Numbers 15:34

“And they put him in ward, etc.] In a certain prison in the camp; perhaps the same in which the blasphemer was put, (<032412>Leviticus 24:12); and for much the same reason: because it was not declared what should be done to him: that is, what kind of death he should die, as Jarchi and Aben Ezra; it had been before declared that the sabbath breaker should die, but not what death he should die, (<023115>Exodus 31:15 35:2); though some think it was a matter of doubt whether gathering of sticks was a breach of the sabbath, or at least such a breach of it as required death; and the answer of the Lord seems to confirm this sense, as follows.”

“Death had indeed been assigned as the penalty Exodus 31:14; Exodus 35:2; but it had not been determined how that death was to be inflicted. return to 'Top of Page'”

“They - That is, Moses and Aaron, and the seventy rulers. What should be done - That is, in what manner he was to be cut off, or by what kind of death he was to die, which therefore God here particularly determines: otherwise it was known in general that sabbath - breakers were to be put to death. Numbers 15:38”

“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).”

“Lev 24:12 Numbers 15:35”