Leviticus 20:2

"Tell the Israelites, 'Any Israelite or foreigner living in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech must be put to death. The people of the land are to stone him.

Study Bible

Say to the Israelites
This phrase establishes the audience and authority of the message. The Hebrew word for "say" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used in the context of divine communication. It underscores the importance of the message as a direct command from God to His chosen people, the Israelites. This sets the tone for the seriousness of the instructions that follow, emphasizing that these are not mere suggestions but divine mandates.

Any Israelite or any foreigner residing in Israel
The inclusion of both Israelites and foreigners ("גֵּר" - ger) highlights the universal application of God's laws within the community. This reflects the inclusive nature of God's covenant, where even those who are not ethnically Israelite but reside among them are held to the same standards. It underscores the holiness and purity expected within the community, regardless of one's origin.

who gives any of his children to Molech
The act of giving children to Molech refers to a detestable practice of child sacrifice associated with the Canaanite deity Molech. The Hebrew term "מֹלֶךְ" (Molech) is often linked to a form of idolatry that was strictly forbidden. This phrase serves as a stark reminder of the abominations that the Israelites were to avoid, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the abhorrence of idolatry.

must be put to death
The severity of the punishment reflects the gravity of the sin. The Hebrew phrase "מוֹת יוּמָת" (mot yumat) is a legal formula indicating a mandatory death penalty. This underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness with which He views the violation of His commandments. It serves as a deterrent and a means of purging evil from the community.

The people of the land are to stone him
Stoning was a communal act of execution, involving the participation of the community. The phrase "עַם הָאָרֶץ" (am ha'aretz) refers to the people of the land, indicating that the responsibility for maintaining holiness and justice was shared among all members of the community. This collective action reinforces the idea that sin affects the entire community and that all are responsible for upholding God's standards.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were given the Law through Moses.

2. Foreigners Residing in Israel
Non-Israelites living among the Israelites, who were also subject to the laws of the land.

3. Molech
A pagan deity associated with child sacrifice, worshiped by some neighboring cultures of Israel.

4. Moses
The prophet and leader through whom God delivered the Law to the Israelites.

5. The People of the Land
The community of Israelites responsible for upholding God's laws and executing justice.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of Life
God values human life, and the prohibition against child sacrifice underscores the sanctity of life.

Idolatry and Its Consequences
Engaging in idolatrous practices leads to severe consequences, both spiritually and communally.

Community Responsibility
The community is responsible for upholding God's standards and ensuring justice is served.

Holiness and Separation
Believers are called to be holy and separate from the practices of the world that contradict God's commands.

Obedience to God's Commands
Obedience to God's laws is crucial for maintaining a relationship with Him and ensuring the well-being of the community.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the command in Leviticus 20:2 reveal about God's view of child sacrifice and idolatry?

2. How does the community's role in executing justice reflect the importance of collective responsibility in upholding God's laws?

3. In what ways can modern believers apply the principle of holiness and separation from idolatry in their daily lives?

4. How do the additional scriptures reinforce the message of Leviticus 20:2 regarding the consequences of idolatry?

5. What are some contemporary practices or beliefs that might parallel the idolatry condemned in Leviticus 20:2, and how should Christians respond to them?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:10
This verse also condemns child sacrifice and other detestable practices, reinforcing the prohibition against such acts.

2 Kings 23:10
Describes King Josiah's reforms, which included the destruction of places where child sacrifices to Molech were made.

Jeremiah 32:35
Highlights God's disapproval of child sacrifice, emphasizing that such practices were never commanded by Him.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, contrasting the pagan practices of the past.

1 Corinthians 10:20-21
Warns against participating in pagan rituals, emphasizing the need for Christians to separate themselves from idolatry.