Leviticus 18
BSB1 Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: I am the LORD your God. 3 You must not follow the practices of the land of Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not follow the practices of the land of Canaan, into which I am bringing you. You must not walk in their customs. 4 You are to practice My judgments and keep My statutes by walking in them. I am the LORD your God. 5 Keep My statutes and My judgments, for the man who does these things will live by them. I am the LORD. 6 None of you are to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD. 7 You must not expose the nakedness of your father by having sexual relations with your mother. She is your mother; you must not have sexual relations with her. 8 You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father. 9 You must not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere. 10 You must not have sexual relations with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter, for that would shame your family. 11 You must not have sexual relations with the daughter of your father’s wife, born to your father; she is your sister. 12 You must not have sexual relations with your father’s sister; she is your father’s close relative. 13 You must not have sexual relations with your mother’s sister, for she is your mother’s close relative. 14 You must not dishonor your father’s brother by approaching his wife to have sexual relations with her; she is your aunt. 15 You must not have sexual relations with your daughter-in-law. She is your son’s wife; you are not to have sexual relations with her. 16 You must not have sexual relations with your brother’s wife; that would shame your brother. 17 You must not have sexual relations with both a woman and her daughter. You are not to marry her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter and have sexual relations with her. They are close relatives; it is depraved. 18 You must not take your wife’s sister as a rival wife and have sexual relations with her while your wife is still alive. 19 You must not approach a woman to have sexual relations with her during her menstrual period. 20 You must not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife and thus defile yourself with her. 21 You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD. 22 You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination. 23 You must not lie carnally with any animal, thus defiling yourself with it; a woman must not stand before an animal to mate with it; that is a perversion. 24 Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves. 25 Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants. 26 But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances, and you must not commit any of these abominations—neither your native-born nor the foreigner who lives among you. 27 For the men who were in the land before you committed all these abominations, and the land has become defiled. 28 So if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it spewed out the nations before you. 29 Therefore anyone who commits any of these abominations must be cut off from among his people. 30 You must keep My charge not to practice any of the abominable customs that were practiced before you, so that you do not defile yourselves by them. I am the LORD your God."
Study Notes — Leviticus 18
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Leviticus 18
- Themes from Leviticus 18
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Leviticus 18
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Leviticus 18 begins with God commanding the Israelites to follow His laws and not the practices of the Egyptians or Canaanites. The chapter then lists various sinful acts, including incest, adultery, and child sacrifice, which are forbidden by God. The Israelites are warned that if they engage in these practices, they will be cut off from their people and face God's judgment. The chapter concludes with a reminder that God is the One who has separated the Israelites from other nations and that they must be holy, just as He is holy, as seen in Leviticus 18:1-5 and Leviticus 18:24-30.
Context for the Chapter
Leviticus 18 is part of the larger book of Leviticus, which provides instructions for the Israelites on how to live a holy life and maintain their covenant relationship with God. The chapter is situated in the midst of a series of chapters that deal with various aspects of Israelite life, including worship, sacrifice, and social justice. The chapter's themes of holiness and separation are also reflected in other parts of the Old Testament, such as Deuteronomy 7:1-6 and Ezekiel 20:1-32.
Heart Application
As believers, we are called to live a holy and separate life, just as the Israelites were in Leviticus 18. This means avoiding sinful practices and following God's laws, as seen in Leviticus 18:5. We must also recognize God's sovereignty and authority over our lives and submit to His will, as seen in Leviticus 18:2.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Leviticus 18 is about living a holy life and following God's laws. The chapter warns against sinful practices and reminds us that God is sovereign and expects obedience. As believers, we must strive to live a holy life, separate from the world, and follow God's laws, as seen in Leviticus 18:1-5.
Voices from the Church
“The Lord here commands the Israelites to be separate from the nations, that they may not be infected by their vices and corruptions.”
— John Calvin
“The holiness of God is a most solemn and awful thing; it is a consuming fire, which burns up all that is sinful and unholy.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Holiness (Leviticus 18:1-5) — God commands the Israelites to follow His laws and not the practices of the Egyptians or Canaanites.
- Forbidden Sexual Practices (Leviticus 18:6-18) — The chapter lists various sinful acts, including incest and adultery, which are forbidden by God.
- Child Sacrifice and Other Abominations (Leviticus 18:19-23) — The chapter warns against child sacrifice and other abominations, which are detestable to God.
- Consequences of Sin (Leviticus 18:24-30) — The chapter warns of the consequences of sin, including God's judgment and the possibility of being cut off from the community.
- Conclusion and Call to Holiness (Leviticus 18:1-5) — The chapter concludes with a reminder that God is the One who has separated the Israelites from other nations and that they must be holy, just as He is holy.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and authority over the Israelites, as seen in Leviticus 18:1-5.
- The Importance of Obedience
- The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's laws, as seen in Leviticus 18:5.
- The Consequences of Sin
- The chapter warns of the consequences of sin, including God's judgment and the possibility of being cut off from the community, as seen in Leviticus 18:29.
- The Call to Holiness
- The chapter reminds us that God is holy and that we must strive to be holy, just as He is holy, as seen in Leviticus 18:1-5.
Lessons from Leviticus 18
- The Importance of Separation — The chapter teaches us that separation from the world is essential for living a holy life and maintaining a healthy relationship with God.
- The Dangers of Sin — The chapter warns us of the dangers of sin and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Leviticus 18:29.
- The Call to Holiness — The chapter reminds us that God is holy and that we must strive to be holy, just as He is holy, as seen in Leviticus 18:1-5.
- The Role of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's laws, as seen in Leviticus 18:5.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and authority over our lives, as seen in Leviticus 18:1-5.
Themes from Leviticus 18
- Holiness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of living a holy and separate life, as seen in Leviticus 18:1-5.
- Separation — The chapter teaches us that separation from the world is essential for living a holy life and maintaining a healthy relationship with God.
- Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's laws, as seen in Leviticus 18:5.
- Sin and Consequences — The chapter warns of the dangers of sin and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Leviticus 18:29.
- Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and authority over our lives, as seen in Leviticus 18:1-5.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to live a holy and separate life, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives?
- How does the concept of God's sovereignty impact our understanding of sin and obedience?
- What are some modern-day applications of the principles outlined in Leviticus 18, and how can we avoid sinful practices in our own lives?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on holiness and separation relate to our relationships with others, and what does it mean to be a light in a dark world?
- What role does obedience play in maintaining a healthy relationship with God, and how can we prioritize obedience in our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Holiness (Leviticus 18:1-5)
| 18:1 | God commands the Israelites to follow His laws and not the practices of the Egyptians or Canaanites. |
| 18:2 | God reminds the Israelites that He is the Lord their God, who has separated them from other nations. |
| 18:3 | The Israelites are warned not to follow the practices of the Egyptians or Canaanites, but to follow God's laws instead. |
| 18:4 | God commands the Israelites to follow His judgments and keep His laws, which are given to guide them in living a holy life. |
| 18:5 | The Israelites are promised that if they follow God's laws, they will live, which points to the ultimate fulfillment of this promise in Christ. |
2. Forbidden Sexual Practices (Leviticus 18:6-18)
| 18:6 | The chapter lists various sinful acts, including incest, which are forbidden by God. |
| 18:7 | The Israelites are warned not to uncover the nakedness of their father or mother, which is a sinful act. |
| 18:8 | The Israelites are warned not to uncover the nakedness of their father's wife, which is a sinful act. |
| 18:9 | The Israelites are warned not to uncover the nakedness of their sister, which is a sinful act. |
| 18:10 | The Israelites are warned not to uncover the nakedness of their son's daughter or daughter's daughter, which is a sinful act. |
3. Child Sacrifice and Other Abominations (Leviticus 18:19-23)
| 18:19 | The Israelites are warned not to approach a woman to uncover her nakedness during her menstrual period, which is a sinful act. |
| 18:20 | The Israelites are warned not to give any of their children to be sacrificed to Molech, which is a detestable act. |
| 18:21 | The Israelites are warned not to profane the name of their God, which is a sinful act. |
| 18:22 | The Israelites are warned not to lie with a man as one lies with a woman, which is a sinful act. |
| 18:23 | The Israelites are warned not to have sexual relations with an animal, which is a detestable act. |
4. Consequences of Sin (Leviticus 18:24-30)
| 18:24 | The Israelites are warned that the land will vomit out the nations that are in it, because of their sinful practices. |
| 18:25 | The land has vomited out the nations that were in it, because of their sinful practices. |
| 18:26 | The Israelites are commanded to keep God's laws and not to follow the practices of the nations around them. |
| 18:27 | The nations that were in the land before the Israelites did all these things, which are detestable to God. |
| 18:28 | The Israelites are warned that if they defile the land, it will vomit them out, just as it vomited out the nations that were before them. |
| 18:29 | Everyone who does any of these detestable things will be cut off from their people. |
| 18:30 | The Israelites are commanded to keep God's laws and not to follow the practices of the nations around them, in order to maintain their covenant relationship with God. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Leviticus 18?
The main theme of Leviticus 18 is the importance of living a holy and separate life, as seen in Leviticus 18:1-5. The chapter emphasizes the need to avoid sinful practices and to follow God's laws, in order to maintain a healthy relationship with God and to avoid His judgment.
What are some of the sinful practices forbidden in Leviticus 18?
The chapter lists various sinful acts, including incest, adultery, and child sacrifice, which are forbidden by God. These practices are detestable to God and are warned against in Leviticus 18:6-23.
What are the consequences of disobeying God's laws in Leviticus 18?
The chapter warns of the consequences of sin, including God's judgment and the possibility of being cut off from the community, as seen in Leviticus 18:29. The Israelites are also warned that if they defile the land, it will vomit them out, just as it vomited out the nations that were before them, as seen in Leviticus 18:28.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 18:1 → Exodus 6:7 | God's command to the Israelites to follow His laws and not the practices of the Egyptians or Canaanites is reminiscent of His promise to be their God and to take them as His people, as seen in Exodus 6:7. |
| 2 | Leviticus 18:5 → Matthew 19:17 | The promise that if the Israelites follow God's laws they will live is reflected in Jesus' teaching that if one wants to enter life, they must keep the commandments, as seen in Matthew 19:17. |
| 3 | Leviticus 18:6 → Deuteronomy 27:20-23 | The prohibition against uncovering the nakedness of near relatives is also found in Deuteronomy 27:20-23, where it is listed as one of the curses that will come upon the Israelites if they disobey God's laws. |
| 4 | Leviticus 18:21 → 2 Kings 23:10 | The prohibition against giving any of one's children to be sacrificed to Molech is also mentioned in 2 Kings 23:10, where King Josiah puts an end to this detestable practice. |
| 5 | Leviticus 18:22 → Romans 1:26-27 | The prohibition against lying with a man as one lies with a woman is also mentioned in Romans 1:26-27, where it is listed as one of the sinful practices that are a result of humanity's rebellion against God. |
| 6 | Leviticus 18:24 → Ezekiel 20:1-32 | The warning that the land will vomit out the nations that are in it because of their sinful practices is reminiscent of Ezekiel's prophecy that the Israelites will be judged for their sins and that the land will be desolate, as seen in Ezekiel 20:1-32. |
| 7 | Leviticus 18:25 → Leviticus 20:22-24 | The statement that the land has vomited out the nations that were in it because of their sinful practices is also found in Leviticus 20:22-24, where it is used to warn the Israelites against following the practices of the nations around them. |
| 8 | Leviticus 18:29 → 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 | The warning that everyone who does any of these detestable things will be cut off from their people is reminiscent of the warning in 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 that those who do not obey the gospel will be punished with everlasting destruction. |
| 9 | Leviticus 18:30 → 1 Peter 1:15-16 | The command to keep God's laws and not to follow the practices of the nations around them is reminiscent of the command in 1 Peter 1:15-16 to be holy, as God is holy. |
| 10 | Leviticus 18:1-5 → Hebrews 12:14 | The emphasis on living a holy and separate life is also found in Hebrews 12:14, where believers are commanded to pursue peace and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. |
Sermons on Leviticus 18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Eternal Spirit the Gifts That Came by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the presence of dens of vice in our society, indicating that the Lord's coming is near. He refers to the book, which keeps him on the right |
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Depression - It's Cause and Cure by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of depression and the heavy burden it places on individuals. He describes the symptoms of depression, such as constant confusion, so |
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Homosexuality and Scripture by Peet Botha | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the topic of homosexuality and scripture. He begins by discussing the wrath of God being revealed against the godlessness and wickedness of |
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Shocking Sins of Sodom and the American Church (Clip) by Steve Hill | This sermon addresses the sins of pride, indulgence, neglect of the poor, and abominations committed before God, drawing parallels between the behaviors of Sodom and Gomorrah and t |
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(Through the Bible) Leviticus 16-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the moral decay and corruption in society, particularly in relation to the portrayal of sinful acts in movies. He emphasizes that God's peopl |
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The Key to Reclaiming Culture by Ken Ham | This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing on the authority of God's Word, particularly focusing on the foundational history presented in Genesis. It addresses the impact of |
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Contract on Children - Part 2 by Winkie Pratney | This sermon delves into the dark reality of the worship of Moloch, highlighting the extreme sacrifices and atrocities committed in the name of power and supernatural influence. It |
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The Day of Atonement by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the significance of the Day of Atonement, also known as Yom Kippur, in the Old Testament. He explains the ritual of the scapegoat, wher |
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The Message Hasn't Changed by Steve Mays | This sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience to God, focusing on the need to maintain purity and not be influenced by the ways of the world. It highlights the call to remembe |
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Moral Purity by Ralph Shallis | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of sex and its significance in the Bible. He emphasizes that sex was originally created by God as a good and beautiful thing, but du |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Leviticus 18
In Leviticus 18, God commands the Israelites to follow His laws and not the practices of the Egyptians or Canaanites. The chapter lists various sinful acts, including incest and adultery, which are forbidden by God. The Israelites are warned that if they engage in these practices, they will be cut off from their people and face God's judgment. The chapter concludes with a reminder that God is the One who has separated the Israelites from other nations and that they must be holy, just as He is holy. As Matthew Henry notes, the chapter emphasizes the importance of living a holy and separate life, and warns against the dangers of sin and the consequences of disobedience. The chapter also highlights the importance of obedience to God's laws, and reminds us that God is sovereign and expects obedience from His people. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereignty
The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and authority over the Israelites, as seen in Leviticus 18:1-5. God is the One who has separated the Israelites from other nations and who expects obedience from them.
The Importance of Obedience
The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's laws, as seen in Leviticus 18:5. Obedience is necessary for the Israelites to maintain their covenant relationship with God and to avoid His judgment.
The Consequences of Sin
The chapter warns of the consequences of sin, including God's judgment and the possibility of being cut off from the community, as seen in Leviticus 18:29.