Bible Commentaries
Numbers 15

Verses 1-41

Numbers 15:32-36 Israel Stones a Man for Picking up Sticks on the Sabbath Numbers 15:32-36 records the story of the stoning the man who picked up sticks on the Sabbath. God was serious with His Word and this man became an example for all to follow. During the rest of the wilderness journey, this commandment of keeping a Sabbath rest did not pose much disobedience from the people. This is an excellent example of how judgment can appear harsh to one individual, but in the long run, it will save the lives of many people (Proverbs 16:6, Ecclesiastes 8:1).

Proverbs 16:6, “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil .”

Ecclesiastes 8:1, “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily , therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.”

Numbers 15:37-41 The Command to Put Fringes on the Garments Numbers 15:37-41 records God’s command for the Israelites to sew fringes on their garments in order to remind them to obey the Mosaic Law. This story follows in the dark shadow of Numbers 15:32-36, where a man was stoned for disobeying His commandments. We, also, are to fear God continually.