Numbers: 9:1-10:10

What’s Happening?

This section continues a flashback to a month earlier, when Moses dedicated the tabernacle and the people of Israel were preparing to move out from Sinai. Everything in these chapters echoes the story of their escape from Egypt in Exodus.

First, Israel celebrates the Passover when God rescued his people from Egypt (Numbers 9:1–5) . God commanded this meal to be remembered every year as a way to retell the story of their salvation. Even those who were unclean or far away were given special provisions to participate (Numbers 9:6–13). No one was to be excluded from remembering God’s act of deliverance.

Next, we’re reminded of the cloud of God’s presence. It hovered over the tabernacle and served as Israel’s guide. When the cloud lifted, the people packed up and followed. When it rested, they stayed (Numbers 9:15–23). This mirrors what happened after the first Passover, when God led Israel through the wilderness by cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21–22).

Finally, God gives instructions for two silver trumpets (Numbers 10:1–10). These would signal everything from setting out on the march to calling the people together and announcing times of worship and warfare. Their blast recalls the thunderous trumpet sound on Mount Sinai, when God descended in fire to meet his people (Exodus 19:16–19).

Why all the repetition? Why all the callbacks to Exodus?

Just before this, Israel had broken their covenant with God by making the golden calf. Now, as the cloud prepares to lift and Israel prepares to move, these acts of remembrance are a clear answer to the lingering question: “Is God still with us?”

The answer is yes. The same God who delivered them once is still guiding them now.

Where is the Gospel?

This passage offers deep comfort for anyone who wonders if God is still with them after they’ve sinned.

Israel’s story of redemption is our story too. And like them, we are called to remember—not just an escape from Egypt, but a greater rescue: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus leads a new exodus—freeing us from the powers behind Pharaoh, the power of sin and death.

As Israel joined in the Passover in Numbers, we join in the fulfillment of the Passover in the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:19-20). When we take it, we join in the covenantal meal of Jesus’ body and blood that has redeemed us from slavery to sin and death, and brought us into the family of the God of life. In that meal, we proclaim that the same God who rescued us then is still with us now.

If you’re doubting, if you feel distant, if you wonder whether God could still love you—this is his answer: eat the meal. Ingest the life of Jesus. Rehearse the faithfulness of God through the bread and the cup. Remember that the God who led you out still leads you on.

See for Yourself

I pray the Holy Spirit opens your eyes to see the God who anchors your present in his past faithfulness. And that as you remember the Gospel, you would see Jesus as the true and better Exodus—God’s covenant presence who still goes with you, guides you, and will never leave.