or subtract from the instructions, teaching leaders to convey Torah exactly as received. This establishes the principle of Torah transmission through proper channels.