Leviticus 19

Chapter Summary

Leviticus 19 begins by emphasizing the importance of holiness, with God commanding the Israelites to be holy because He is holy (Leviticus 19:2). The chapter then provides a series of instructions on various aspects of life, including worship (Leviticus 19:4, 30), social justice (Leviticus 19:9-10, 33-34), and personal relationships (Leviticus 19:11-12, 17-18). The chapter also includes instructions on moral purity, including the prohibition of idolatry (Leviticus 19:4), incest (Leviticus 19:29), and the mistreatment of the vulnerable (Leviticus 19:9-10, 33-34). Throughout the chapter, the emphasis is on the importance of living a life that reflects God's character and demonstrates love for Him and for one's neighbors.

Context for the Chapter

Leviticus 19 is part of the larger book of Leviticus, which provides instructions for the priests and the people of Israel on how to live a holy life. The chapter is situated in the midst of a series of instructions on various aspects of life, including worship, social justice, and personal relationships. The chapter's emphasis on holiness and love reflects the broader themes of the book of Leviticus, which highlights the importance of living a life that reflects God's character. The chapter also reflects the historical context of the Israelites, who were called to be a holy nation, set apart from the surrounding nations.

Heart Application

The principles outlined in Leviticus 19 have ongoing relevance for Christians today, who are called to live a life that reflects God's character. The chapter's emphasis on holiness and love provides a framework for living a life that is pleasing to God, and demonstrates the importance of treating others with kindness, respect, and justice. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to live a life that is set apart for God's glory.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Leviticus 19 teaches us about the importance of living a holy life, and provides practical instructions on how to apply the principles of holiness in daily life. The chapter emphasizes the importance of loving our neighbors, and treating them with kindness, respect, and justice. As seen in Leviticus 19:18, we are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to live a life that reflects God's character.

Voices from the Church

“The law of God is a perfect reflection of His character, and is given to us that we might know how to live a life that is pleasing to Him.”

— John Calvin

“The command to love our neighbors is a command to love them as ourselves, and to treat them with the same kindness and respect that we desire for ourselves.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to Holiness (Leviticus 19:1-2) — The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of holiness, with God commanding the Israelites to be holy because He is holy.
2. Instructions on Worship (Leviticus 19:3-4) — The chapter provides instructions on various aspects of worship, including the importance of observing the Sabbath and not turning to idols.
3. Instructions on Social Justice (Leviticus 19:9-10, 33-34) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of social justice, highlighting the need to treat the vulnerable with kindness and respect.
4. Instructions on Personal Relationships (Leviticus 19:11-12, 17-18) — The chapter provides instructions on various aspects of personal relationships, including the importance of honesty, integrity, and love.
5. Conclusion (Leviticus 19:36-37) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of living a life that reflects God's character, and highlights the need for obedience to God's commands.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of Holiness

Leviticus 19 teaches us about the importance of living a holy life, and provides practical instructions on how to apply the principles of holiness in daily life. As seen in Leviticus 19:2, God commands the Israelites to be holy because He is holy.

The Doctrine of Love

The chapter emphasizes the importance of loving our neighbors, and treating them with kindness, respect, and justice. As seen in Leviticus 19:18, we are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves.

The Doctrine of Social Justice

The chapter highlights the need to treat the vulnerable with kindness and respect, and emphasizes the importance of social justice. As seen in Leviticus 19:9-10, God commands the Israelites to leave the gleanings of their harvest for the poor and the stranger.

The Doctrine of Worship

The chapter provides instructions on various aspects of worship, including the importance of observing the Sabbath and not turning to idols. As seen in Leviticus 19:3, God commands the Israelites to observe the Sabbath and keep it holy.

Lessons from Leviticus 19

1. The Importance of Holiness — Leviticus 19 teaches us about the importance of living a holy life, and provides practical instructions on how to apply the principles of holiness in daily life.
2. The Power of Love — The chapter emphasizes the importance of loving our neighbors, and treating them with kindness, respect, and justice.
3. The Need for Social Justice — The chapter highlights the need to treat the vulnerable with kindness and respect, and emphasizes the importance of social justice.
4. The Importance of Worship — The chapter provides instructions on various aspects of worship, including the importance of observing the Sabbath and not turning to idols.
5. The Balance Between Holiness and Love — The chapter teaches us about the need to balance the importance of holiness with the need for love and compassion, and provides practical instructions on how to demonstrate both in our lives.

Themes from Leviticus 19

1. Holiness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of living a holy life, and provides practical instructions on how to apply the principles of holiness in daily life.
2. Love — The chapter emphasizes the importance of loving our neighbors, and treating them with kindness, respect, and justice.
3. Social Justice — The chapter highlights the need to treat the vulnerable with kindness and respect, and emphasizes the importance of social justice.
4. Worship — The chapter provides instructions on various aspects of worship, including the importance of observing the Sabbath and not turning to idols.
5. Balance — The chapter teaches us about the need to balance the importance of holiness with the need for love and compassion, and provides practical instructions on how to demonstrate both in our lives.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does it mean to be holy, and how can we apply the principles of holiness in our daily lives?
2. How can we demonstrate love for our neighbors, and what are some practical ways that we can show kindness and respect to those around us?
3. What are some ways that we can promote social justice in our communities, and how can we treat the vulnerable with kindness and respect?
4. How can we balance the need for holiness with the need for love and compassion, and what are some practical ways that we can demonstrate both in our lives?
5. What are some ways that we can apply the teachings of Leviticus 19 in our own lives, and how can we use this chapter as a guide for living a life that is pleasing to God?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Leviticus 19

	Sermon	Description
	Cost of Discipleship - Part 9 by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downfall of the people at Frining Eye, who had initially experienced God's holiness and protection. However, within just three generations
	God’s War on Poverty and Riches by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon titled "God's War on Poverty and Riches," Dr. J. Vernon McGee discusses the concept of poverty and riches from a biblical perspective. He highlights that God is not
	Islamic Spiritual War #1 by Avi Lipkin	The video discussed in the sermon is a PBS documentary called "Jihad in America" which was made with the help of various government agencies. It focuses on the roots of the conflic
	(Forging the Vessel of Recovery) 5- a Vessel of Glory by B.H. Clendennen	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the scripture from Zechariah chapter 4 verses 1-6. The angel in the scripture tells Zechariah that what he sees cannot be accomplished by hu
	(1 John #11) on Light and Love by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a story of an assassination and the power of forgiveness. The speaker recounts how a man named Parker was caught off guard by an assassin, b
	(Exodus) Exodus 22 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of basing our beliefs and conclusions on the Word of God. He acknowledges that our human nature may tempt us to compromise or
	Judgement Precipitated by the Ungodly by Aaron Dunlop	In this sermon, the preacher discusses three important lessons that can be learned from the text. Firstly, the world has a deep hatred for godly individuals, even if they may not p
	Leviticus - Truth and Evangelism by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of personal evangelism and shares practical tips on how to engage with others about the Gospel. He encourages believers to be
	Raising the Bar Part 2 - Wives (f.b.c. in Killen, Al) by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He uses a fishing analogy to illustrate how God's goodness is evi
	The Compromising Church by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life free from compromise as a Christian. He urges believers to carefully and prayerfully expose their hearts to

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Leviticus 19

Matthew Henry's commentary on Leviticus 19 emphasizes the importance of living a holy life, and provides practical instructions on how to apply the principles of holiness in daily life. Henry notes that the chapter is a comprehensive guide to living a life that reflects God's character, and highlights the importance of loving one's neighbors and treating them with kindness, respect, and justice. He also emphasizes the importance of social justice, and notes that the chapter provides instructions on various aspects of worship, including the importance of observing the Sabbath and not turning to idols. Throughout the commentary, Henry emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, and notes that the chapter provides a framework for living a life that is pleasing to God. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?