The crimes which are condemned in Leviticus 18:0; Leviticus 19:0 on purely spiritual ground, have here special punishments allotted to them as offences against the well-being of the nation. read more
Molech, literally, “the King”, called also Moloch, Milcom, and Malcham, was known in later times as “the abomination of the Ammonites” 1 Kings 11:5. He appears to have been the fire-god of the eastern nations; related to, and sometimes made identical with, Baal, the sun-god. The nature of the rite and of the impious custom called passing children through the fire to Molech is very doubtful. The practices appear to have been essentially connected with magical arts, probably also with unlawful... read more
Leviticus 20:2. The people Here follow the punishments of the crimes forbidden in the former chapters. read more
Leviticus 20:3. I will set my face against that man Deal with him as an enemy, and make him a monument of my justice. To defile my sanctuary Because the sanctuary was defiled by gross abominations committed in that city or land where God’s sanctuary was: or because by these actions they declared to all men that they esteemed the sanctuary and service of God abominable and vile, by preferring such odious idolatry before it. And to profane my name Partly by despising it themselves, partly... read more
Leviticus 20:4. Hide their eyes Wink at his fault, and forbear to accuse and punish him. read more
Leviticus 20:6. To go a whoring To seek counsel or help from them. read more
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
spake. See note on Leviticus 5:14 . read more
Again. See Leviticus 18:21 . This is so serious that it must be repeated. There, only a command; here, the penalty. children. Hebrew sons. Molech. The king-idol. See note on Leviticus 18:21 , where this law follows that on incest; while here it precedes it. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Leviticus 20:6-27
The pursuit of knowledge by right means is one of the highest and noblest occupations of the intellect of man, but the seeking after knowledge by unlawful means is so criminal as to lead God to cut off the presumptuous seeker from among his people. It was grasping after a forbidden knowledge by unrighteous means that brought death into the world ( Genesis 3:6 ). All dealing in necromancy and witchcraft involves this sin on the part of the inquirer into futurity, whether those whom they... read more