Numbers 9:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The depth of this narrative is extensive. Recall that God commanded Moses, the holy mystic, to instruct the Israelites: “Command the children of Israel to send out of the camp all lepers, and all that have leprosy, and all that are defiled of the dead” (Num. 5:2). We have addressed this matter adequately in previous discussions, yet I will now highlight what seems pertinent. Holy Scripture designates someone as unclean 'for the souls of men' if they have become defiled by contact with the dead, as touching a lifeless body was strictly forbidden, and the ancient law deemed those who mourned for neighbors or relatives as guilty of spiritual uncleanness. Hence, they were expelled from the camp.

This law prefigures that anyone who engages with the spiritual death of another—especially regarding moral conduct—will become spiritually contaminated. For those who lead lifeless lives are referred to by Christ when He stated, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead” (Matthew 8:22). Those who fellowship with individuals engrossed in dead works, desiring to emulate their thoughts and actions, also fall under this definition of uncleanliness.

If we seek to grasp the true significance relevant to us as spiritual beings, we must consider the Jews, who became tainted through the murder of Christ and were deemed unclean ‘for the souls of men’ due to their defiance against Immanuel. Consequently, they missed the opportunity to partake in our sacred feast held in the second month, guided by the Passover law as an image of Christ. They were delayed and misguided regarding the moment when the Author of life laid down His life. However, through the grace of Him who desires “all ... to be saved” (1 Tim. 2:4), they will eventually be included in the participation of Christ in later times, akin to the second month, and celebrate with the saints who are called at the appointed time—specifically, the saints of the Gentiles.

Consider that those cleansed in Egypt from the idolatrous impurity offered the lamb in the first month and were the first to embrace faith. Anointed by the blood of the Lord, they remain untouched by death and overcome corruption; meanwhile, those who come in the second year and month publicly acknowledge their defilement, admitting they have become unclean ‘for the souls of men,’ seeking blessings while celebrating the feast later. As it is proclaimed, when “the full number of the Gentiles shall come in,” then “all Israel shall be saved” (Rom. 11:25-26). The prophet also foretells, “After that the children of Israel shall turn back, and shall call upon the Lord their God, and upon David their king, and shall reverence the Lord and His goodness in the last days” (Hos. 3:5). In the latter days, the remnant of Israel (Rom. 11:5) shall seek Christ, who descends from the line of David according to the flesh.

I believe it is also worth mentioning that a tradition has been established within the churches, stemming from the same law, permitting that if the fourteenth day of the moon does not fall in the first month, the closest subsequent month should be observed. In it, a specific day should be identified to ensure that the timing of the feast remains appropriately aligned. Thus, the practice is conducted in accordance with the way the ancient law was delivered.