Those who found the man gathering wood brought him to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation, Those who found himThis phrase indicates a group of individuals who witnessed the man’s actions. In the Hebrew context, the word for "found" (מָצָא, matsa) implies a discovery or encounter, often with a sense of purpose or divine orchestration. This suggests that the act of finding was not merely accidental but part of a larger narrative orchestrated by God to teach His people about obedience and the sanctity of the Sabbath. gathering wood
The act of gathering wood on the Sabbath was a direct violation of God’s commandment to rest on this holy day. The Hebrew word for "gathering" (קֹשֵׁשׁ, qoshesh) implies collecting or assembling, which in this context, was considered work. This highlights the importance of adhering to God’s laws and the seriousness with which the Sabbath was to be observed. Historically, the Sabbath was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, a day set apart for rest and worship, reflecting God’s rest after creation. brought him to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation
This action underscores the communal nature of the Israelite society and the role of leadership in maintaining the covenantal laws. Moses and Aaron, as leaders, were responsible for interpreting and enforcing God’s laws. The involvement of the "whole congregation" (עֵדָה, edah) signifies the collective responsibility of the community in upholding divine commandments. It also reflects the judicial process in ancient Israel, where matters of law and order were addressed publicly, ensuring transparency and communal participation in the administration of justice. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Man Gathering WoodAn unnamed individual who was found gathering wood on the Sabbath, an act that violated the commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy. 2. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who was responsible for interpreting and enforcing God's laws among the people. 3. AaronThe brother of Moses and the high priest, who played a key role in the spiritual leadership of Israel. 4. The Whole CongregationThe assembly of the Israelites, who were witnesses to the enforcement of God's laws and participated in communal decision-making. 5. The WildernessThe setting where the Israelites were journeying after their exodus from Egypt, a place of testing and reliance on God's provision and guidance. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceThe incident underscores the importance of obeying God's commandments, even when they seem inconvenient or trivial. Community AccountabilityThe involvement of the whole congregation in addressing the man's transgression highlights the role of community in maintaining spiritual discipline. Seeking God's GuidanceMoses and Aaron's decision to bring the matter before the Lord demonstrates the need to seek divine wisdom in difficult situations. The Seriousness of SinThe severe consequence for breaking the Sabbath law serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God. Rest in ChristWhile the Old Testament law required physical rest, believers today find their ultimate rest in Jesus, 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 toward God's commandments? 2. How does the community's response to the man's actions reflect the importance of communal accountability in our own faith communities? 3. In what ways can we seek God's guidance when faced with difficult decisions, as Moses and Aaron did? 4. How does the concept of Sabbath rest in the Old Testament connect to the spiritual rest offered through Christ in the New Testament? 5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are honoring God in our daily activities, similar to the call to keep the Sabbath holy? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:8-11This passage provides the original commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy, which the man violated by gathering wood. Exodus 31:14-15These verses emphasize the seriousness of Sabbath observance, stating that anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death. Leviticus 24:12Similar to Numbers 15:33, this passage describes a situation where someone was held in custody until God's will was made clear, highlighting the importance of seeking divine guidance in judgment. Hebrews 4:9-10This New Testament passage speaks of a Sabbath rest for the people of God, connecting the physical rest of the Old Testament to the spiritual rest found in Christ. People Aaron, Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces Egypt, Wilderness of ParanTopics Aaron, Assembly, Bring, Company, Congregation, Finding, Gathering, Getting, Sticks, WoodDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 15:32-36 4366 stones Numbers 15:33-34 5344 imprisonment 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 15:33 NIVNumbers 15:33 NLTNumbers 15:33 ESVNumbers 15:33 NASBNumbers 15:33 KJV
Numbers 15:33 Commentaries
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