While the Israelites were in the wilderness, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. While the Israelites were in the wildernessThis phrase sets the scene in the broader narrative of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The "wilderness" (Hebrew: מִדְבָּר, midbar) is not just a physical location but also a spiritual testing ground. It represents a place of dependence on God, where the Israelites learned to trust in His provision and guidance. Historically, the wilderness period was a formative time for the nation of Israel, shaping their identity and covenant relationship with God. a man was found
The phrase indicates an individual act that was observed by the community. The Hebrew word for "found" (מָצָא, matsa) implies discovery or coming upon something unexpectedly. This highlights the communal aspect of Israelite life, where individual actions were subject to communal observation and accountability. It underscores the importance of living in accordance with God's laws, as deviations were not just personal but affected the entire community. gathering wood
The act of "gathering" (Hebrew: קֹשֵׁשׁ, qoshesh) wood on the Sabbath was a direct violation of the commandment to rest on the seventh day. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wood gathering was a common daily task necessary for cooking and warmth. However, the Sabbath was a day set apart for rest and worship, a sign of the covenant between God and Israel. This act of gathering wood symbolizes a disregard for the sanctity of the Sabbath and, by extension, a disregard for God's command. on the Sabbath day
The "Sabbath" (שַׁבָּת, shabbat) is a cornerstone of Jewish religious practice, rooted in the creation narrative where God rested on the seventh day. It is a day of rest and spiritual renewal, a time to cease from labor and focus on God. The Sabbath commandment is not merely a legalistic requirement but a gift from God, offering physical rest and spiritual refreshment. In the historical context, observing the Sabbath was a distinctive mark of the Israelite community, setting them apart from surrounding nations and reminding them of their unique relationship with God. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were journeying through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. They were under the Mosaic Law, which included strict observance of the Sabbath. 2. The Man Gathering WoodAn unnamed individual who was found collecting wood on the Sabbath, an act that was considered a violation of the Sabbath law. 3. The WildernessThe setting for this event, representing both a physical and spiritual journey for the Israelites as they learned to trust and obey God. 4. The Sabbath DayA holy day of rest instituted by God, meant to be a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, and a day set apart for rest and worship. 5. Moses and the LeadersThough not mentioned directly in this verse, they were responsible for enforcing the laws given by God, including the Sabbath regulations. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceThe incident underscores the importance of obeying God's commandments, even when they seem inconvenient or unnecessary. Obedience is a demonstration of faith and trust in God's wisdom. The Holiness of the SabbathThe Sabbath was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, and its observance was a way to honor God. Today, Christians can reflect on how they set aside time for rest and worship. Consequences of DisobedienceThe account serves as a reminder that disobedience to God's commands can have serious consequences. It calls believers to examine their lives for areas of willful disobedience. Spiritual Rest in ChristWhile the physical observance of the Sabbath is not required for Christians, the principle of rest and reliance on God remains. Believers are encouraged to find their rest in Christ, who fulfills the law. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the act of gathering wood on the Sabbath reveal about the man's understanding or attitude towards God's commandments? 2. How does the concept of Sabbath rest in the Old Testament relate to the spiritual rest mentioned in Hebrews 4:9-11? 3. In what ways can Christians today honor the principle of the Sabbath in their lives, even if they are not bound by the Old Testament law? 4. What are some modern-day "Sabbath" practices that can help believers focus on rest and worship? 5. How can the consequences faced by the man in Numbers 15:32 serve as a warning or lesson for us in our daily walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:8-11This passage provides the commandment to keep the Sabbath holy, which the man in Numbers 15:32 violated. Exodus 31:14-15These verses emphasize the seriousness of Sabbath observance, stating that anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death, highlighting the gravity of the man's actions. Hebrews 4:9-11This New Testament passage speaks of a "Sabbath rest" for the people of God, connecting the physical rest of the Old Testament Sabbath to the spiritual rest found in Christ. People Aaron, Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces Egypt, Wilderness of ParanTopics Desert, Gathered, Gathering, Getting, Sabbath, Sabbath-day, Sons, Sticks, Waste, Wilderness, WoodDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 15:32 7429 Sabbath, in OT Numbers 15:32-36 4366 stones
4552 wood
5557 stoning
7346 death penalty Library List of Abbreviations Used in Reference to Rabbinic Writings Quoted in this Work.
THE Mishnah is always quoted according to Tractate, Chapter (Pereq) and Paragraph (Mishnah), the Chapter being marked in Roman, the paragraph in ordinary Numerals. Thus Ber. ii. 4 means the Mishnic Tractate Berakhoth, second Chapter, fourth Paragraph. The Jerusalem Talmud is distinguished by the abbreviation Jer. before the name of the Tractate. Thus, Jer. Ber. is the Jer. Gemara, or Talmud, of the Tractate Berakhoth. The edition, from which quotations are made, is that commonly used, Krotoschin, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the MessiahWe are Drawing Near the End, and to the Highest Conclusions of True Human Wisdom...
We are drawing near the end, and to the highest conclusions of true human wisdom; and full of deepest interest it is to mark the character of these conclusions. Reason speaks; that faculty that is rightly termed divine, for its possession marks those who are "the offspring of God." He is the Father of spirits, and it is in the spirit that Reason has her seat; whilst in our Preacher she is enthroned, and now with authority utters forth her counsels. Here we may listen to just how far she can …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs Seventh Day. Holiness and Obedience.
Ye have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: ye shall be unto me an holy nation.'--Ex. xix. 4-6. Israel has reached Horeb. The law is to be given and the covenant made. Here are God's first words to the people; He speaks of redemption and its blessing, fellowship with Himself: 'Ye have seen how I brought …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the Raising of Jairus' Daughter
THERE seems remarkable correspondence between the two miracles which Jesus had wrought on leaving Capernaum and those which He did on His return. In one sense they are complementary to each other. The stilling of the storm and the healing of the demonised were manifestations of the absolute power inherent in Christ; the recovery of the woman and the raising of Jairus' daughter, evidence of the absolute efficacy of faith. The unlikeliness of dominion over the storm, and of command over a legion of …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Among the People, and with the Pharisees
It would have been difficult to proceed far either in Galilee or in Judaea without coming into contact with an altogether peculiar and striking individuality, differing from all around, and which would at once arrest attention. This was the Pharisee. Courted or feared, shunned or flattered, reverently looked up to or laughed at, he was equally a power everywhere, both ecclesiastically and politically, as belonging to the most influential, the most zealous, and the most closely-connected religions …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Degrees of Sin
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. He that delivered me unto thee, has the greater sin.' John 19: 11. The Stoic philosophers held that all sins were equal; but this Scripture clearly holds forth that there is a gradual difference in sin; some are greater than others; some are mighty sins,' and crying sins.' Amos 5: 12; Gen 18: 21. Every sin has a voice to speak, but some …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Worship of the Synagogue
One of the most difficult questions in Jewish history is that connected with the existence of a synagogue within the Temple. That such a "synagogue" existed, and that its meeting-place was in "the hall of hewn stones," at the south-eastern angle of the court of the priest, cannot be called in question, in face of the clear testimony of contemporary witnesses. Considering that "the hall of hew stones" was also the meeting-place for the great Sanhedrim, and that not only legal decisions, but lectures …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXIII. 1-39; ^B Mark XII. 38-40; ^C Luke XX. 45-47. ^a 1 Then spake Jesus ^b 38 And in his teaching ^c in the hearing of all the people he said unto ^a the multitudes, and to his disciples [he spoke in the most public manner], 2 saying, ^c 46 Beware of the scribes, ^a The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat: 3 all things whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act.
(at Feast-Time at Jerusalem, Probably the Passover.) ^D John V. 1-47. ^d 1 After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [Though every feast in the Jewish calendar has found some one to advocate its claim to be this unnamed feast, yet the vast majority of commentators choose either the feast of Purim, which came in March, or the Passover, which came in April. Older commentators pretty unanimously regarded it as the Passover, while the later school favor the feast …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and Discourses - the Sadducees and the Resurrection - the Scribe and the Great Commandment - Question
THE last day in the Temple was not to pass without other temptations' than that of the Priests when they questioned His authority, or of the Pharisees when they cunningly sought to entangle Him in His speech. Indeed, Christ had on this occasion taken a different position; He had claimed supreme authority, and thus challenged the leaders of Israel. For this reason, and because at the last we expect assaults from all His enemies, we are prepared for the controversies of that day. We remember that, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 15:32 NIVNumbers 15:32 NLTNumbers 15:32 ESVNumbers 15:32 NASBNumbers 15:32 KJV
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