Summary
Leviticus 20:1–5 – Molech and God’s face against evil
What happens: Those who give children to Molech must be put to death; if the people hide their eyes, God himself sets his face against the offender and his family.
What it means: God guards life and his name with zeal. Community complicity is itself guilt before a just God.
Leviticus 20:6–8 – Mediums and consecration
What happens: Seeking mediums brings God’s face against the person. Israel must consecrate themselves and keep God’s statutes.
What it means: Guidance belongs to God, not spirits. Holiness refuses shortcuts to power or knowledge.
Leviticus 20:9 – Cursing parents
What happens: Whoever curses father or mother is put to death.
What it means: Family authority is God-given. Contempt for parents attacks God’s order.
Leviticus 20:10–16 – Adultery and other sexual sins
What happens: Adultery, incest with a father’s wife or daughter-in-law, male with male, and bestiality receive severe penalties. The land must be kept clean.
What it means: Sexual sin damages people and community. God’s justice protects marriage, family, and human dignity.
Leviticus 20:17–21 – Forbidden unions and consequences
What happens: Unions with a sister, a woman during menstruation, an aunt, an uncle’s wife, or a brother’s wife bring guilt, disgrace, or childlessness.
What it means: God draws lines to preserve purity and peace. Crossing them brings lasting harm.
Leviticus 20:22–26 – Be distinct from the nations
What happens: Israel must keep God’s statutes so the land does not vomit them out. God separates them from other peoples and from unclean animals.
What it means: Election is unto holiness. Privilege brings responsibility to live set apart.
Leviticus 20:27 – Mediums and necromancers
What happens: Mediums and necromancers are to be put to death.
What it means: Life with God leaves no place for trafficking with the dead. Worship seeks the living God alone.
Application
- Protect life and honor God’s name by rejecting idols and the occult.
- Guard marriage and family with firm boundaries and faithful love.
- Live distinctly, not blending with practices that defile.
- Take responsibility for community holiness, not turning a blind eye.
