Numbers 15:35

French Jerusalem 1998

Yahvé dit à Moïse: "Cet homme doit être mis à mort. Que toute la communauté le lapide hors du camp."

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Numbers tells us that God instructed Moses that a man who broke a specific law must be punished by being stoned to death outside the camp. All the people must participate in this punishment.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you broke a big rule at school, like cheating on a test. The principal might say you need to sit out at recess. But in this case, the rule was so important that God said the whole community had to be part of the punishment, like a big timeout outside the playground.

Historical Background

The book of Numbers was written by Moses around 1400 BCE as part of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to Canaan. This verse is addressing the community's laws and the severe consequences for breaking them, reflecting the cultural norms of that time.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, imagine a community that values safety and decides that any act of violence, like bullying, must be addressed seriously. Everyone in the community might be involved in educating the person who bullied and ensuring they understand the impact of their actions.

Topics

• punishment
• community
• law
• justice
• consequences
• obedience

Related Verses

• Leviticus 24:16
• Deuteronomy 22:22
• John 8:7
• Acts 5:1
• Romans 13:4

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of law was the man breaking?

The specific law is not mentioned in this verse, but in the context of Numbers, it could be a severe violation of the community's religious or moral laws.

Why did the whole community have to participate?

The community's involvement highlighted the seriousness of the law and reinforced the collective responsibility for maintaining moral standards.

How was this punishment viewed in ancient times?

In ancient times, such severe punishments were seen as necessary to maintain order and deter others from breaking the law.

Can we apply this verse to today's justice systems?

While the specific punishment is not applicable today, the principle of serious consequences for breaking important laws can still be relevant in discussions about justice and community standards.