Numbers 15:34
And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּנִּ֥יחוּ
And they put
H3240
וַיַּנִּ֥יחוּ
And they put
Strong's:
H3240
Word #:
1 of 9
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay
אֹת֖וֹ
H853
אֹת֖וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּמִּשְׁמָ֑ר
him in ward
H4929
בַּמִּשְׁמָ֑ר
him in ward
Strong's:
H4929
Word #:
3 of 9
a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (figuratively); also (as observed) a usage (abstractly), or an example (concretely)
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
פֹרַ֔שׁ
because it was not declared
H6567
פֹרַ֔שׁ
because it was not declared
Strong's:
H6567
Word #:
6 of 9
to separate, literally (to disperse) or figuratively (to specify); also (by implication) to wound
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Historical Context
This hesitation may reflect uncertainty about whether the general Sabbath law applied with full force during wilderness wandering when normal agricultural and domestic patterns didn't apply. God's specific command in this case removed all ambiguity about His will.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you seek God's specific guidance even when general principles seem clear?
- What role does the community of faith play in discerning God's will for difficult cases?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They 'put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him'—even though Sabbath-breaking was capital crime (Exodus 31:14-15), they waited for specific divine instruction. This careful deference to God's word demonstrates that even in matters where principle seems clear, specific application requires divine wisdom.