And I will set My face against that man and cut him off from his people, because by giving his offspring to Molech, he has defiled My sanctuary and profaned My holy name. And I will set My face against that manGod personally opposes the Israelite who gives a child to Molech. The Lord’s face, which brings blessing and favor to the faithful, is turned in judgment against deliberate rebellion. Ezekiel 15:7 similarly portrays God’s face set against Jerusalem for destruction. Lev 17:10 If anyone from the house of Israel or a foreigner… and cut him off from his people, The offender would be removed from the covenant community under God’s judgment, whether through death, exclusion, or both. Israel’s calling to holiness required the removal of unrepentant evil, as Genesis 17:14 shows in the covenant penalty for persistent disobedience. Gen 17:14 But if any male is not circumcised, he will be… because by giving his offspring to Molech, Molech worship involved the abhorrent sacrifice of children, an act the Lord explicitly forbade and declared alien to His character (Deuteronomy 12:31; Jeremiah 32:35). Such worship joined Israel to the practices of surrounding nations and denied the truth that children belonged to God as His gift and heritage. Lev 18:21 You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed… he has defiled My sanctuary Child sacrifice polluted the sanctuary because God dwelt among His people and identified Himself with them in covenant. Even when the act occurred elsewhere, idolatry defiled the whole community and threatened the holiness required for God’s dwelling among Israel (Exodus 25:8). Ezk 5:11 Therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD,… and profaned My holy name. The offender dishonored God’s name by claiming membership among God’s people while practicing what God hates. Israel was called to display the holiness of the Lord before the nations (Leviticus 19:2), but Molech worship falsely portrayed the God of life as though He accepted the destruction of innocent children. Ezk 36:20-23 And wherever they went among the nations,… Persons / Places / Events 1. God (Yahweh)The speaker in this verse, expressing His judgment against those who commit idolatry. 2. Molech A pagan deity associated with child sacrifice, worshiped by some neighboring cultures of Israel. 3. The Man An Israelite who has committed the sin of offering his offspring to Molech. 4. The Sanctuary The holy place of worship for the Israelites, which is defiled by the sin of idolatry. 5. The People of Israel The community from which the sinner is to be cut off, emphasizing the communal aspect of holiness. Teaching Points The Holiness of GodGod’s holiness demands that His people remain separate from pagan practices. This verse underscores the seriousness with which God views idolatry and the defilement of His sanctuary. The Sanctity of Life Offering children to Molech was a grave sin because it violated the sanctity of life, a principle that remains relevant today in discussions about the value and protection of life. Community Responsibility The command to cut off the sinner from the community highlights the collective responsibility of God’s people to uphold holiness and purity within the community. The Consequences of Sin God’s judgment is clear and severe for those who defile His name and sanctuary. This serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient to God’s commands. Idolatry in Modern Contexts While the specific practice of offering to Molech is not prevalent today, the underlying issue of idolatry persists. Believers must examine their lives for modern forms of idolatry that can defile their relationship with God. Bible Study Questions 1. What does this verse teach us about the nature of God’s holiness and His expectations for His people?2. How can we identify and address modern forms of idolatry in our lives that may defile our relationship with God? 3. In what ways does the community of believers today bear responsibility for maintaining holiness and purity? 4. How does the concept of being "cut off" from the community apply to church discipline and restoration in the New Testament? 5. How can we apply the principle of the sanctity of life in our daily decisions and interactions with others? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 12This chapter warns against adopting the worship practices of other nations, including child sacrifice. Jeremiah 32 The prophet Jeremiah condemns the practice of child sacrifice, highlighting its abomination to God. 1 Corinthians 6 Paul speaks about the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, drawing a parallel to the sanctity of God's sanctuary. Ezekiel 20 God recounts Israel's history of idolatry and His judgment against it, reinforcing the theme of holiness. Romans 12 Paul urges believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, contrasting with the abominable sacrifices to Molech.
People Molech, MosesPlaces TemanTopics Common, Cut, Defile, Defiled, Defiling, Face, Giving, Holy, Making, Midst, Molech, Myself, Offspring, Pollute, Profane, Profaned, Profaning, Sanctuary, Seed, UncleanDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 20:3 1255 face of God 5896 irreverence 7206 community 7332 child sacrifice Library Tenth Day. Holiness and Separation. I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people. And ye shall be holy unto me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from other people that ye should be Mine.'--Lev. xx. 24, 26. 'Until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the Lord, he shall be holy.... All the days of his separation he is holy unto the Lord.'--Num. vi. 5, 8. 'Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered without the … Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Seventh Day. Holiness and Obedience. Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus. Self-Denial. Epistle Lxiv. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli . Eleventh Day. The Holy one of Israel. Jesus Fails to Attend the Third Passover. The Holiness of God The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic Theology as Regards the Doctrine of Forgiveness in Contrast to the Gospel of Christ Leviticus Links Leviticus 20:3 NIVLeviticus 20:3 NLT Leviticus 20:3 ESV Leviticus 20:3 NASB Leviticus 20:3 KJV Leviticus 20:3 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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