Leviticus 20

Leviticus 20:1-5

PUNISHMENT FOR UNHOLINESS 20:1-27 MOLECH WORSHIP 20:1-5 TEXT 20:1-5

1

And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Moreover, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.

3

I also will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name.

4

And if the people of the land do at all hide their eyes from that man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and put him not to death;

5

then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that play the harlot after him to play the harlot with Molech, from among their people.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 20:1-5

How could the strangers be held responsible in the same way as the children of Israel?

Who are the people of the land in Leviticus 20:2?

Just what is involved in being cut off from among the people?

In what way does the worship of Molech defile the sanctuary and profane the holy name of God?

Why would the people of the land be tempted to hide their eyes and not put such a one to death?

Why include the family of the violator in his punishment?

Was sex a part of the worship of Molech? Discuss.

PARAPHRASE 20:1-5

The Lord gave Moses these further instructions for the people of Israel: Anyonewhether an Israelite or a foreigner living among youwho sacrifices his child as a burnt offering to Molech shall without fail be stoned by his peers. And I Myself will turn against that man and cut him off from all his people, because he has given his child to Molech, thus making My Tabernacle unfit for Me to live in, and insulting My holy name. And if the people of the land pretend they do not know what the man has done, and refuse to put him to death, then I Myself will set My face against that man and his family and cut him off, along with all others who turn to other gods than Me.

COMMENT 20:1-5

Leviticus 20:1-5 God is indeed interested in the reformation of those who sin. However in the cases before us all attempts at reformation have failed and the instruction of others by the death penalty is the only alternative. We must add that the reputation of God is at stake; the honor of His name must be upheld. He can have no competitors!

We have considered in detail the worship of Molech in Leviticus 18:21. The entire community of Israel as well as those who sojourned among them are here called to share in the punishment of this idolator. Ginsburg gives a most instructive description of the action of stoning:

Stoning was the first and the severest mode of capital punishment among the Hebrews, the three others being burning, beheading, and strangling. The Jewish canonists have tabulated the following eighteen cases in which death by stoning was inflicted: (1) of a man who has commerce with his own mother (chap. Leviticus 20:11); (2) or with his father’s wife (chap. Leviticus 20:12); (3) or with his daughter-in-law (chap. Leviticus 20:12); (4) or with a betrothed maiden (Deuteronomy 22:23-24); (5) or with a male (chap. Leviticus 20:13); (6) or with a beast (chap. Leviticus 20:15); (7) of a woman who was guilty of lying with a beast (chap. Leviticus 20:16); (8) the blasphemer (chap. Leviticus 24:10-16); (9) the worshipper of idols (Deuteronomy 17:2-5); (10) the one who gives his seed to Molech (chap. Leviticus 20:2); (11) the necromancer; (12) the wizard (chap. Leviticus 20:27); (13) the false prophet (Deuteronomy 13:6); (14) the enticer to idolatry (Deuteronomy 13:11); (15) the witch (chap. Leviticus 20:17); (16) the profaner of the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36); (17) he that curses his parent (chap. Leviticus 20:9); and (18) the rebellious son (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). As the Mosaic legislation only directs that the lapidation is to take place without the precincts of the city (chap. Leviticus 24:14; Numbers 15:36), and that the witnesses upon whose evidence the criminal has been sentenced to death are to throw the first stone (Deuteronomy 17:7), the administrators of the law during the second Temple decreed the following mode of carrying out the sentence. On his way from the court of justice to the place of execution a herald preceded the criminal, exclaiming, So-and-so is being led out to be stoned for this and this crime, and so-and-so are the witnesses; if any one has to say anything that might save him, let him come forward and say it. Within ten yards of the place of execution he was publicly admonished to confess his sins, within four yards he was stripped naked except a slight covering about his loins. After his hands had been bound, he was led upon a scaffolding about twice the height of a man. Here wine mingled with myrrh was mercifully given to him to dull the pain of execution, and from here one of the witnesses pushed him down with great violence so that he fell upon his back. If the fall did not kill him, the other witnesses dashed a great stone on his breast, and if this did not kill him, all the people that stood by covered him with stones. The corpse was then nailed to the cross, and afterwards burnt. Hereupon the relatives visited both the judges and the witnesses to show that they bore no hatred towards them, and that the sentence was just. Not unfrequently, however, the excited multitude resorted to lapidation when they wished to inflict summary justice. This description will explain why the Jews said to Christ that the woman had to be stoned, and why He replied to her accusers that he who is without sin should cast the first stone (John 8:5; John 8:7); why the Jews wanted to stone Christ when they thought He was blaspheming (John 10:31), and why they offered Him wine mingled with myrrh before his crucifixion (Matthew 27:34; Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:23).

How is it that God speaks of cutting off the idolator when sentence has already been passed upon him and he is to be (or has been) stoned? We believe Leviticus 20:3 is discussing an undetected offender, whereas the evidence was not sufficient to convict him. God knows he is guilty and will not allow him to appear in the tabernacle and defile His sanctuary or treat lightly the holy name of God.

It is tragically true that some who are blood guilty of lasciviousness or licentiousness often appear before God in His assembly. The very people who offered their children to Molech afterward came to the sanctuary to worship God. Cf. Jeremiah 7:9-10; Ezekiel 23:37-39. Then and now God will not ignore this affrontery to Him.

Since it would be impossible to participate in this type of idolatry without involving the whole family, the whole family will share the punishment.

FACT QUESTIONS 20:1-5

In what way was the death penalty reformatory?

In what sense is God’s reputation in the balance?

List nine of the eighteen offenses that carried the death penalty.

Describe in your own words the death march and the act of stoning.

Explain Leviticus 20:3.

We have some today who are like these idolators. In what way?

Leviticus 20:6-8

CONSORTING WITH WIZARDS AND NECROMANCERS 20:6-8 TEXT 20:6-8

6

And the soul that turneth unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto the wizards, to play the harlot after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

7

Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy; for I am Jehovah your God.

8

And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am Jehovah who sanctifieth you.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 20:6-8

What is it in man that turns him to familiar spirits and wizards?

Are we to understand sex or immoral conduct was a part of the practice of these persons?

Just what is involved in the act of sanctifying ourselves?

We should be holy for God is holy. What is the motivation?

God has a part in sanctifying us. What is it?

PARAPHRASE 20:6-8

I will set my face against anyone who consults mediums and wizards instead of Me and I will cut that person off from his people. So sanctify yourselves and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. You must obey all of My commandments, for I am the Lord who sanctifies you.

COMMENT 20:6-8

Leviticus 20:6-8 Man is an incurably curious creature and will inquire concerning the future or the unknown in one way or another. Those with supposed contact with the spirit world offer one avenue of inquiry. When a son of Israel sought out a soothsayer he was in effect denying his confidence in God’s ability and interest in him. Such action was a direct reflection on the character of God and therefore became a most serious sin. Ventriloquism and sleight of hand, coupled with singing and incantations all served to impress the devotee with the thought he was talking with the spirits of the dead. Necromancy was the act of speaking to the dead. The actual practice was aligned with Satan and demons all liberally supported by the tricks of the trade of magic. Sexual immorality was a large part of the attraction of such worship. I will set my face against anyone who consults mediums and wizards instead of Me and I will cut that person off from his peoplethus says God.

The injunction of Lev 20:7-8 can be understood only in light of the fact that men are sanctified or set apart when they heed and obey the commandments of God. Obedience to God’s law is the sanctifying act.

FACT QUESTIONS 20:6-8

What is it in man that leads him to a wizard? What is wrong with it?

Besides talking with spirits there were other attractions. What were they?

How are we sanctified?

Leviticus 20:9-21

CURSING PARENTS-20:9 SEXUAL CRIMES-20:10-21 TEXT 20:9-21

9

For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall surely be put to death; he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.

10

And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

11

And the man that lieth with his father’s wife hath uncovered his father’s nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

12

And if a man lie with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.

13

And if a man lie with mankind, as with womankind, both of them have committed abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

14

And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.

15

And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast.

16

And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

17

And if a man shall take his sister, his father’s daughter, or his mother’s daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it is a shameful thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of the children of their people: he hath uncovered his sister’s nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity.

18

And if a man shall lie with a woman having her sickness, and shall uncover her nakedness; he hath made naked her fountain, and she hath uncovered the fountain of her blood: and both of them shall be cut off from among their people.

19

And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister, nor of thy father’s sister; for he hath made naked his near kin: they shall bear their iniquity.

20

And if a man shall lie with his uncle’s wife, he hath uncovered his uncle’s nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.

21

And if a man shall take his brother’s wife, it is impurity: he hath uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 20:9-21

Why so severe a punishment for the cursing of parents?

Burning with fire is singled out for three people. Who are they?

Do you believe Israel was deterred from sexual sins because of the severe penalty? Discuss.

PARAPHRASE 20:9-21

Anyone who curses his father or mother shall surely be put to deathfor he has cursed his own flesh and blood. If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife, both the man and woman shall be put to death. If a man sleeps with his father’s wife, he has defiled what is his father’S; both the man and the woman must die, for it is their own fault. And if a man has sexual intercourse with his daughter-in-law, both shall be executed: they have brought it upon themselves by defiling each other. The penalty for homosexual acts is death to both parties. They have brought it upon themselves. If a man has sexual intercourse with a woman and with her mother, it is a great evil. All three shall be burned alive to wipe out wickedness from among you. If a man has sexual intercourse with an animal, he shall be executed and the animal killed. If a woman has sexual intercourse with an animal, kill the woman and the animal, for they deserve their punishment. If a man has sexual intercourse with his sister, whether the daughter of his father or of his mother, it is a shameful thing, and they shall publicly be cut off from the people of Israel. He shall bear his guilt. If a man has sexual intercourse with a woman during her period of menstruation, both shall be excommunicated, for he has uncovered her uncleanness. Sexual intercourse is outlawed between a man and his maiden auntwhether the sister of his mother or of his fatherfor they are near of kin; they shall bear their guilt. If a man has intercourse with his uncle’s widow, he has taken what belongs to his uncle; their punishment is that they shall bear their sin and die childless. If a man marries his brother’s widow, this is impurity; for he has taken what belongs to his brother, and they shall be childless.

COMMENT 20:9-21

Leviticus 20:9 It has been thought that the cursing of father or mother was with the name of God and for this reason we have such a severe penalty for this act. Such a sin strikes at the foundation of society. Where there is no respect of parents there can be no respect for God. Such a one shall be stoned to death. Cf. Exodus 21:17; Proverbs 20:20; Matthew 15:14; Mark 7:10. The reference to his blood shall be upon him suggests that the son knew the penalty before he sinned. Cf. Joshua 2:19. This phrase occurs six times in this chapter (Leviticus 20:9; Leviticus 20:11-13; Leviticus 20:16; Leviticus 20:27).

Leviticus 20:10-21 Traditionally the words shall surely be put to death when not modified by a reference to stoning or burning meant that such a one should be strangled. Such a phrase occurs six times for the following crimes: (1) Adultery with another man’s wife; (2) striking father or mother; (3) kidnapping another Israelite; (4) an elder who rebelled against the decision of the senate (Deuteronomy 17:12); (5) the false prophet; (6) prophecy in the name of another god. (Ginsburg) Most of these crimes have been discussed in chapter 19. The third form of capital punishment, i.e. burning with fire is mentioned in Leviticus 20:14. We are indebted again to C. D. Ginsburg for a most graphic description of this:

This, as we have seen, is the third of the four modes of capital punishment. (See Leviticus 20:2.) In the following ten cases those guilty of the sins specified suffered this punishment: (1) the unchaste high priest’s daughter (chap. Leviticus 21:9); (2) he who had commerce with his daughter; (3) or with his daughter’s daughter; (4) or with his son’s daughter; (5) or with his wife’s daughter; (6) or with her daughter’s daughter; (7) or with her son’s daughter; (8) or with his mother-in-law; (9) or with the mother of his mother-in-law; and (10), or with the mother of his father-in-law. It will thus be seen that with the exception of the high priest’s daughter this death was only inflicted for incest. As the Bible nowhere states the precise mode in which this kind of death is to be carried out, the authorities during the second Temple maintained that it must be executed in such a manner as to leave the body externally unchanged by the flames, because when God himself inflicted this punishment, the dead bodies of Nadab and Abihu were in a perfect state of preservation. (See chap. Leviticus 10:2.) To effect this the criminal was put into dung up to his knees, a soft cloth containing a hard one was then tied around his throat, while the two witnesses who had secured his sentence drew tighter by the two cords till the criminal opened his mouth, when molten lead was poured down his throat, thus burning him to death. Hence the ancient Chaldee Version renders it here, they shall be burnt with fire, with melted lead in their mouth.

Please refer to Leviticus 19:9-30 for a careful description of the sins for which the penalty is here given.

FACT QUESTIONS 20:9-21

Children could curse parents and not be put to death if they cursed in a particular way. How?

This is a very serious sin. Explain.

What is meant or suggested by the words his blood shall be upon him?

How was it decided that the death penalty should be by strangling?

Why use such a strange manner of burning with fire?

Leviticus 20:22-26

EXHORTATION TO FAITHFULNESS 20:22-26 TEXT 20:22-26

22

Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all mine ordinances, and do them; that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, vomit you not out.

23

And ye shall not walk in the customs of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they did all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.

24

But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land flowing with milk and honey: I am Jehovah your God, who hath separated you from the peoples.

25

Ye shall therefore make a distinction between the clean beast and the unclean, and between the unclean fowl and the clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by bird, or by anything wherewith the ground teemeth, which I have separated from you as unclean.

26

And ye shall be holy unto me: for I, Jehovah, am holy, and have set you apart from the peoples, that ye should be mine.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 20:22-26

This seems to be a very appropriate time to call for faithfulness to God and His laws. Why?

These laws were a preparation for living. Where? When?

If God described the land as flowing with milk and honey it would indeed be so. Was this adequate reason for obedience to His laws? Discuss.

How could Israel make themselves detestable or make your souls abominable by bird or by anything wherewith the ground teemeth?

God really wants a set apart people. Is this true today? Discuss.

PARAPHRASE 20:22-26

You must obey all of My laws and ordinances so that I will not throw you out of your new land. You must not follow the customs of the nations I cast out before you, for they do all these things I have warned you against; that is the reason I abhor them. I have promised you their land; I will give it to you to possess it, It is a land flowing with milk and honey. I am the Lord your God who has made a distinction between you and the peoples of other nations. You shall therefore make a distinction between the birds and animals I have given you permission to eat and those you may not eat. You shall not contaminate yourselves and make yourselves hateful to Me by eating any animal or bird which I have forbidden, though the land teem with them. You shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and I have set you apart from all other peoples, to be Mine.

Leviticus 20:22-26 There is a temporal advantage in keeping the statutes and ordinances of God. The land of Canaan will be yours if you do and it will vomit you out if you do not. Cf. Leviticus 18:28. This is an oft repeated word in Leviticus and the rest of the Pentateuch because Israel was so dull of hearing, or perhaps the allurements of sin were so near. Again and again the several distinctive differences are emphasized: (1) you have one God; they have many; your God is alive and responsive, theirs are dead and dumb; (2) you have one wife with whom you have sexual relationsin this relationship is the highest happinessthey live to satisfy their own lustsbut such lust creates its own appetite and is never full. Self-destruction and misery are in their way; (3) you have a different diet; it will keep you strong and healthy; you will live a long and happy life. They eat to their own self-destruction. I created you and the food you eat, won-’t you please follow my menu?

In these waysand othersyou are separated from other nations, i.e. sanctified or holy, not that you are by nature any better than other people, but you could be an example of what I want for all mankind. You belong to Me. I love you deeply and dearly; if I didn-’t I wouldn-’t take such an interest in all of your life.

FACT QUESTIONS 20:22-26

What was the temporal advantage in obeying Jehovah?

Name and discuss the three distinctive differences of Israel to other nations.

In what ways was Israel sanctified or holy?

Leviticus 20:27

WARNING AGAINST UNFAITHFULNESS 20:27 TEXT 20:27

27

A man also or a woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones; their blood shall be upon them.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 20:27

Isn-’t this verse out of place? Should it follow Leviticus 20:6?

Show a possible connection to Leviticus 20:26.

PARAPHRASE 20:27

A medium or a wizardwhether man or womanshall surely be stoned to death. They have caused their own doom.

COMMENT 20:27

It is suggested that the first word of Lev 20:27 could be but a man, etc. In this way we could see the connection of the verses. Because Israel is God’s holy nation such a sin could not be permitted. The wizard usurps the position of God. To Him alone is the future known. In Leviticus 19:31 the consulting of such persons is forbidden. In Leviticus 20:6 God sets His face against them; in this verse the physical punishment is made known. Women are included in this verse because they were so frequently involved. Cf. Exodus 22:28; 1 Samuel 28:7; Acts 16:16.

FACT QUESTIONS 20:27

How relate this verse to the previous section?

Why was this such a serious sin?

Why mention women?