Bible Notes Online - Numbers 9 - ESV
Commentary

v1-5: The Passover referred to here actually preceded the giving of the teaching in chapters 1-8.

v6-7: Some were kept from keeping the Passover, through ritual defilement. However, they wanted to keep the Passover. v9-12 explains the instructions for this. They were to keep the Passover in the second month, following the regulations laid down.

Here is the grace of God, allowing those who were ritually unclean still to celebrate the Passover. Here too is the desire of these people to honour the Lord.

v8: Moses sought the Lord's mind on the issue.

v13: In contrast, the person who neglected to keep the Passover, although he was able, was cut off from his people. There remained a responsibility to celebrate the Passover properly.

v14: A foreigner who wanted to keep the Passover could do so, again subject to the regulations. He was to obey the regulations laid down for the Israelites. He was to become like them; they were not to become like him. See also 15.16. The command is clear; following Christ means that we must leave behind our old life.

v15-16: The constant presence of God; by the pillar of cloud and of fire. He remained faithful, even though the people repeatedly disobeyed. The first reference to the pillar of cloud and fire was in Ex 13.21-22. See also Ex 40.36-38

v17-23: The cloud above the Tabernacle was the means by which God told the people when to move, and when to stay. Effective guidance thus depended solely upon obedience to God's order. Seven times we read "at the Lord's command".

These verses summarise the experience of the people for around 40 years.