Leviticus Study Notes - Chapter 19 (Moral and Ceremonial Laws)

10 Commandments are repeated here. They are foundational to these and all other laws from God

Verses 1-2: Give the basics for the next two chapters (see also the end of chapter 20)

Verses 3-8: Four distinct elements, each focusing on an area where God's authority is established and should be respected:
1. Within the home (v. 3)
2. Time...the Sabbath (v. 3)
3. Godhead Itself (v. 4) "I am the Lord" or "I am the Lord your God" 16 times in this chapter
4. Holiness of sacrifices and God's law (v. 5-8)

Verses 9-18: Social behavior and ethics of injustice

9 and 10 cover caring for the poor. Compassion for those in need (Matthew 19:21, Mark 12:42-43, Luke 4:18; 6:20; 11:41; 12:33; 14:13)
Moses will reiterate this command 40 years later in Deuteronomy 24:19-22

Verses 11-12: Honesty and uprightness in all dealings, echoing many of the 10 Commandments

13-14: Oppression and abuse - caring about others, not abusing positions of power (Deuteronomy 24:14-15, James 5:1-6)

15-16: Echoing Exodus 22:1-8, righteous judgement

17-18: Love. So important that Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:4-5 about love for God with is verse as a corollary (a proposition that follows and is attached to one that's already proven) in Mark 12:28-31

Luke 10:25-28 before the parable of the Good Samaritan lawyer asks, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus asks what the Law of Moses required. The lawyer responds by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. What did Jesus say?

Verses 19-25 Cover Social practices and boundaries
At first glance these seem like random laws. However, these will all apply in Canaan. Also, these all involve one-sided relationships and all involve respecting divinely assigned boundaries

Verse 19: No reason given. Perhaps to maintain natural distinctions (Genesis 1:25, Deuteronomy 22:5-11)

Verses 20-22: "Concubine" or handmaid. Didn't die because she didn't have the power or control. Compensation was "scourging." This is the only time the term used here is used for scourging. It's also used elsewhere for "inquiry" and "compensation."

23-25: Fruit from newer trees doesn't taste good. More importantly, first fruits belonged to God. 4th year was holy to Him as a praise offering
God gave them the good the earth produced. Following the law resulted in increased production

26-31 Social Practices and Pagan Rituals
27-30: Associated with Canaanite funeral and worship practices, as was prostitution of young women. Tattoos showed you belonged to a cult

32-37 Social Respect
Focuses on those who may be susceptible to dismissive and disrespectful treatment
The elderly and the non-Israelite sojourner or immigrant (1 Timothy 5)
Immigrants didn't enjoy all the rights Hebrews had but were still expected to uphold the Hebrew law.
Go back to verse 5 and also Deuteronomy 10:19. Golden Rule!