Old Testament
Numbers 15:35
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Then the LORD told Moses, "This man must be put to death. The entire community must take him outside the camp and stone him."
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And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.
What Numbers 15:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God commands Moses to execute a man who has violated the Sabbath by gathering sticks on that day. This punishment reflects the seriousness of disobedience to God's laws, emphasizing the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy. The community is instructed to carry out the punishment by taking the man outside the camp and stoning him. This act serves as a warning to the Israelites about the consequences of breaking God's commandments. It highlights the need for communal responsibility in upholding God's laws and maintaining the sanctity of the community. The severity of the punishment also illustrates the gravity of sin and the need for obedience to God's instructions. This incident underscores the importance of respecting God's commands and the collective role of the community in enforcing them, ensuring that the standards set by God are upheld among His people.
How to apply Numbers 15:35 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of honoring God's commandments in our lives. While we may not face the same consequences today, it encourages us to take sin seriously and to support one another in living according to God's will, fostering a community that values holiness and obedience.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
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Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What was the reason for the man's punishment in Numbers 15:35?
The man was punished for gathering sticks on the Sabbath, which was a violation of God's command to keep the Sabbath holy. This act of disobedience was seen as a serious offense, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's laws.
What does Numbers 15:35 teach about the Sabbath?
This verse highlights the significance of the Sabbath in the Israelite community, illustrating that it was a day set apart for rest and worship. The severe punishment for breaking this command underscores the need for obedience and respect for God's instructions regarding holy days.
How does Numbers 15:35 reflect community responsibility?
The verse shows that the entire community was involved in the execution of the punishment, indicating that upholding God's laws was a collective responsibility. This reinforces the idea that the community must work together to maintain holiness and accountability among its members.
What can we learn about sin from Numbers 15:35?
This passage serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of sin and its consequences. It illustrates that disobedience to God's commands can lead to severe repercussions, encouraging believers to take sin seriously and strive for a life of obedience to God's will.
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