Numbers chapter 9 – is often called the chapter about the opportunity to participate in a second passover in the event some Jews missed the first one. Of course, this is true, but I suspect there's a much more important message here than meets the eye...
This is likely a very controversial analysis and I’m not declaring what I see is right, but I try to share what biblical numbers seem to be telling me and this article presents some new thoughts about Numbers chapter nine I ran across today—as always, consider this in light of your own Bible study and don't take my word for it.
Commentators often explain the second Passover written about in Numbers chapter nine is a special Passover for those that were on a journey and missed the first Passover. Without any other explanation this might seem a reasonable conclusion, but it seems a bit strange to devote a chapter to this exception and it does not fit well when intermingled with the other obvious events of the chapter of being led by God through the fire and the cloud. I believe this chapter has a more important message...
My analysis begins with the number 126 which biblical patterns tell me is related to the 1260 days or 3.5 years (42 months) that represent the length of time until the Lord returns (tribulation). Evidence of this is found in Revelation 12:6 which says –“Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.”. If you did not already see it, look at the chapter and verse reference – the verse that tells of the 1260 days is revelation 12:6 (126). Interesting! A second example of this pattern is found in Dan 12:6 “And one said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "How long will it be until the end of these wonders?" and the answer in verse 7 …”it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed”. In this second example in Daniel 12:6-7 (126-7) we see the same answer – times, times and a half a time which is again 3.5 years or 1260 days. There’s lots of other evidence for the theme of 126 being related to 1260 but these are the strongest ones and demonstrate why I believe 126 is an end times theme related number.
Now, getting back to the 126th chapter of the Bible which is Numbers chapter 9. The chapter number of 126 suggests this has to do with the last days as does the chapter number of 9. Number nine is the number of the future and things yet to happen. It is also about events or things coming to an end. In the Christian walk number nine represents the time of serving and persevering until Jesus returns. In addition to number nine being related to end times, in a more specific way, the numbers 99, 29 and 92 are also associated with the last days and Day of the Lord events. Numbers 29 and 92 can be seen as a different way of expressing two nines or number 99. The chapter and verse references verses in this chapter begin with 9:1 and go through to 9:23 and they all seem to fit last days or what some refer to as the tribulation theme. It is also interesting that there are 23 verses in this chapter and 23 is a number for the Lord being with us—the best example of this being the 23rd Psalm. This is seen in this “second Passover” chapter with the Lord leading Israel and being in the pillar of fire and cloud. There’s much to be understood about this 126th chapter but the most interesting and what this article is about are verses 10 through 14.
Commentaries often explain this chapter is about a second Passover event for those who missed the first Passover because they were on a journey, I have a very different thought. The Rapture -- I believe when the catching up happens in the last days, it will be sincere Christians that will be taken up by Jesus so they may avoid the wrath to come (see article on the 24,000th verse which is Matthew 24:42). The Jews who have not accepted Christ will not be included because they have not accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior—they are still on their wilderness “journey” and missed the first Passover (rapture) because they still need to learn who their messiah is. Here are the key verses…
10 "Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'If any one of you or of your generations becomes unclean because of a {dead} person, or is on a distant journey, he may, however, observe the (second) Passover to the LORD.
13 'But the man who is clean and is not on a journey, and yet neglects to observe the (second) Passover, that person shall then be cut off from his people, for he did not present the offering of the LORD at its appointed time. That man will bear his sin.
14 'If an alien sojourns among you and observes the (second) Passover to the LORD, according to the statute of the Passover and according to its ordinance, so he shall do; you shall have one statute, both for the alien and for the native of the land.' "
What I believe these verses are saying is (v10) If you are unclean (a sinner) because of a dead person (Jesus) you still have a second chance to observe the Passover and be saved. That is, if you confess you are a sinner and claim Jesus as messiah you still have a chance. (v13) If someone believes they are clean (not confessing their sin and claiming Jesus death as payment for sin) they will be cut off. (v14) says that aliens (gentiles) among you that also observe the (second) Passover can be saved as well.
In summary—The Bible’s 126th chapter relating to the 1260 days or 42 months tells us there will be two Passovers at the Lord’s return. The first for the ones claiming Jesus as Lord and another one as a second chance for Jews and gentiles that finally accept their unforgiven sin and that Jesus is the only way to have them forgiven and enter God’s kingdom (heaven).
Watch chapter and verse combinations related to 12:6 and even 1:26 as well as chapter twenty-sixes for other clues to the events of the last days.
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