Book of Numbers - Chapter 15 - Verse 35

In this verse, the LORD instructs Moses that a man who has committed a serious offense must be put to death by stoning. This punishment is to be carried out by the entire congregation outside the camp. Stoning was a common form of execution in Old Testament times and was used to demonstrate the severity of the sin committed. The act of stoning symbolized the community's rejection of the individual's wrongdoing and served as a deterrent to others who might consider committing similar offenses. The communal aspect of stoning underscored the responsibility of the entire community to uphold the laws and standards set by God. By enforcing the ultimate punishment for disobedience, the LORD was emphasizing the importance of obedience and righteousness among His people.

In this verse, the Lord is delivering a command to Moses regarding the punishment for a man who violated the law. The man is to be put to death by stoning, a form of execution prescribed in the Old Testament for serious offenses. The use of stoning as a punishment was a reflection of the severity with which the Israelites viewed sin and disobedience to God's commands. The act of stoning the man "without the camp" also carries symbolic significance. Being outside the camp was a way of symbolizing exclusion from the community and separation from the holiness of God's presence. This punishment served as a warning to the entire congregation that disobedience would not be tolerated and that there were serious consequences for breaking God's laws. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the importance of upholding the moral standards set forth by God and the need for accountability within the community of believers.