The man shall be surely put to death— Though Moses very well knew, that those who defiled the sabbath-day, by doing any manner of servile work upon it, should die, (Exodus 31:14; Exodus 35:2.) yet he doubted by what kind of death, and in what manner, the present offender was to suffer, whether by the immediate hand of heaven, or by ordinary punishment. Consulting the Lord upon this, public stoning was appointed; accordingly, the offender was thus put to death: Numbers 15:36 not on the sabbath-day, for that was unlawful, but soon after Moses had received the answer from God. It is easy to conceive why the breach of the sabbath was so severely punished among the Jews; for their religion principally depended upon the observance of it. Indeed, all religion greatly depends upon the observance of it. In proportion as the sabbath is regarded or neglected by nations or individuals, their religious characters will be found better or worse in general.
REFLECTIONS.—Every sin is deeply dangerous; but when a hardened heart denies God's truth, quarrels with God's justice mocks at God's threatenings, rejects his government, and casts off his fear, then its state is desperate indeed, and punishment certain and dreadful ensues. Lord, keep thy servant from presumptuous sins!