Leviticus 19:29

Commentary on Leviticus 19:29

Leviticus 19:29 issues a stern warning against the practice of prostituting one's daughter, whether for financial gain or as part of pagan religious rituals. This command is part of the broader 'Holiness Code' found in Leviticus, which continually urges Israel to be holy, for the Lord their God is holy. It underscores God's demand for moral purity within the community and highlights the devastating societal consequences of sexual immorality.

Context

Leviticus 19 is a comprehensive chapter outlining various ethical and ceremonial laws given to the Israelites, emphasizing their distinctiveness from the surrounding pagan nations. This chapter covers a wide range of moral and social responsibilities, from caring for the poor to just dealings and respecting elders. The prohibition against prostituting daughters stands in stark contrast to the common practices of the Canaanites and other ancient Near Eastern cultures, where cultic prostitution was often associated with fertility rites and idol worship. For Israel, such practices were an abomination, directly violating their covenant relationship with God and threatening the moral fabric of society.

Key Themes

• Sexual Purity and Holiness: God's covenant people were called to a high standard of sexual morality, reflecting His own holy character. This verse condemns any form of sexual exploitation and trafficking, particularly involving one's own family.
• Parental Responsibility: It highlights the grave responsibility of parents to protect and nurture their children's moral and spiritual well-being. To "cause her to be a whore" implies active participation or neglect that leads to such a fate, which is a severe dereliction of parental duty.
• Consequences of Sin on the Land: The phrase "lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness" reveals a profound theological concept in the Old Testament: the moral state of the people directly impacts the land they inhabit. Widespread sexual immorality and wickedness were believed to defile the land itself, potentially leading to its rejection of the inhabitants (as seen in later warnings, e.g., Deuteronomy 28).
• Societal Integrity: The verse emphasizes that individual sins, especially those involving sexual immorality, have a ripple effect, corrupting the entire community and leading to pervasive wickedness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "prostitute" or "whore" (zanah) refers broadly to illicit sexual intercourse, but also carries the connotation of spiritual unfaithfulness or idolatry when used metaphorically. In this verse, its literal sense is clear and stark, condemning the act of sexual exploitation. The strong warning about the land becoming "full of wickedness" (zimmah) denotes a vile, heinous, and corrupting evil, underscoring the severity of the offense in God's eyes.

Practical Application

While the specific context is ancient Israel, the principles in Leviticus 19:29 remain profoundly relevant today:

• Protecting the Vulnerable: The verse calls for the protection of children and vulnerable individuals from sexual exploitation and trafficking, a global issue that continues to plague societies.
• Parental Guidance: It serves as a powerful reminder of the solemn responsibility parents have to guide their children in moral purity and to create a home environment that fosters righteousness and protection.
• Societal Morality: The warning about the land becoming "full of wickedness" highlights the truth that the moral health of a society is intrinsically linked to the actions of its individuals. A decline in sexual ethics often correlates with broader societal decay.
• God's Standard of Holiness: Ultimately, this verse reinforces God's unchanging call for His people to live in purity and integrity, reflecting His character in all aspects of life.