Verses 1-10
Respect for parents and Sabbath observance (Leviticus 19:3) were the foundations for moral government and social wellbeing respectively. Compare the fourth and fifth commandments.
Idolatry and image making (Leviticus 19:4) broke the first and second commandments. This verse recalls the golden calf incident (Exodus 32).
Regarding the sacrifices, the main expression of worship, as holy (Leviticus 19:5-8), revealed true loyalty to God contrasted with the idolatry of Leviticus 19:4.
The preceding ideas deal with respect for God. Those that follow emphasize love for one’s neighbor that flows from love for God.
The Israelites were not to harvest their fields and vineyards so thoroughly that there would be nothing left (Leviticus 19:9-10). Farmers in the Promised Land were to leave some of the crops in the field so the poor could come in and glean what remained. This showed both love and respect for the poor (cf. Leviticus 23:22; Job 29:12-13; Isaiah 10:2; Zechariah 7:9-10). [Note: See Donald E. Gowan, "Wealth and Poverty in the Old Testament," Interpretation 41:4 (October 1987):341-53, for a study of the plight of the widow, the orphan, and the sojourner in Israel.]
"Unfortunately, much activity and much excitement in modern religious activities has a general disregard for the poor and needy. One cannot legitimately give God thanks and praise while ignoring the poor and needy (Hebrews 13:15-16)." [Note: Ross, p. 360.]
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