Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or be in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover unto the LORD.
Tell the people of Israel: If any of you or your descendants become ceremonially unclean because of contact with a dead body, or if you are traveling far away, you can still celebrate the Passover to honor the LORD.
God is showing mercy by allowing people who are ceremonially unclean or traveling to still participate in the important Passover celebration.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Numbers, which records the Israelites' experiences during their wilderness journey after the Exodus from Egypt, God was establishing detailed laws for religious observances to maintain their covenant relationship. This verse specifically addresses exceptions to the Passover celebration, allowing those who were ceremonially unclean due to contact with a dead body or were on a distant journey to observe it at a later time. This instruction ensured that the Passover, a vital commemoration of God's deliverance, remained accessible to all Israelites despite their circumstances.
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