Leviticus 20
BSB1 Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 “Tell the Israelites, ‘Any Israelite or foreigner living in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech must be put to death. The people of the land are to stone him. 3 And I will set My face against that man and cut him off from his people, because by giving his offspring to Molech, he has defiled My sanctuary and profaned My holy name. 4 And if the people of the land ever hide their eyes and fail to put to death the man who gives one of his children to Molech, 5 then I will set My face against that man and his family and cut off from among their people both him and all who follow him in prostituting themselves with Molech. 6 Whoever turns to mediums or spiritists to prostitute himself with them, I will also set My face against that person and cut him off from his people. 7 Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am the LORD your God. 8 And you shall keep My statutes and practice them. I am the LORD who sanctifies you. 9 If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death. He has cursed his father or mother; his blood shall be upon him. 10 If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death. 11 If a man lies with his father’s wife, he has uncovered his father’s nakedness. Both must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. 12 If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both must surely be put to death. They have acted perversely; their blood is upon them. 13 If a man lies with a man as with a woman, they have both committed an abomination. They must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. 14 If a man marries both a woman and her mother, it is depraved. Both he and they must be burned in the fire, so that there will be no depravity among you. 15 If a man lies carnally with an animal, he must be put to death. And you are also to kill the animal. 16 If a woman approaches any animal to mate with it, you must kill both the woman and the animal. They must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. 17 If a man marries his sister, whether the daughter of his father or of his mother, and they have sexual relations, it is a disgrace. They must be cut off in the sight of their people. He has uncovered the nakedness of his sister; he shall bear his iniquity. 18 If a man lies with a menstruating woman and has sexual relations with her, he has exposed the source of her flow, and she has uncovered the source of her blood. Both of them must be cut off from among their people. 19 You must not have sexual relations with the sister of your mother or your father, for it is exposing one’s own kin; both shall bear their iniquity. 20 If a man lies with his uncle’s wife, he has uncovered the nakedness of his uncle. They will bear their sin; they shall die childless. 21 If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity. He has uncovered the nakedness of his brother; they shall be childless. 22 You are therefore to keep all My statutes and ordinances, so that the land where I am bringing you to live will not vomit you out. 23 You must not follow the statutes of the nations I am driving out before you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them. 24 But I have told you that you will inherit their land, since 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 peoples. 25 You are therefore to distinguish between clean and unclean animals and birds. Do not become contaminated by any animal or bird, or by anything that crawls on the ground; I have set these apart as unclean for you. 26 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. 27 A man or a woman who is a medium or spiritist must surely be put to death. They shall be stoned; their blood is upon them.’"
Study Notes — Leviticus 20
- 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 20
- Themes from Leviticus 20
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Leviticus 20
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Leviticus chapter 20 outlines various laws and punishments for the Israelites, including the death penalty for those who sacrifice their children to Molech, and punishments for incest, adultery, and bestiality. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the holiness of the priesthood and the need for the Israelites to distinguish between holy and profane. Key verses, such as Leviticus 20:7-8 and Leviticus 20:22-23, highlight the significance of obeying God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. The chapter concludes by reiterating the importance of maintaining the covenant and following God's laws, with Leviticus 20:24-26 serving as a reminder of the promised land and the need for the Israelites to be holy.
Context for the Chapter
Leviticus chapter 20 is situated within the larger context of the book of Leviticus, which provides instructions for the Israelites on how to maintain their relationship with God. The chapter is part of a larger section that deals with the laws and regulations for the Israelites, including the importance of maintaining holiness and the consequences of disobedience. This chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, as it reflects the ongoing story of God's relationship with His people and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises in Christ. The chapter's emphasis on holiness and the importance of maintaining the covenant can be seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in Deuteronomy 7:6 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.
Heart Application
As we read Leviticus chapter 20, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining holiness in our own lives. Just as the Israelites were called to be distinct from the surrounding nations, we are called to be holy in a world that often rejects God's standards. We must strive to obey God's commands and to reflect His character in our actions, knowing that we have the power to do so through Christ. This means being mindful of the company we keep, the media we consume, and the choices we make, and seeking to honor God in all aspects of our lives.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Leviticus chapter 20 is about being holy and following God's rules. God wants us to be different from the people around us and to show His love and character in our lives. If we disobey God, there are consequences, but if we follow Him, He promises to bless us and make us His own. As seen in Leviticus 20:1-5, God commands us to be holy and to keep His commands, and in Leviticus 20:22-23, He reminds us of our unique status as His chosen people.
Voices from the Church
“The law is a mirror that shows us our sin and our need for a Savior. In Leviticus 20, we see the severity of God's judgment on sin, but also the mercy and grace that He offers to those who repent and turn to Him.”
— John Calvin
“The holiness of God is a theme that runs throughout the Bible, and in Leviticus 20, we see the importance of maintaining holiness in our own lives. We must strive to be holy, even as God is holy, and to reflect His character in our actions.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Chapter (Leviticus 20:1-5) — The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of maintaining holiness and the consequences of disobedience, particularly in regards to the sacrifice of children to Molech.
- Punishments for Various Sins (Leviticus 20:6-21) — The chapter outlines various punishments for disobedience, including the death penalty for those who engage in incest, adultery, and bestiality.
- The Importance of Maintaining the Covenant (Leviticus 20:22-23) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining the covenant and following God's laws, highlighting the special relationship between God and the Israelites.
- The Holiness of the Priesthood (Leviticus 20:24-26) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of maintaining the holiness of the priesthood and the need for the Israelites to distinguish between holy and profane.
- Conclusion and Final Warnings (Leviticus 20:27) — The chapter concludes with a final warning to the Israelites to obey God's commands and to maintain their holiness, lest they face the consequences of disobedience.
Core Doctrines
- The Holiness of God
- Leviticus chapter 20 emphasizes the holiness of God and the importance of maintaining holiness in our own lives. As seen in Leviticus 20:7-8, God commands us to be holy, even as He is holy.
- The Importance of Obedience
- The chapter highlights the importance of obeying God's commands and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Leviticus 20:1-5 and Leviticus 20:22-23.
- The Covenant
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining the covenant and following God's laws, highlighting the special relationship between God and the Israelites, as seen in Leviticus 20:22-23.
- The Priesthood
- The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of maintaining the holiness of the priesthood and the need for the Israelites to distinguish between holy and profane, as seen in Leviticus 20:24-26.
Lessons from Leviticus 20
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter teaches us the importance of obeying God's commands and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Leviticus 20:1-5 and Leviticus 20:22-23.
- The Holiness of God — The chapter emphasizes the holiness of God and the importance of maintaining holiness in our own lives, as seen in Leviticus 20:7-8.
- The Covenant — The chapter highlights the significance of the covenant and our relationship with God, as seen in Leviticus 20:22-23.
- The Priesthood — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of maintaining the holiness of the priesthood and the need for the Israelites to distinguish between holy and profane, as seen in Leviticus 20:24-26.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter warns us of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of maintaining our holiness, as seen in Leviticus 20:1-5 and Leviticus 20:27.
Themes from Leviticus 20
- Holiness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining holiness in our own lives, as seen in Leviticus 20:7-8.
- Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obeying God's commands and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Leviticus 20:1-5 and Leviticus 20:22-23.
- The Covenant — The chapter emphasizes the significance of the covenant and our relationship with God, as seen in Leviticus 20:22-23.
- The Priesthood — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of maintaining the holiness of the priesthood and the need for the Israelites to distinguish between holy and profane, as seen in Leviticus 20:24-26.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter warns us of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of maintaining our holiness, as seen in Leviticus 20:1-5 and Leviticus 20:27.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to be holy, and how can we maintain holiness in our own lives?
- What are the consequences of disobedience, and how can we avoid them?
- What is the significance of the covenant, and how does it relate to our relationship with God?
- How can we distinguish between holy and profane, and what are the implications of this distinction for our daily lives?
- What role does the priesthood play in maintaining the holiness of God's people, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Chapter (Leviticus 20:1-5)
| 20:1 | The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of maintaining holiness and the consequences of disobedience, particularly in regards to the sacrifice of children to Molech. |
| 20:2 | The death penalty is prescribed for those who sacrifice their children to Molech, highlighting the severity of this sin. |
| 20:3 | The Israelites are warned not to turn to mediums or spiritists, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their holiness and avoiding pagan practices. |
| 20:4 | The Israelites are commanded to obey God's commands and to maintain their holiness, highlighting the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. |
| 20:5 | The chapter concludes the introduction by emphasizing the importance of maintaining the covenant and following God's laws, highlighting the special relationship between God and the Israelites. |
2. Punishments for Various Sins (Leviticus 20:6-21)
| 20:6 | The chapter outlines various punishments for disobedience, including the death penalty for those who engage in witchcraft or turn to mediums or spiritists. |
| 20:7 | The Israelites are commanded to be holy, even as God is holy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining holiness in their lives. |
| 20:8 | The Israelites are commanded to keep God's commands and to maintain their holiness, highlighting the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. |
| 20:9 | The death penalty is prescribed for those who curse their father or mother, highlighting the importance of honoring one's parents. |
| 20:10 | The death penalty is prescribed for those who commit adultery, highlighting the importance of maintaining the sanctity of marriage. |
3. The Importance of Maintaining the Covenant (Leviticus 20:22-23)
| 20:22 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining the covenant and following God's laws, highlighting the special relationship between God and the Israelites. |
| 20:23 | The Israelites are warned not to follow the customs of the nations they are driving out, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their holiness and avoiding pagan practices. |
4. The Holiness of the Priesthood (Leviticus 20:24-26)
| 20:24 | The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of maintaining the holiness of the priesthood and the need for the Israelites to distinguish between holy and profane. |
| 20:25 | The Israelites are commanded to distinguish between clean and unclean animals, highlighting the importance of maintaining their holiness and avoiding pagan practices. |
| 20:26 | The Israelites are commanded to be holy to God, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their holiness and reflecting God's character in their actions. |
5. Conclusion and Final Warnings (Leviticus 20:27)
| 20:27 | The chapter concludes with a final warning to the Israelites to obey God's commands and to maintain their holiness, lest they face the consequences of disobedience. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the covenant in Leviticus 20?
The covenant is a central theme in Leviticus 20, emphasizing the special relationship between God and the Israelites and highlighting the importance of maintaining holiness and following God's laws, as seen in Leviticus 20:22-23.
What are the consequences of disobedience in Leviticus 20?
The chapter outlines various punishments for disobedience, including the death penalty for those who sacrifice their children to Molech, engage in incest or adultery, or turn to mediums or spiritists, as seen in Leviticus 20:1-5 and Leviticus 20:10-21.
How can we maintain holiness in our own lives?
We can maintain holiness in our own lives by obeying God's commands, avoiding pagan practices, and reflecting God's character in our actions, as seen in Leviticus 20:7-8 and Leviticus 20:26.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 20:1 → Deuteronomy 18:10-12 | The prohibition against sacrificing children to Molech is also found in Deuteronomy 18:10-12, highlighting the severity of this sin. |
| 2 | Leviticus 20:7 → 1 Peter 1:15-16 | The command to be holy is also found in 1 Peter 1:15-16, emphasizing the importance of maintaining holiness in our own lives. |
| 3 | Leviticus 20:10 → Matthew 5:27-28 | The prohibition against adultery is also found in Matthew 5:27-28, highlighting the importance of maintaining the sanctity of marriage. |
| 4 | Leviticus 20:22 → Exodus 19:5-6 | The emphasis on maintaining the covenant is also found in Exodus 19:5-6, highlighting the special relationship between God and the Israelites. |
| 5 | Leviticus 20:24 → Ezekiel 22:26 | The importance of distinguishing between holy and profane is also found in Ezekiel 22:26, highlighting the need for the Israelites to maintain their holiness. |
| 6 | Leviticus 20:25 → Deuteronomy 14:3-21 | The distinction between clean and unclean animals is also found in Deuteronomy 14:3-21, highlighting the importance of maintaining holiness and avoiding pagan practices. |
| 7 | Leviticus 20:26 → 1 Thessalonians 4:7 | The command to be holy is also found in 1 Thessalonians 4:7, emphasizing the importance of maintaining holiness in our own lives. |
| 8 | Leviticus 20:27 → Acts 5:1-11 | The consequences of disobedience are also seen in Acts 5:1-11, highlighting the importance of maintaining holiness and avoiding the consequences of sin. |
Sermons on Leviticus 20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Practical Problems in Christianity by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consistency of a spiritual life and what it means to truly commit to the Lord. He refers to the book of Hebrews, particularly chapter 11, |
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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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(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 Holiness of God by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of the holiness of God. He emphasizes that holiness is not just a characteristic of God, but it also represents His will for His cre |
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Passionate for God's Holiness - Part 2 by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the transformative power of understanding and embracing the holiness of God in our lives. It explores how the vision of God's holiness can be a rock and sour |
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003 Joseph Was a Righteous Man by David Servant | This sermon delves into the genealogy of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his credentials as the Messiah through his lineage from Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and David. It highlights th |
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God's Greatest Enemy by Greg Locke | In this sermon, the preacher starts by quoting Romans 1:16, emphasizing that he is not ashamed of the gospel. He explains that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to every |
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Kingdom Righteousness by Wingrove Taylor | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scene where a little girl desperately wants a bag, highlighting the human tendency towards self-deification and the need for san |
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The Name of the Lord by Brian Brodersen | This sermon delves into the progressive revelation of God's name throughout the Old Testament, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ. Each revelation of God's name signifies a |
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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 20
In his commentary on Leviticus 20, Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of maintaining holiness and following God's laws. He notes that the chapter outlines various punishments for disobedience, including the death penalty for those who sacrifice their children to Molech or engage in incest or adultery. Henry also highlights the significance of the covenant and the importance of distinguishing between holy and profane. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of maintaining the holiness of the priesthood and the need for the Israelites to reflect God's character in their actions, as seen in Leviticus 20:24-26. Ultimately, Henry sees the chapter as a call to holiness and a reminder of the consequences of disobedience, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises in Christ. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Emphasis on Holiness
Throughout the chapter, the concept of holiness is emphasized, highlighting the need for the Israelites to be distinct from the surrounding nations and to reflect God's character in their actions. This is particularly evident in Leviticus 20:7-8, where God commands the Israelites to be holy and to keep His commands.
The Severity of Punishments
The chapter outlines various punishments for disobedience, including the death penalty for those who sacrifice their children to Molech. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of obeying God's laws, as seen in Leviticus 20:1-5.
The Importance of the Covenant
The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining the covenant and following God's laws, highlighting the special relationship between God and the Israelites. This is particularly evident in Leviticus 20:22-23, where God reminds the Israelites of their unique status as His chosen people.