The narrative returns to certain laws and prohibitions mentioned earlier but with more detail, and with punishments given
1-5: Prohibited sacrificing children to Molech. Here is the punishment and the community's accountability. If not, God would deal with both the guilty and those who allowed it
6: Second aspect of pagan worship...mediums or wizards. "Whoring" used here, indicating spiritual prostitution. Is this any different than us today when we put other things before God?!
7-8: Stark contrast and condemnation of what's just been discussed. "I am the Lord your God." Reminder of ownership and relationship meant to reinforce loyalty and dedication
9: Mother mentioned here, see also 19:3 where mother is listed first.
10-21 Cover prohibitions and personal relationships
The following verses return to the material of chapter 18 (sexual immorality)
Go to 18:3-5 "ordinances," indicating there are two possible ways to live; God's way or the way of the other nations
22-27: Holiness. This section has distinct parts
1. Verse 22: Reminder to reject all customs and practices of the other nations and walk in God's instruction
2. Verses 24-26: Reminder of the blessings of God and the people's separate identity
One term used four times in these three verses, 24 "have separated, 25 "put difference" or "distinguish (NKJ), 26, "have severed" or "separated" (NKJ)
Again, emphasizing they are to be His and therefore totally different from others. Can they (we) be just a little bit different and still please God?
Summary: These weren't just whimsical laws. Each element was intended to uphold His high moral and ethical demands, to set boundaries between His people and foreign customs and to protect His nation from sin and suffering. His nation was expected to accept and live by His statutes. If this isn't relevant to us today...
19:2 is quoted in 1 Peter 1:16, indicating that although specific laws may be different, the principles concerning His right to legislate are unchanged
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