Numbers 15:34

34 They put him in custody, because it had not been declared 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 children of Yisra'el were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the day of Shabbat.

33 Those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moshe and Aharon, and to all the congregation.

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

35 The LORD said to Moshe, The man shall surely be put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside of the camp.

36 All the congregation brought him outside of the camp, and stoned him to death with stones; as the LORD commanded Moshe.