Old Testament
Numbers 15:36
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So the whole community took him outside the camp and stoned him to death, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
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And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.
What Numbers 15:36 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the community of Israel follows God's command given to Moses regarding a man who broke the Sabbath by gathering sticks. The punishment for this violation was stoning, which was a serious consequence meant to uphold the sanctity of the Sabbath. The act of taking the man outside the camp signifies a separation from the community, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions. This event illustrates the importance of obedience to God's laws and the communal responsibility to uphold them. The stoning reflects the harsh realities of ancient justice systems, where the community played a role in enforcing divine commandments. It serves as a reminder of the gravity of sin and the need for accountability within the community. The verse also highlights the authority of Moses as God's chosen leader, tasked with conveying and enforcing God's directives. Overall, this passage underscores the significance of adhering to God's laws and the consequences of disobedience within the community of faith.
How to apply Numbers 15:36 to your life
This verse challenges us to consider the importance of obedience to God's commands in our lives. It reminds us that our actions have consequences, not just for ourselves but for our community. We should strive to support one another in living according to God's principles and hold each other accountable in love.
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 does Numbers 15:36 mean?
Numbers 15:36 describes the punishment of a man who broke the Sabbath by gathering sticks. The community stoned him to death as commanded by God, highlighting the seriousness of disobedience to divine laws.
What is the significance of stoning in Numbers 15:36?
Stoning in Numbers 15:36 represents the ancient practice of communal punishment for serious offenses, emphasizing the community's role in upholding God's laws and the gravity of violating the Sabbath.
What does this verse teach about community responsibility?
This verse illustrates that the community has a responsibility to enforce God's commandments and hold individuals accountable for their actions, reinforcing the idea that sin affects not just the individual but the entire community.
Why was the man punished for gathering sticks in Numbers 15:36?
The man was punished for gathering sticks on the Sabbath, which was a violation of God's command to rest on that day. This punishment underscores the importance of observing the Sabbath and the consequences of disobedience.
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