This is the second time that the Israelites celebrated the Passover. The first was the actual event in Egypt when the Angel of Death passed through the land. This was a year later in the desert, it would also be the last time they would celebrate it before entering the Promised Land.
The people were to celebrate the Passover to remember how the Lord had saved them. In the same way we take bread and wine in remembrance of Christ and His work on the cross.
Some of them were unable to take part because of uncleanness. The Lord makes a dispensation and they can celebrate it the next month. However, those who wilfully neglected the Passover could have no part in the nation of Israel. The nation was founded on God's redemptive work in bringing them out of Egypt. In the same way, anyone who is not reliant on the blood of Jesus is not part of the kingdom.
Foreigners who lived among them were also to celebrate the Passover. So we see even at this stage that God's plans went beyond the immediate Israelite people.
Just as the cloud and pillar of fire had guided them to the Red Sea, so the cloud appears over the tabernacle, and continued to guide them on their way. The Lord was guiding the people, and in order to receive His guidance they needed to be near the Tabernacle. We need to stay close to God if we want to receive His direction in our life.
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