Though stoning is virtually unmentioned in other ancient Near Eastern literature, it is the method of execution mentioned most often in the Bible and the primary form of state execution mentioned in Old Testament law. The Bible spares us the glory details of the stoning event, but the traditional writings of early Judaism help us understand a bit more of what was involved. Those who witnessed the infraction were directly involved in delivering the penalty for it (Lev 24:14). According to the Jewish traditional writings, the condemned person was taken to the execution site, which was to be an elevation at least twice the person’s height. The first witness then pushed the individual face-first off this elevation that could be either the edge of sharply rising terrain (Luke 4:29) or the edge of a cistern that had been dug into the ground (Lam 3:53).

Excrement of man or best. “Dung” translates several different Hebrew and Greek words. An ash heap or rubbish heap was used to convey the haunt of the destitute (1 Sam 2:8; Luke 14:35).

1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

² Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

³ Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

Our society, which glorifies individual autonomy and responsibility, recoils at the thought of innocent people being punished for wrongs committed by another. In ancient times, leaders of families, tribes, or nations served as representatives of their people. Both success and failure belonged to all. It is entirely possible that David had consulted his advisers beforehand and they had agreed to his plan, making the census a corporate decision.

The ultimate fulfillment of all covenant meals is the Last Supper Jesus celebrated with his disciples. The Lord’s Supper is a meal that seals God’s new covenant with his people (Luke 22:19-20).

Across from the golden lampstand inside the Holy Place stood the table of the bread of the presence (Exodus 40:22). Priests placed a special bread on the table. God gave specific instructions for the preparation of the bread and the arrangement of the table (Leviticus 24:5-9).