Definition: And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly serious verse from Numbers 15:35. It's a difficult and shocking passage in the Bible that describes a horrific act of violence against a Jewish leader. Here’s a simplified explanation: What happened? This verse details a situation where a Jewish man, Aaron, was found to have sexually violated a young woman. This was a serious transgression, considered a profound sin against God and the community. What did the Bible say? God commanded Moses to take swift and decisive action. He instructed him to kill Aaron definitively. He then ordered the entire congregation – all the people who were gathered in the camp – to stone Aaron’s body with stones. Let's unpack it into simpler parts: “And the LORD said unto Moses…” : This establishes that this was a divine command, not just a suggestion or a judgment from someone else. “…The man shall be surely put to death:” : This is a direct and absolute sentence – Aaron will die. It’s a punishment for his sin. “all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.” : This is the core of the verse. The entire group of people gathered in the camp, including the community leaders and those who were present, are tasked to carry out this act of execution. They must stone Aaron's body without any delay, using rocks as tools. What’s the significance? This event is considered one of the most brutal and shocking passages in the Old Testament. It highlights: The Severity of Sin: It demonstrates that serious sins can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities. Divine Justice: The verse shows God's absolute authority over justice and that punishment must be swift and severe. Community Responsibility: It emphasizes the importance of a community coming together to carry out a judgment, demonstrating a shared responsibility for upholding God’s law. Important Note: This passage is incredibly disturbing because it describes a violent act against a person. It's important to remember that this is a historical event rooted in a very difficult situation and doesn't reflect the core values of love, forgiveness, or compassion as outlined in many other parts of the Bible. Resources for Further Understanding: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/15-15](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/15-15) (Provides context and different translations) Wikipedia - Numbers 15:35: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numbers_15%2A35](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numbers_15%2A35) --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: More about the historical context surrounding this event? The theological implications of this passage?