They placed him in custodyIn the context of
Leviticus 24, this phrase refers to the son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian father who blasphemed the Name of God. The act of placing someone in custody indicates a temporary holding situation, reflecting the seriousness of the offense. In ancient Israel, the community was responsible for maintaining order and justice, and this custody was a way to ensure that the matter was handled according to God's law. This reflects the communal nature of justice in Israelite society, where the community played a role in upholding divine law.
until the will of the LORD
This phrase underscores the theocratic nature of Israelite governance, where God's will was the ultimate authority. The Israelites sought divine guidance in matters of law and justice, emphasizing their dependence on God for direction. This reflects a broader biblical theme where God's will is sought in decision-making, as seen in other instances such as the Urim and Thummim used by the high priest to discern God's will (Exodus 28:30).
should be made clear to them
The need for clarity from God highlights the importance of divine revelation in the administration of justice. This reflects the belief that human wisdom is insufficient without God's guidance. The process of seeking clarity from God can be seen in other biblical narratives, such as Moses seeking God's guidance in difficult situations (Exodus 18:15-16). This also foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on seeking God's will through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit (James 1:5).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who is responsible for conveying God's laws and judgments to the people.
2.
The Israelite CampThe setting where the events of
Leviticus 24:12 take place, representing the community of God's chosen people.
3.
The BlasphemerAn unnamed individual who has committed the act of blasphemy, leading to the need for divine judgment.
4.
The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, whose laws and commands are central to the account and whose judgment is sought.
5.
The Tent of MeetingThe place where Moses would often go to seek God's guidance and where the LORD's presence was manifested.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Seeking God's GuidanceIn times of uncertainty or when faced with difficult decisions, it is crucial to seek God's wisdom and direction, just as Moses did.
The Seriousness of BlasphemyBlasphemy is a grave sin that requires serious consideration and response. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with reverence for God.
Community ResponsibilityThe Israelite community was involved in the process of seeking God's judgment, highlighting the role of the community in upholding God's standards.
The Role of LeadershipMoses' leadership in seeking God's will demonstrates the responsibility of leaders to guide their people according to divine principles.
Waiting on the LORDThe Israelites' decision to hold the blasphemer in custody until God's will was revealed teaches the importance of patience and waiting for God's timing.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 24:12?
2.Why was the man held in custody according to Leviticus 24:12?
3.How does Leviticus 24:12 emphasize the importance of seeking God's will?
4.What does Leviticus 24:12 teach about waiting for God's guidance?
5.How can we apply the principle of seeking divine guidance in our lives?
6.What other biblical instances show waiting for God's direction before acting?
7.Why was the man in Leviticus 24:12 held in custody without immediate judgment?
8.How does Leviticus 24:12 reflect God's justice system in ancient Israel?
9.What does Leviticus 24:12 reveal about the importance of divine guidance in legal matters?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 24?
11.What does the Bible say about recompense?
12.What does the Bible say about holding grudges?
13.What is the Bible's view on solidarity?
14.Who is the Wandering Jew mentioned in the Bible?What Does Leviticus 24:12 Mean
They placed him in custody– The immediate situation involves the son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian man who “blasphemed the Name with a curse” (Leviticus 24:11).
– The community’s first response is not mob justice but restraint: “So they brought him to Moses” (v. 11).
– God-ordained authority is respected; the offender is held, not harmed, until direction is received. CompareNumbers 15:34, where Sabbath-breakers are also detained “until a decision should be made clear.”
– The action models ordered holiness: wrongdoing is taken seriously, yet procedure is followed (Deuteronomy 16:18-20;Romans 13:1-4).
until the will of the LORD– Israel expects God to speak into real-time situations. They understand that “the LORD is our Lawgiver” (Isaiah 33:22).
– Moses, as mediator, will seek divine guidance—likely through the established means of revelation such as the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30;Numbers 27:21).
– This waiting posture teaches dependence. The people do not presume to know God’s verdict ahead of time (Proverbs 3:5-6).
– It underlines that ultimate authority rests with the LORD, not popular opinion or civil custom (Acts 5:29).
should be made clear to them– God answers: the man is to be stoned outside the camp, and the penalty for blasphemy is codified for all generations (Leviticus 24:13-16).
– Clarity replaces confusion. God’s revealed will defines justice; human sentiment does not (Psalm 19:7-9).
– The principle extends: when cases are “too difficult” they are to be brought to the sanctuary for a binding decision (Deuteronomy 17:8-13).
– For believers today, God’s completed Word provides the needed clarity for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17;James 1:5).
summaryLeviticus 24:12 showcases reverent restraint. Israel temporarily confines the offender, demonstrating order and respect for God-given authority. They then wait, confident that the LORD will reveal His righteous judgment. When He speaks, the path is unmistakable. The verse teaches that God’s people must seek and submit to His clear, authoritative Word before acting, trusting that He will make His will known in His time.
(12)
And they put him in ward.--That is, to keep him in safe custody till he had been tried. In the Mosaic legislation confinement in a prison for a certain period as a punishment for an offence is nowhere enacted.
That the mind of the Lord might be shewed them.--Better,that he might direct them according tothe command of the Lord,as the Authorised Version renders this phrase inExodus 17:1,Numbers 4:37;Numbers 4:41;Numbers 4:49, &c. Though this was a transgression of the third commandment, and though it was ordained that he who cursed his earthly parent should be put to death (seeLeviticus 20:9), yet no law existed as to the exact punishment which was to be inflicted upon him who cursed his heavenly Father (seeExodus 22:28); nor was it known whether such an offender should be left to God Himself to execute the sentence. For this reason the criminal was detained till Moses had appealed to the Lord for instruction, in order that he might direct the people accordingly. Similar instances of Moses appealing direct to the Lord for guidance in matters of law and judgment we have inNumbers 15:34;Numbers 28:1-5. . . .
Verse 12. -
And they put him in ward. The same course was followed in the case of the man found gathering sticks upon the sabbath day: "And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him" (
Numbers 15:34). The same penalty was awarded in both cases.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
They placedוַיַּנִּיחֻ֖הוּ(way·yan·nî·ḥu·hū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3240:Bestow, cast down, lay down, up, leave off, let alone remain, pacify, place,him in custodyבַּמִּשְׁמָ֑ר(bam·miš·mār)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4929:Place of confinement, jail, prison, guard, watch, observanceuntil the willפִּ֥י(pî)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310:The mouth, edge, portion, side, according toof the LORDיְהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069:YHWHshould be made clearלִפְרֹ֥שׁ(lip̄·rōš)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6567:To make distinct, declareto them.לָהֶ֖ם(lā·hem)Preposition-l | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992:They
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OT Law: Leviticus 24:12 They put him in custody until (Le Lv Lev.) 
