Leviticus 20:7

Leviticus 20:7 is a foundational command within the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the core expectation for the people of Israel: to live a life set apart for God. This verse encapsulates the essence of biblical holiness, directly linking human conduct to the very nature of God.

Context

This verse is situated within a chapter detailing severe penalties for various forms of idolatry, child sacrifice (to Molech), and sexual immorality—practices common among the Canaanite nations surrounding Israel. The command to "sanctify yourselves" and "be ye holy" serves as a crucial ethical and spiritual imperative, distinguishing God's chosen people from the defiling customs of the world. It reinforces the unique covenant relationship between the LORD and Israel, where their conduct was to reflect His divine character. The entire book of Leviticus is largely a guide to holy living and worship for the ancient Israelites.

Key Themes

• Divine Holiness as the Basis: The command "for I am the LORD your God" underscores that God's intrinsic holiness is the ultimate standard and motivation for human holiness. It's not an arbitrary rule but an invitation to reflect His nature.
• Active Consecration: "Sanctify yourselves" implies an active, volitional choice on the part of the people to set themselves apart. It’s a call to intentional separation from anything that defiles and a dedication to God's purposes.
• Ethical Purity: In the immediate context of Leviticus 20, holiness is expressed through adherence to God's moral laws, particularly regarding sexual purity and avoiding pagan practices. It means living in a way that honors God and reflects His moral perfection.
• Covenant Relationship: The phrase "the LORD your God" highlights the special relationship Israel had with Yahweh. Their holiness was a response to His grace and a demonstration of their faithfulness to the covenant He established with them at Sinai.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "sanctify yourselves" and "be ye holy" is from the root qadash (קדש). This verb means "to be set apart," "to be consecrated," or "to be holy." When applied to people, it signifies a separation from the common or profane and a dedication to God and His service. It's not merely a state but an ongoing process of purification and devotion. The emphasis is on both ritual purity and moral rectitude. The name "the LORD" refers to YHWH (Yahweh), God's personal covenant name, reinforcing His unique authority and relationship with His people.

Related Scriptures

• The call to holiness is a recurring theme in Leviticus, as seen in Leviticus 11:44, where God commands, "Ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy."
• This Old Testament principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are exhorted to live holy lives, reflecting God's character, as emphasized in 1 Peter 1:16: "Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
• The concept of God being "your God" and His people being set apart is foundational to the covenant, first introduced in places like Exodus 20:2.

Practical Application

For believers today, Leviticus 20:7 remains profoundly relevant. While we are no longer under the ceremonial law, the call to holiness is timeless. It means:

• Intentional Separation: Actively choosing to distance ourselves from anything that dishonors God or compromises our faith, echoing the New Testament call to "come out from among them, and be ye separate".
• Ethical Living: Striving for moral purity in our thoughts, words, and actions, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
• Devotion to God: Consecrating our lives—our time, talents, and resources—to God's service and glory.
• Reflecting God's Character: Living in a way that demonstrates God's holiness to a watching world, understanding that our holiness is a response to His saving grace.

This verse reminds us that holiness is not an option but a divine mandate, rooted in God's very nature and essential for a true relationship with Him.