Numbers:9

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* Verse 1-14 - God gave particular orders for the keeping of this passover , and , for aught that appears , after this , they kept no passover till they came to Canaan , Joshua strkjv @5:10 . It early showed that the ceremonial institutions were not to continue always , as so soon after they were appointed , some were suffered to sleep for many years . But the ordinance of the Lord 's Supper was not thus set aside in the first days of the Christian church , although those were days of greater difficulty and distress than Israel knew in the wilderness ; nay , in the times of persecution , the Lord 's Supper was celebrated more frequently than afterward . Israelites in the wilderness could not forget the deliverance out of Egypt . There was danger of this when they came to Canaan . Instructions were given concerning those who were ceremonially unclean , when they were to eat the passover . Those whose minds and consciences are defiled by sin , are unfit for communion with God , and cannot partake with comfort of the gospel passover , till they are cleansed by true repentance and faith . Observe with what trouble and concern these men complained that they were kept back from offering to the Lord . It should be a trouble to us , when by any occasion we are kept back from the solemnities of a sabbath or a sacrament . Observe the deliberation of Moses in resolving this case . Ministers must ask counsel of God 's mouth , not determine according to their own fancy or affection , but according to the word of God to the best of their knowledge . And if , in difficult cases , time is taken to spread the matter before God by humble , believing prayer , the Holy Spirit assuredly will direct in the good and right way . God gave directions in this case , and in other similar cases , explanatory of the law of the passover . As those who , against their minds , are forced to absent themselves from God 's ordinances , may expect the favours of God 's grace under their affliction , so those who , of choice , absent themselves , may expect God 's wrath for their sin . Be not deceived : God is not mocked . * Verse 15-23 - This cloud was appointed to be the visible sign and symbol of God 's presence with Israel . Thus we are taught to see God always near us , both night and day . As long as the cloud rested on the tabernacle , so long they continued in the same place . There is no time lost , while we are waiting God 's time . When the cloud was taken up , they removed , however comfortably they were encamped . We are kept at uncertainty concerning the time of our putting off the earthly house of this tabernacle , that we may be always ready to remove at the command of the Lord . It is very safe and pleasant going when we see God before us , and resting where he appoints us to rest . The leading of this cloud is spoken of as signifying the guidance of the blessed Spirit . We are not now to expect such tokens of the Divine presence and guidance ; but the promise is sure to all God 's spiritual Israel , that he will guide them by his counsel . * Verse Psalms - strkjv @73:24 ,. even unto death , Psalms strkjv @48:14 . All the children of God shall be led by the Spirit of God , Romans strkjv @8:14 . He will direct the paths of those who in all their ways acknowledge him , Proverbs strkjv @3:6 . At the commandment of the Lord , our hearts should always move and rest , saying , Father , thy will be done ; dispose of me and mine as thou pleasest . What thou wilt , and where thou wilt ; only let me be thine , and always in the way of my duty . In applying general precepts to particular circumstances , there should be good counsel and fervent prayer . When any undertaking is evidently wrong , or doubtfully right , and yet the mind leans that way , in such a case "the moving of the cloud ," as men sometimes miscall it , is generally no more than a temptation Satan is permitted to propose ; and men fancy they are following the Lord , when they are following their own wayward inclinations . The record of his mercy will conduct us with unerring truth , through Christ , to everlasting peace . Follow the pillar of the cloud and of fire . Lay the BIBLE to heart , and receive with meekness the ingrafted word , which is able to save your souls . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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