MPV Commentary

A Second Passover Allowed.

The arrival of the first paschal anniversary posed a problem for certain men who had been defiled by contact with a dead body. In Jewish culture, attending to the remains of deceased relatives was a necessary duty, but it also led to ceremonial defilement that excluded them from society and the camp for seven days. Some individuals in this situation were unable to participate in the Passover celebration at the proper time due to their temporary disqualification.

These men approached Moses with their dilemma, as they had no opportunity to rectify their situation before the Passover arrived. Jewish writers suggest that these individuals may have been those who carried out the dead bodies of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:4-5).

Moses instructed them to stand still and wait for a solution from the Lord, which was soon provided. The divine authority granted a special license to those who were disqualified or unable to keep the Passover on the anniversary day. They could observe it by themselves on the same day and hour of the following month, as long as they attended to all the solemn formalities (see 2 Chronicles 30:2). However, this provision did not apply to everyone; only those who were under these specific circumstances.

The Passover was a privilege reserved for native Israelites, but it could also be observed by circumcised Gentile converts or proselytes. These individuals were liable to excommunication if they neglected the Passover. To participate in the Passover, however, circumcision was an indispensable condition. Those who refused to undergo this rite were prohibited from eating the Passover under severe penalties.