Num 15:34 | TNotes | STEP | 15:34 Though there was no question about the man’s guilt, it is possible that the community was uncertain how to punish him. The death sentence was an appropriate penalty, because disregard of the Sabbath signaled a rejection of God’s gracious covenant with Israel (Exod 31:12-17 ) and was akin to blasphemy (Num 15:30 ; Lev 24:10-16 ; cp. 1 Tim 1:20 ).

bExod 31:12-17►

cNum 15:30►

dLev 24:10-16►

e1 Tim 1:20►

‏ Numbers 15:34

15:34 ^a Though there was no question about the man’s guilt, it is possible that the community was uncertain how to punish him. The death sentence was an appropriate penalty, because disregard of the Sabbath signaled a rejection of God’s gracious covenant with Israel (Exod 31:12-17 ^b) and was akin to blasphemy (Num 15:30 ^c; Lev 24:10-16 ^d; cp. 1 Tim 1:20 ^e).