Numbers 9:1-14 give us a record of Israel observing the Passover one year after God led them out of Egypt. This serves as a real example that the Passover was to continue to be observed. Plus, we find an interesting  judgment from God about Passover observance.

A Judgment From God

Life in the camp of Israel presented many practical questions about how to observe the commands of God in the face of life's many quirk's and oddities.

The question in Numbers 9 concerns how to handle a situation where a person is not able to observe the Passover at the time commanded. The question comes up because of a particular incident involving men who were unclean because they were burying a dead body.

The case presents an example of a judgment or statute of God in development. Will God override the rule concerning uncleanness in favor of Passover observance? Or, will the decision go the other way?

A Second Passover

The judgment from God is that there should be second opportunity to observe the Passover--the same time, one month later with all the same rituals and requirements. In addition, the principle is to be applied to other situations that make Passover observance impossible such as being away on a long journey.

A second opportunity to observe is not given for any of the other Holy Days. The observance of the Passover was unique among the annual festivals.

It was not to be missed for any reason!

See also II Chronicles 30:1-5