Numbers 28:16 (KJV)

What does Numbers 28:16 mean?

Numbers 28:16 states that the Passover of the LORD is to be observed on the fourteenth day of the first month. This verse sets the specific date for the Passover festival, which is a central event in Israel’s religious calendar.

In context, God is speaking to Moses, giving instructions to the Israelites about the regular offerings and special appointed times. The first month refers to the month of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, and the fourteenth day marks the beginning of Passover, commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt. This verse is part of a larger section detailing how and when the people are to worship and remember God’s acts.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 28:16

• פֶּסַח (pesach) — "passover": This word refers to the festival and the sacrificial lamb, recalling the night God "passed over" the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. Its use here anchors the verse in the memory of deliverance and God’s protection.
• יְהוָה (YHWH, often pronounced "Yahweh") — "LORD": This is the personal name of God, emphasizing that the Passover is not just a cultural event but an observance dedicated to the God of Israel.
• רִאשׁוֹן (rishon) — "first": This word clarifies that the timing is tied to the first month of the Hebrew year, showing the importance of beginning the year with remembrance of God’s saving act.

Why Numbers 28:16 matters

• Numbers 28:16 clarifies the exact timing of Passover, which is foundational for understanding the Jewish calendar and the sequence of biblical festivals.
• By specifying that the Passover belongs to the LORD, the verse highlights that this is not just a national tradition but a divinely commanded observance.
• This verse connects the laws about offerings to the story of Israel’s deliverance, showing that worship and remembrance are central to Israel’s identity and relationship with God.