Verses 1-27
4. Punishments for serious crimes ch. 20
The 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 be. In contrast, the laws in this chapter are casuistic; that is, they state what must be done should one of the apodictic rules be broken. They set out what will befall a law-breaker in such a case. In this way they supplement and reinforce what is found in earlier chapters." [Note: Wenham, The Book . . ., p. 277.]
"Although the content of Leviticus 18, 20 is virtually identical, it is possible to make a distinction between the intended audiences of the chapters. Whereas Leviticus 18 addresses the would-be offender of a God-given decree, Leviticus 20 addresses the Israelite community, which was responsible for seeing that violations of Law receive their just reward." [Note: Rooker, p. 265.]
"This selection of laws consists of fourteen (7x2) laws, concluded by an extended appeal for holiness on the part of the nation when they take possession of the land of Canaan (Leviticus 20:22-26). After the conclusion, one of the laws, the prohibition of mediums and spiritists (Leviticus 20:6), is restated (Leviticus 20:27)." [Note: Sailhamer, p. 353.]
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