Holly Bible - KJV with Concise Commentaries by Z Selam - HTML preview
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This was an early indication of the abolishing of the ceremonial institutions at last, that, so soon after they were first appointed, some of them were suffered to lie asleep for so many years. The ordinance of the Lord's supper (which came in the room of the Passover) was not thus intermitted or set aside in the first days of the Christian church, though 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 afterwards. The Israelites in the wilderness could not forget their deliverance out of Egypt, their present state was a constant memorandum of it to them. All the danger was when they came to Canaan; there therefore they had need to be reminded of the rock out of which they were hewn. However, because the first Passover was celebrated in a hurry, and was rather the substance itself than the sign, it was the will of God that at the return of the year, when they were more composed, and better acquainted with the divine law, they should observe it again, that their children might more distinctly understand the solemnity and the better remember it hereafter. Calvin supposes that they were obliged to keep it now, and notes it as an instance of their carelessness that they had need to be reminded of an institution which they so lately received.
2. Moses faithfully transmitted to the people the orders given him, Nu 9:4. Thus Paul delivered to the churches what he received of the Lord concerning the gospel Passover, 1Co 11:23. Note, Magistrates must be monitors, and ministers must stir up men's minds by way of remembrance to that which is good.
3. The people observed the orders given them, Nu 9:5. Though they had lately kept the feast of dedication (Nu 7:1-89), yet they did not desire to excuse themselves with that from keeping this feast. Note, Extraordinary performances must not supersede or jostle out or stated services. They kept the Passover even in the wilderness: though our condition be solitary and unsettled, yet we must keep up our attendance on