Numbers 15:34

34 They put him in custody, because it had not been made plain what should be done to him.

Numbers 15:34 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 15:34

And they put him in ward
In a certain prison in the camp; perhaps the same in which the blasphemer was put, ( Leviticus 24:12 ) ; and for much the same reason:

because it was not declared what should be done to him:
that is, what kind of death he should die, as Jarchi and Aben Ezra; it had been before declared that the sabbath breaker should die, but not what death he should die, ( Exodus 31:15 ) ( 35:2 ) ; though some think it was a matter of doubt whether gathering of sticks was a breach of the sabbath, or at least such a breach of it as required death; and the answer of the Lord seems to confirm this sense, as follows.

Numbers 15:34 In-Context

32 While the people of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the sabbath day.

33 And those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moses and Aaron, and to all the congregation.

34 They put him in custody, because it had not been made plain what should be done to him.

35 And the LORD said to Moses, "The man shall be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp."

36 And all the congregation brought him outside the camp, and stoned him to death with stones, as the LORD commanded Moses.