Leviticus 18:4

Commentary on Leviticus 18:4 (KJV)

Leviticus 18:4 serves as a foundational declaration within a chapter primarily concerned with establishing moral and sexual purity laws for the Israelite nation. This verse encapsulates the divine expectation for Israel's conduct, emphasizing obedience as a direct response to God's identity and authority.

Context

Chapter 18 of Leviticus outlines a series of prohibitions against various illicit sexual relationships and pagan practices prevalent among the Canaanites and Egyptians, from whom Israel was to be distinct. Before detailing these specific laws, God sets the overarching principle: Israel's way of life must be fundamentally different from the surrounding nations. The preceding verses (Leviticus 18:2-3) explicitly forbid following the customs of Egypt and Canaan, setting the stage for God's own standards. This verse, therefore, acts as a preamble, stressing that the subsequent specific commandments are not arbitrary but are God's divine will for His chosen people.

Key Themes

• Divine Authority and Sovereignty: The declaration, "I [am] the LORD your God," underscores that these laws originate from the ultimate authority. It reminds Israel of the covenant relationship established at Sinai, where God delivered them and, in turn, expected their allegiance and obedience. This phrase is a common refrain in the Old Testament, signifying the immutable nature of God's commands and His unique claim over His people, as seen in Exodus 20:2.
• Obedience as a Way of Life: The phrase "Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein" highlights that God's commands are not merely suggestions but are to be actively performed and integrated into daily life. It implies a consistent lifestyle of adherence to divine principles, not just occasional compliance. This concept of "walking" in God's ways is a recurring biblical motif for living righteously, as illustrated in Deuteronomy 6:17.
• Holiness and Distinction: By obeying God's laws, Israel was to demonstrate its separation from the corrupt practices of other nations. This obedience was essential for maintaining their identity as a holy people, set apart for God's purposes. The laws of Leviticus serve to define this holiness in practical terms.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates two distinct Hebrew terms:

• "Judgments" (Hebrew: mishpatim - מִשְׁפָּטִים): This term typically refers to divine rulings, legal precedents, or moral decisions that are just and equitable. They often relate to ethical and civil laws, reflecting God's righteousness and justice.
• "Ordinances" (Hebrew: chukkim - חֻקּוֹת): These are statutes, decrees, or fixed regulations. They can include ritual laws, ceremonial observances, and moral injunctions that are established by divine authority and are to be observed without question. They represent God's sovereign will and often define Israel's unique identity.

Practical Application

For believers today, Leviticus 18:4 underscores the timeless principle that God's people are called to live according to His standards, not the prevailing norms of society.

• Foundation of Ethics: This verse reminds us that Christian ethics are rooted in the character and commands of God. Our moral compass should be His revealed Word, not cultural trends or personal preferences.
• Active Obedience: "Doing" and "keeping" God's commands is an active, ongoing process. It involves intentional choices to align our lives with His will, embodying our faith in daily actions, thoughts, and relationships.
• Call to Holiness: Just as ancient Israel was to be distinct, believers are called to be holy and set apart. This means living lives that reflect God's purity and righteousness in a world that often embraces contrary values. The Apostle Peter echoes this theme, stating, "Be ye holy; for I am holy."