Leviticus 24:12
They placed him in custody until the will of the LORD should be made clear to them.
They placed him in custody
This phrase indicates a temporary holding situation, reflecting the seriousness with which the Israelites approached matters of law and order. The Hebrew root for "custody" is "מִשְׁמָר" (mishmar), which implies a guarded or watched place. This reflects the community's responsibility to maintain order while awaiting divine guidance. It underscores the importance of due process and the need for divine direction in judicial matters, emphasizing that human judgment is incomplete without seeking God's will.

until the will of the LORD
The phrase "the will of the LORD" is central to understanding the theocratic nature of Israelite society. The Hebrew word for "will" here is "פֶּה" (peh), which can also mean "mouth," suggesting that the Israelites were waiting for a direct word or command from God. This highlights the dependence of the Israelites on divine revelation for decision-making, illustrating a society that seeks to align its actions with God's commands. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance in all aspects of life.

should be made clear to them
This phrase indicates a process of revelation and understanding. The Hebrew root "בָּרַר" (barar) means to clarify or make distinct. It suggests that God's will is not always immediately apparent and may require patience and discernment. This reflects the broader biblical theme of waiting on the Lord and trusting in His timing. It encourages believers to seek clarity through prayer and reflection, trusting that God will reveal His will in due time. This process of seeking and receiving divine guidance is a testament to the faith and obedience expected of God's people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is responsible for conveying God's laws and judgments to the people.

2. The Israelite Camp
The setting where the events of Leviticus 24:12 take place, representing the community of God's chosen people.

3. The Blasphemer
An unnamed individual who has committed the act of blasphemy, leading to the need for divine judgment.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, whose laws and commands are central to the account and whose judgment is sought.

5. The Tent of Meeting
The place where Moses would often go to seek God's guidance and where the LORD's presence was manifested.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance
In times of uncertainty or when faced with difficult decisions, it is crucial to seek God's wisdom and direction, just as Moses did.

The Seriousness of Blasphemy
Blasphemy is a grave sin that requires serious consideration and response. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with reverence for God.

Community Responsibility
The Israelite community was involved in the process of seeking God's judgment, highlighting the role of the community in upholding God's standards.

The Role of Leadership
Moses' leadership in seeking God's will demonstrates the responsibility of leaders to guide their people according to divine principles.

Waiting on the LORD
The Israelites' decision to hold the blasphemer in custody until God's will was revealed teaches the importance of patience and waiting for God's timing.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the process of seeking God's guidance in Leviticus 24:12 compare to how we seek God's will today?

2. What does this passage teach us about the seriousness of our words and actions, particularly in relation to God's name?

3. In what ways can we involve our community or church in making decisions that align with God's will?

4. How can leaders today emulate Moses' example in seeking and applying God's guidance in their leadership?

5. What are some practical ways we can cultivate patience and trust in God's timing when faced with difficult situations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 18:15-16
This passage describes Moses' role in judging the people and seeking God's will, similar to his role in Leviticus 24:12.

Numbers 15:32-36
This account of a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath parallels the situation in Leviticus 24:12, where the community waits for God's specific instruction on how to handle a transgression.

Deuteronomy 17:8-13
These verses outline the process for dealing with difficult cases, emphasizing the need for seeking God's guidance, as seen in Leviticus 24:12.
A Blasphemer PunishedS.R. Aldridge Leviticus 24:10-12
Blaspheming Against God's Holy NameW. H. Jellie.Leviticus 24:10-16
Slaying the BlasphemerW. Wayland, B. A.Leviticus 24:10-16
Stoning the BlasphemerC. Ness.Leviticus 24:10-16
The Crime of BlasphemyR.M. Edgar Leviticus 24:10-16
The NameC. Geikie, D. D.Leviticus 24:10-16
The Sin of ProfanityT. De Witt Talmage.Leviticus 24:10-16
A Suggestive EpisodeW. Clarkson Leviticus 24:10-16, 23
Shelomith's SonJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 24:10-23
The Law of DeathR.A. Redford Leviticus 24:10-23
People
Aaron, Dan, Dibri, Ephah, Israelites, Israelitess, Moses, Shelomith
Places
Teman
Topics
Causeth, Charge, Clear, Command, Confined, Custody, Decide, Decision, Declared, Explain, Kept, Mind, Mouth, Rest, Showed, Shown, Shut, Till, Ward
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 24:12

     5344   imprisonment

Leviticus 24:10-16

     4366   stones
     5800   blasphemy

Library
The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed by a Minority of Men from the Very Foundation of Christianity. Of the Book "What
CHAPTER I. THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE TO EVIL BY FORCE HAS BEEN PROFESSED BY A MINORITY OF MEN FROM THE VERY FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIANITY. Of the Book "What I Believe"--The Correspondence Evoked by it-- Letters from Quakers--Garrison's Declaration--Adin Ballou, his Works, his Catechism--Helchitsky's "Net of Faith"--The Attitude of the World to Works Elucidating Christ's Teaching--Dymond's Book "On War"--Musser's "Non-resistance Asserted"--Attitude of the Government in 1818 to Men who Refused to
Leo Tolstoy—The Kingdom of God is within you

Feast of the Dedication. The Jews Attempt to Stone Jesus and He Retires to Peræa.
(Jerusalem and Beyond Jordan.) ^D John X. 22-42. ^d 22 And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: 23; it was winter; and Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. [The feast of dedication was one of eight days' duration and began upon the 25th Chisleu, which, according to the calculation of M. Chevannes, fell upon the nineteenth or twentieth of December, a.d. 29. The feast was kept in honor of the renovation and purification of the temple in the year b.c. 164, after it had been desecrated
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
(Probably While on the Way from Jerusalem to Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 1-8; ^B Mark II. 23-28; ^C Luke VI. 1-5. ^b 23 And ^c 1 Now it came to pass ^a 1 At that season ^b that he ^a Jesus went { ^b was going} on the { ^c a} ^b sabbath day through the grainfields; ^a and his disciples were hungry and began ^b as they went, to pluck the ears. ^a and to eat, ^c and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. [This lesson fits in chronological order with the last, if the Bethesda
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath.
AND PROOF, THAT THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK IS THE TRUE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'The Son of man is lord also of the Sabbath day.' London: Printed for Nath, Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1685. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. All our inquiries into divine commands are required to be made personally, solemnly, prayerful. To 'prove all things,' and 'hold fast' and obey 'that which is good,' is a precept, equally binding upon the clown, as it is upon the philosopher. Satisfied from our observations
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him to Crucifixion.
(Friday. Toward Sunrise.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 15-30; ^B Mark XV. 6-19; ^C Luke XXIII. 13-25; ^D John XVIII. 39-XIX 16. ^a 15 Now at the feast [the passover and unleavened bread] the governor was wont { ^b used to} release unto them ^a the multitude one prisoner, whom they would. { ^b whom they asked of him.} [No one knows when or by whom this custom was introduced, but similar customs were not unknown elsewhere, both the Greeks and Romans being wont to bestow special honor upon certain occasions by releasing
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Voluntary Suffering
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. T hat which often passes amongst men for resolution, and the proof of a noble, courageous spirit, is, in reality, the effect of a weak and little mind. At least, it is chiefly owing to the presence of certain circumstances, which have a greater influence upon the conduct, than any inherent principle. Thus may persons who appear to set death and danger at defiance in the hour
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

A Divine Saviour.
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew xvi. 1; John vi. 69.) We meet with a certain class of Enquirers who do not believe in the Divinity of Christ. There are many passages that will give light on this subject. In 1 Corinthians xv. 47, we are told: "The first man is of the earth earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven." In 1 John v. 20: "We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true; and we are in Him that is
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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