E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Leviticus 20:25
difference = separation, as in verse Leviticus 20:24 . Compare Leviticus 10:10 ; Leviticus 11:47 . souls. Hebrew, plural of nephesh. App-13 . read more
difference = separation, as in verse Leviticus 20:24 . Compare Leviticus 10:10 ; Leviticus 11:47 . souls. Hebrew, plural of nephesh. App-13 . read more
Leviticus 20:25. Ye shall therefore put difference— The therefore in this verse plainly proves, that the principal reason, as we have observed on ch. 11: of the distinction between clean beasts, &c. is that given in the preceding verse, I am the Lord—who have separated you. read more
4. Punishments for serious crimes ch. 20The preceding two chapters specify correct behavior. This one sets forth the punishments for disobedience. Chapters 18-19 already discussed most of the subjects dealt with in this chapter."The difference between the laws in this chapter and previous ones lies in their form. Those in chs. 18-19 are apodictic in form; that is, they forbid or command certain types of behavior but they rarely indicate what the consequences of disregarding these rules would... read more
This chapter, as chapter 18, concludes with an exhortation and warnings to obey God’s ordinances. In view of Israel’s unique vocation in the world, the nation was to live differently from other peoples. The Israelites would possess the Promised Land to the extent that they maintained their holiness.No matter how lightly the Israelites may have regarded the type of conduct reflected in this chapter, in God’s sight it constituted serious sin and deserved the severest punishment."This theme runs... read more
Penalties attached to the Sins specified above1-5. See Leviticus 18:21 and note.6. See Leviticus 19:31.9. See Exodus 21:17.19-21. See Leviticus 18:6-23.27. See Leviticus 19:31. read more
(25) Ye shall therefore put difference.—Better, Ye shall therefore separate. It is the same word which is used at the end of the preceding verse, and which is rendered “separate” in the Authorised Version. It is important that the word should be translated by the same expression, since it not only shows the intimate connection between the two verses, but brings out more forcibly the reason for the exhortation in the verse before us. Because the Lord has separated or distinguished the Israelites... read more
The Limitations of the Dwarf Leviticus 20:21 Under the old Hebrew priesthood the dwarf, while permitted to partake of the holy bread, was restrained from offering it to others. He was not to blame for being a dwarf, but only men without blemish, and who had the full measure of manly power, were permitted to exercise the functions of that holy office. I. It is the bitterest sorrow of weakness that a man cannot render aid to the helpless. And in the higher realm the sorest pang that a man can... read more
PENAL SANCTIONSLeviticus 20:1-27In no age or community has it been found sufficient, to secure obedience, that one should appeal to the conscience of men, or depend, as a sufficient motive, upon the natural painful consequences of violated law. Wherever there is civil and criminal law, there, in all cases, human government, whether in its lowest or in its most highly developed forms, has found it necessary to declare penalties for various crimes. It is the peculiar interest of this chapter that... read more
3. Warnings Against Special Sins and their Penalties CHAPTER 20 1. Warning against Molech--worship and familiar spirits (Leviticus 20:1-8 ) 2. Warning against cursing parents (Leviticus 20:9 ) 3. Criminal and vile connections (Leviticus 20:10-21 ) 4. Exhortations to obedience and separation (Leviticus 20:22-27 ) This chapter reveals the justice of God in dealing with criminals. The death penalty is most prominent. It is pronounced upon the following crimes: Molech worship; dealing... read more
Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Leviticus 20:1-27
Penalties for wrongdoing (20:1-27)The law now sets out penalties for the more serious offences outlined in Chapters 18 and 19. People who offered their children to the gods were to be stoned to death (20:1-5; for Molech see note on 18:21). Those who looked for guidance through witchcraft were guilty of rebellion against God and were to be punished by being cut off from the life of the community. A person who consulted the spirits of the dead was to be killed (6-9,27).Most of the perverse sexual... read more