2 “Say to the people of Israel, Any one of the people of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones.
2 “Say to the people of Israel, Any one of the people of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones.
3 I myself will set my face against that man and will cut him off from among his people, because he has given one of his children to Molech, to make my sanctuary unclean and to profane my holy name.
4 If the people of the land do at all close their eyes to that man when he gives one of his children to Molech, and do not put him to death,
5 then I will set my face against that man and against his clan and will cut them off from among their people, him and all who follow him in whoring after Molech.
6 “If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.
7 Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.
8 Keep my statutes and do them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you.
9 For anyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death; he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood is upon him.
10 “If a man commits adultery with the wife of his neighbor, both the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.
11 If a man lies with his father’s wife, he has uncovered his father’s nakedness; both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
12 If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death; they have committed perversion; their blood is upon them.
13 If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
14 If a man takes a woman and her mother also, it is depravity; he and they shall be burned with fire, that there may be no depravity among you.
15 If a man lies with an animal, he shall surely be put to death, and you shall kill the animal.
16 If a woman approaches any animal and lies with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
17 “If a man takes his sister, a daughter of his father or a daughter of his mother, and sees her nakedness, and she sees his nakedness, it is a disgrace, and they shall be cut off in the sight of the children of their people. He has uncovered his sister’s nakedness, and he shall bear his iniquity.
18 If a man lies with a woman during her menstrual period and uncovers her nakedness, he has made naked her fountain, and she has uncovered the fountain of her blood.
19 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother’s sister or of your father’s sister, for that is to make naked one’s relative; they shall bear their iniquity.
20 If a man lies with his uncle’s wife, he has uncovered his uncle’s nakedness; they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.
21 If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is impurity. He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless.
22 You shall therefore keep all my statutes and all my rules and do them, that the land where I am bringing you to live may not vomit you out.
23 And you shall not walk in the customs of the nation that I am driving out before you, for they did all these things, and therefore I detested them.
24 But I have said to you, ‘You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey.’ I am the Lord your God, who has separated you from the peoples.
25 You shall therefore separate the clean beast from the unclean, and the unclean bird from the clean. You shall not make yourselves detestable by beast or by bird or by anything with which the ground crawls, which I have set apart for you to hold unclean.
26 You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.
27 “A man or a woman who is a medium or a necromancer shall surely be put to death. They shall be stoned with stones; their blood shall be upon them.”
The True Meaning of Leviticus 20
The book of Leviticus was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. Leviticus, the second book in the Pentateuch or the first five books of the Bible, provides detailed instructions and laws for the Israelite people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. We will explore the Lord’s commands regarding various moral and religious offenses in this chapter, and we will discuss the consequences that will befall those who disobey. We will see how the Lord demands holiness from His people, and the importance of maintaining a righteous society. The events in this chapter foreshadow the need for repentance and the establishment of a just and godly community, as echoed in other books such as Deuteronomy and the Prophets. Let us delve into this chapter, being mindful of the gravity of the Lord’s instructions and the importance of obedience. For the Lord desires a people who are set apart, holy, and devoted to Him, that they may be a light to the nations and a testament to His glory.
Leviticus 20:1-5
The Lord speaks to Moses in Leviticus 20:1-5, giving specific instructions regarding the consequences of offering children to Molech. This section starts by highlighting the severe punishment of death for anyone, whether an Israelite or foreigner residing in Israel, who sacrifices their children to the idol Molech. This act was an abomination in the eyes of God, as it involved not only the murder of innocent children but also the worship of false gods. Molech was a Canaanite deity to whom children were sacrificed by fire.
This passage emphasizes the sanctity of life and the condemnation of child sacrifice. It underscores the significance of honoring God and following His commandments, especially when it comes to protecting the innocent and upholding moral principles. The Israelites were called to be a holy people, set apart for God’s purposes, and engaging in such heinous practices went directly against their identity as God’s chosen nation.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see instances where the Israelites were tempted to partake in the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations. The story of King Solomon is a poignant example. Despite his initial wisdom and devotion to God, Solomon’s many foreign wives led him astray, and he began to worship their gods, including Molech (1 Kings 11:1-8). This act of sacrificing children to false gods brought about severe consequences for Israel, leading to division and strife in the kingdom.
This passage in Leviticus serves as a reminder not only to the Israelites but to all believers of the importance of remaining faithful to God and rejecting any form of idolatry or practices that devalue human life. It echoes the commandments given in Exodus 20, where God explicitly forbids the worship of any other gods besides Himself. The consistent message throughout the Bible is one of love, justice, and the protection of the vulnerable, which is vividly portrayed in the condemnation of child sacrifice in Leviticus 20:1-5.
Leviticus 20:6-8
The verse in Leviticus 20:6-8 can be broken down into three important sections. “I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people.”
This section emphasizes the prohibition against seeking guidance from mediums or spiritists, who claimed to have the ability to communicate with the dead or with spirits. The practice of consulting these mediums was widespread in the ancient world, but God strictly forbade the Israelites from engaging in such activities. Individuals were essentially putting their trust in something other than God and violating His commandments by seeking guidance from these sources. This verse serves as a reminder that the Israelites were to rely solely on God for direction and not turn to supernatural means for answers. This concept of trusting in God alone is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience to God’s laws.
- “Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy.”
This section stresses the idea of consecration and holiness. God calls upon the Israelites to set themselves apart and live according to His commandments. The Israelites were to strive for holiness because God, who is holy, had chosen them as His people. This emphasis on holiness is a central theme in the Bible, reiterated throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The idea of being set apart for God’s purposes is also reflected in the New Testament, where believers are called to be a holy priesthood and a people belonging to God (1 Peter 2:9).
- “If anyone curses their father or mother, they must be put to death. They have cursed their father or mother, and their blood will be on their own heads.”
This section addresses the severe consequences of dishonoring one’s parents. Honoring parents was of utmost importance in ancient Israelite society, and they considered disrespecting or cursing one’s parents a serious offense. The punishment for such an act was death, demonstrating the gravity of this sin in the eyes of God. This directive reflects the Fifth Commandment in Exodus 20:12, which instructs to honor one’s father and mother. The respect for parents is a fundamental principle that promotes stability and respect within families, and it serves as a foundation for societal order and moral conduct. Leviticus 20:6-8 underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands, the pursuit of holiness, and the significance of honoring and respecting one’s parents. These principles have enduring relevance and provide valuable guidance for believers seeking to live in accordance with God’s will. The themes of obedience, consecration, and honoring parents resonate throughout the Bible, serving as timeless messages for all generations to heed and uphold.
Leviticus 20:9
Leviticus 20:9 states, “For anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death; they have cursed their father or mother—their blood will be on their own head.”
This verse addresses the serious consequences for disobeying one of the Ten Commandments, which commands us to honor our parents. Cursing one’s father or mother in Leviticus 20:9 is considered so grave that it warrants being put to death. This severe punishment underscores the importance of respecting and honoring one’s parents in the eyes of God.
The notion of honoring parents is not unique to Leviticus 20:9; it is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. The apostle Paul references the command to honor one’s parents in Ephesians 6:2-3 in the New Testament, stating, “‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”’” Here, Paul not only restates the commandment but also emphasizes the blessings and benefits that come from obeying it.
Furthermore, the relationship between parents and children is often used as a metaphor for the relationship between God and His people in the Bible. Just as children are called to honor and obey their parents, believers are called to honor and obey God. Disobedience to parents reflects a lack of respect for authority and, by extension, a lack of reverence for God’s authority.
The severity of the punishment outlined in Leviticus 20:9 serves as a poignant reminder of the value that God places on the family unit and the importance of honoring one’s parents. It underscores the timeless message that honoring and respecting one’s parents is not merely a suggestion but a commandment with profound implications for one’s relationship with God.
Leviticus 20:10-16
The verses in Leviticus 20:10-16 address various sexual sins and their consequences according to the laws given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Let’s break down this passage into crucial sections for deeper understanding.
Starting with verse 10, it begins with a command regarding adultery, stating that both the man and the woman involved in adultery are to be put to death. Adultery was considered a grave sin not only against a spouse but against God’s commandments. This severe punishment was meant to deter Israelites from engaging in such actions and to uphold the sanctity of marriage and fidelity within the community. This highlights the importance God places on the covenant of marriage and the significance of faithfulness in relationships, a theme echoed throughout the Bible.
Moving to verse 11, it addresses the sin of a man who lies with his father’s wife, indicating both of them shall be put to death. This form of incest was strictly forbidden in the Old Testament as it defiled the family structure and went against God’s design for relationships. The punishment for such acts was severe to maintain purity and integrity within the family unit.
Verse 12 shifts the focus to the sin of a man who lies with his daughter-in-law, again decreeing that both parties should be executed. Incestuous relationships were forbidden in the Old Testament to preserve the moral fabric of society and to prevent corruption within families. The consequences for violating these laws were severe as a means of maintaining holiness among the Israelites. The prohibition against homosexual acts is stated in verses 13-16, with the penalty being death for both parties involved. This reiterates the stance against homosexual relations found in other parts of the Old Testament. The intent was to uphold the heterosexual norm established by God for procreation and the continuation of His people. While these verses may be difficult for some to reconcile with modern beliefs, they emphasize the importance of obedience to God’s commands, even when they challenge societal norms.
Throughout Leviticus 20:10-16, we see a consistent pattern of God setting strict guidelines for moral behavior and providing severe consequences for disobedience. These laws were meant to foster righteousness and holiness among the Israelites, setting them apart as a chosen people. While the death penalties outlined in these verses may seem harsh by today’s standards, they serve as a reminder of the seriousness of sin in the sight of God and the need for repentance and adherence to His commands. The emphasis on moral purity and obedience to God’s laws is a recurring theme in the Bible, demonstrating God’s desire for His people to walk in His ways and uphold His principles of righteousness.
Leviticus 20:17-21
Let’s delve deeply into several significant sections in Leviticus 20:17-21 to extract the timeless messages and principles from these verses.
Starting with verse 17: “If a man marries his sister, the daughter of either his father or his mother, and they have sexual relations, it is a disgrace. They are to be publicly removed from their people. He has dishonored his sister and will be held responsible.” This verse emphasizes the strict prohibition against incest in ancient Israelite society. Incest was considered a grave sin with severe consequences, including being publicly removed from the community. This underscores the importance of maintaining purity within family relationships and upholding moral standards. The mention of being held responsible highlights the accountability individuals had for their actions, even in matters as intimate as marriage and relationships.
Moving on to verses 18 and 19: “If a man has sexual relations with a woman during her monthly period, he has exposed the source of her flow, and she has also uncovered it. Both of them are to be cut off from their people. Do not have sexual relations with the sister of either your mother or your father, for that would dishonor a close relative; both of you would be held responsible.” These verses deal with laws regarding sexual conduct during menstruation and relationships with close relatives. The act of intimacy during a woman’s menstrual cycle was considered ritually impure, and violating this law would result in being cut off from the community. Furthermore, the prohibition against intimate relations with a close relative reinforces the sanctity of family ties and the avoidance of behaviors that would bring dishonor upon one’s kin. Verse 20 states that if a man has sexual relations with his aunt, he has dishonored his uncle. They will be held responsible; they will die childless.” This verse continues the theme of familial relationships and the consequences of inappropriate sexual behavior. Engaging in relations with one’s aunt is considered a dishonor to her husband, the uncle. The punishment of dying childless was a significant consequence in ancient Israelite society, as children were highly valued and essential for the continuation of family lines.
Finally, in verse 21, it says: “If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity; he has dishonored his brother. They will be childless.” This verse addresses the concept of levirate marriage, which was an important custom in ancient Israel where a man was expected to marry his deceased brother’s widow to provide for her and ensure the continuation of the deceased brother’s line. However, in this context, if a man marries his brother’s wife without fulfilling this duty or out of impure motives, it is considered dishonorable and impure. The consequence of being childless again underscores the importance of offspring in Israelite society and the repercussions for failing to uphold familial responsibilities.
These verses in Leviticus 20 highlight the emphasis on purity, honor, and accountability within family relationships and sexual conduct in ancient Israel. They serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding moral standards, respecting family ties, and understanding the consequences of one’s actions. The principles derived from these verses can be applied to contemporary contexts to underscore the significance of maintaining integrity, respecting boundaries, and fulfilling responsibilities within familial and societal structures.
Leviticus 20:22-26
Several key sections in Leviticus 20:22-26 are important to break down for a deeper understanding of the text. The verses state: “‘You must therefore keep all my decrees and all my laws and follow them, so that the land where I am bringing you to live may not vomit you out. You must not live according to the customs of the nations I am going to drive out before you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them. But I said to you, “You will possess their land; I will give it to you as an inheritance, a land flowing with milk and honey.” I am the Lord your God, who has set you apart from the nations. You must therefore make a distinction between clean and unclean animals and between unclean and clean birds. Do not defile yourselves by any animal or bird or anything that moves along the ground—those that I have set apart as unclean for you. You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.”
Firstly, the passage emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s decrees and laws. The Israelites are promised protection and prosperity in the land that God is giving them by following these commands and living in accordance with God’s will. This underscores the significance of obedience as a central theme in the Bible, highlighting the idea that faith must be accompanied by action.
The verse also draws a clear distinction between the Israelites and the nations surrounding them. The Israelites are commanded not to follow the customs of the nations being driven out from the land because God abhors those practices. This serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining one’s identity as a chosen people set apart by God. Throughout the Bible, the Israelites are repeatedly called to remain separate from other nations and to uphold a unique relationship with God.
Furthermore, the concept of cleanliness and holiness is emphasized in the passage through the instruction to distinguish between clean and unclean animals. This pertains to the dietary laws outlined in earlier chapters of Leviticus, which dictate what foods are permissible for consumption. The idea of holiness is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the need for moral purity and spiritual cleanliness in order to be in communion with God.
The verse concludes with a reaffirmation of the Israelites’ status as a holy people who belong to the Lord. The Israelites are reminded of their special relationship with God and the responsibility that comes with being set apart by adhering to God’s commands and maintaining their separation from other nations. Leviticus 11 provides a detailed list of clean and unclean animals, further elaborating on the dietary laws mentioned in Leviticus 20:22-26, in regard to other relevant verses in the Bible. Additionally, the theme of holiness and separation from the nations is reiterated throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy, where the Israelites are continually reminded to remain faithful to God and to follow His commands.
Leviticus 20:27
Leviticus 20:27 states, “A man or woman who is a medium or a spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads. One of the laws outlined in the book of Leviticus deals with the prohibition against engaging in witchcraft, sorcery, or communicating with the dead. The punishment for such practices is severe as it mandates death by stoning. This law reflects the seriousness with which the Israelites were to approach the issue of spiritual practices outside of God’s ordained ways. The Israelites were strictly commanded to worship Yahweh alone and to avoid any form of divination or seeking guidance from the spiritual realm apart from God.
The mention of mediums and spiritists refers to individuals who claimed to communicate with the dead or spirits, seeking insight or wisdom from sources other than God. Throughout the Bible, there are instances where characters are confronted with these practices. For example, King Saul consulting the medium at Endor (1 Samuel 28). Saul, in desperation and without seeking God’s guidance, turns to a medium to summon the spirit of Samuel. This act of disobedience ultimately leads to Saul’s downfall. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale against seeking supernatural guidance outside of God’s will.
The severity of the punishment prescribed for engaging in witchcraft or consulting mediums underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the dangers of straying into forbidden spiritual territories. This theme of obedience and the consequences of disobedience runs throughout the Old Testament, reinforcing the idea that God’s laws are to be followed faithfully. The Apostle Paul in the New Testament reinforces the idea of avoiding practices associated with witchcraft or divination. Paul lists witchcraft as a work of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, warning believers against engaging in activities contrary to the Spirit of God. This further emphasizes the biblical stance on avoiding occult practices and emphasizes the need for believers to seek guidance and spiritual insight solely from God. Leviticus 20:27 serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God’s commands, the dangers of straying into forbidden spiritual practices, and the necessity of seeking God alone for guidance and wisdom.
After Leviticus 20
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, I am the Lord your God. You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not walk in their statutes. You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the Lord your God.”
The reverend closed the book and looked out at the congregation. “And so, the Lord made clear that His people were to be set apart, to live by His commands and not the ways of the world. But the journey was not over. For in the next chapter, we will see how the Lord continued to guide His people, instructing them in the ways they should go. Let us walk in the path of righteousness, my friends, so that we may be pleasing in the sight of our God.”
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.