Questioning the LORD

 Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as I attempt to read the Bible with fresh eyes, as if I don't know anything about it, and without consulting experts on what it "really" means.. Let's see where this takes us! 

I'm reading Young's Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Numbers 9

A year has gone by since the exodus out of Egypt, and it's time to celebrate the Passover. Those who were "unclean," including those who had to touch a corpse, were excluded, so they questioned Moses about it.

It's not the first time the unfairness of the LORD was brought into question. Abraham did so about the LORD's intention to wipe out Sodom, and Moses did so when the LORD expressed an intention to break the Covenant with Abraham and wipe out the Israelites.

I don't think in previous regulations about the Passover or other holidays it was specifically said that unclean people couldn't be involved, but they weren't allowed to mix with others. Being "unclean" doesn't imply any fault or wickedness, it's just a condition. So the LORD hears the plea and authorizes a second Passover for a month later for those, including the unclean and travelers, who missed the first one.

The "cleanliness" rules we've been reading about seem extreme, but that's just what they are: extreme, not strange. We shower and take medicines to both maintain health and prevent the spread of disease.

The second part of the chapter reminds us of the strange cloud that "covers" the tabernacle by day and lights up at night. We're reminded again that this is very similar to science fiction involving alien aircraft. No wonder the Israelites are obedient. 

James Leroy Wilson writes Daily Miracles, The Daily Bible Chapter, JL Cells, and The MVP Chase. Thanks for your subscriptions and support!

(Photo credit: TyshkunVictor)