3 entries
Numbers 9:1-14 2 entries

SECOND PASSOVER

MOSES WENT OFTEN TO THE TENT.

Paterius (c. sixth-seventh century) verse 8

To leave the crowds and return to the tabernacle means to leave the tumult of external things behind and enter the hidden places of the mind. For the Lord is consulted there, and one hears, silently and within, what should be done outside and publicly. Good pastors do this every day. When they do not know how to decide about doubtful matters, they return to the hidden place of the mind as if to some tabernacle. They ponder the divine law, as if they were seeking advice from the Lord at the ark of the covenant. What they first hear silently within, they later make known when they act publicly. To fulfill their external offices without blame, they have recourse unceasingly to the secret places of the heart, and thus they hear the voice of God through his hidden inspiration, as they withdraw from carnal sensations in spiritual meditation.

Exposition of the Old and New Testament, Numbers 5

A SECOND BIRTH.

Pseudo-Cyril verse 11

Those who also lived farther off or had been unclean in soul were commanded to celebrate the pasch in the second month. This is understood as a type of the holy church, which, since it has been defiled by all demons, was seen to be unclean in soul, but cleansed by a saving confession, is commanded to pass over unto a second birth, as if to a second month. However, before the month of new fruits is the last old month, in which it is completely forbidden that the true pasch be held. See

Chrysostom on Exodus 12:46

Numbers 9:15-23 1 entry

THE FIERY CLOUDTHE SILVER TRUMPETS

THE TWO COMMANDS OF CHARITY.

Paterius (c. sixth-seventh century) verse 2

Make for yourself two trumpets of hammered silver. The army is led by two trumpets because the people are called to readiness in faith by the two commandments of charity. Scripture bids them to be made of silver, so that the words of the preachers may shine with gleaming light and not confuse the minds of the hearers with any darkness of their own. They are to be hammered, because those who preach the life to come grow through the blows of the present tribulations. Scripture says well, When the short signal sounds, the camps will move.[1] When the preacher’s word is subtle and concise, the hearers are aroused more ardently for the struggle against temptation.

Exposition of the Old and New Testament, Numbers 6