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Numbers 9:5 - Desert Passover obedience

Numbers 9:5 - במדבר 9:5

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעֲשׂוּ אֶת־הַפֶּסַח בָּרִאשׁוֹן בְּאַרְבָּעָה עָשָׂר יוֹם לַחֹדֶשׁ בֵּין הָעַרְבַּיִם בְּמִדְבַּר סִינָי כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה כֵּן עָשׂוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

And they kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month at evening in the wilderness of Sinay: according to all that the Lord commanded Moshe, so did the children of Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Va'ya'asu et-hapesach barishon be'arba'ah asar yom lachodesh bein ha'arbayim bmidbar Sinai kechol asher tziva Adonai et-Moshe ken asu bnei Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּעֲשׂ֣וּ אֶת־הַפֶּ֡סַח בָּרִאשׁ֡וֹן בְּאַרְבָּעָה֩ עָשָׂ֨ר י֥וֹם לַחֹ֛דֶשׁ בֵּ֥ין הָעַרְבַּ֖יִם בְּמִדְבַּ֣ר סִינָ֑י כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֔ה כֵּ֥ן עָשׂ֖וּ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
וַיַּעֲשׂ֣וּ אֶת־הַפֶּ֡סַח בָּרִאשׁ֡וֹן בְּאַרְבָּעָה֩ עָשָׂ֨ר י֥וֹם לַחֹ֛דֶשׁ בֵּ֥ין הָעַרְבַּ֖יִם בְּמִדְבַּ֣ר סִינָ֑י כְּ֠כֹ֠ל אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֤ה יְהֹוָה֙ אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֔ה כֵּ֥ן עָשׂ֖וּ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Pesach Offering in the Wilderness

The verse (Bamidbar 9:5) describes Bnei Yisrael observing the Korban Pesach in the Midbar Sinai exactly one year after Yetziat Mitzrayim. Rashi explains that this was the only Pesach offering brought during the 40 years in the wilderness, as the Torah later states (Bamidbar 9:6-14) that those who were tamei or distant would observe Pesach Sheni instead.

Significance of the Location

The Sforno notes that performing the mitzvah "in the wilderness of Sinai" highlights the nation's complete devotion to Hashem's commandments even in harsh desert conditions. The Ramban adds that this demonstrated their willingness to follow divine instructions regardless of physical circumstances.

Precision in Fulfillment

The phrase "כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה ה' אֶת־מֹשֶׁה" (according to all that Hashem commanded Moshe) is emphasized by the Talmud (Pesachim 96a) to show that Bnei Yisrael performed every detail exactly as instructed, including:

  • The proper time (14th of Nisan at twilight)
  • The correct slaughtering method
  • The application of blood to the doorposts
  • The roasting and eating with matzah and maror

Themes of Divine Service

The Midrash Tanchuma connects this verse to the broader theme of kabbalat ol malchut shamayim (accepting the yoke of heaven). By meticulously observing the Pesach mitzvah in the wilderness, Bnei Yisrael demonstrated their complete acceptance of Torah authority, preparing them for the upcoming revelation at Har Sinai.

Chronological Context

Ibn Ezra points out that this event occurred just one month after the completion of the Mishkan (as the preceding chapters describe its construction), showing how the people immediately applied the newly given laws of korbanot to actual practice.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 66a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the timing and observance of Passover, particularly in relation to the commandment given to Moses and its fulfillment by the Israelites in the wilderness.
📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the Israelites' adherence to divine commandments during their time in the wilderness, highlighting their obedience in observing Passover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 9:5 teach us about the Passover offering?
A: Numbers 9:5 teaches that the Jewish people observed the Passover offering exactly as commanded by Hashem through Moshe, even in the wilderness of Sinai. This shows their commitment to fulfilling mitzvot (commandments) precisely, even in difficult conditions (Rashi, Rambam Hilchot Korban Pesach).
Q: Why is it significant that the Passover was kept in the wilderness?
A: It's significant because it demonstrates that the mitzvah of Passover applies even when the Jewish people were traveling in the wilderness, not just when settled in the Land of Israel. This teaches us that Torah obligations continue in all circumstances (Talmud Pesachim 9:5, Rambam).
Q: What does 'between the evenings' mean in Numbers 9:5?
A: 'Between the evenings' (bein ha'arbayim) refers to the afternoon hours when the Passover sacrifice was brought in the Temple - from about midday until nightfall. This precise timing was essential for fulfilling the mitzvah properly (Rashi on Exodus 12:6, Mishnah Pesachim 5:1).
Q: How does Numbers 9:5 relate to Passover observance today?
A: While we no longer bring the Passover sacrifice without the Temple, this verse reminds us of the importance of carefully observing Passover laws (like removing chametz and holding the Seder) just as our ancestors did in the wilderness (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 429-490).
Q: What lesson can we learn from 'as Hashem commanded Moshe, so did the children of Israel do'?
A: This teaches the importance of exactness in mitzvah observance - the Jewish people followed every detail without adding or subtracting. This became a model for all future Torah observance (Sifrei Bamidbar, Malbim).