Leviticus 20:3

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.

Study Bible

I will set My face against that man
The phrase "I will set My face" is a powerful expression of divine opposition. In Hebrew, the word for "face" is "פָּנִים" (panim), which often signifies presence or attention. When God sets His face against someone, it indicates a deliberate and active stance of judgment. This is not a passive disapproval but an intentional act of divine justice. Historically, this reflects the seriousness with which God views idolatry and sin, emphasizing His holiness and the need for His people to remain pure and devoted to Him.

and cut him off from among his people
The term "cut him off" comes from the Hebrew "כָּרַת" (karat), meaning to sever or destroy. This phrase indicates a severe punishment, often implying death or excommunication. In the context of ancient Israel, being cut off from one's people was a fate worse than death, as it meant losing one's identity and inheritance. This underscores the gravity of the sin of idolatry, particularly in the context of child sacrifice, which was an abomination to God.

because he has given some of his children to Molech
"Molech" was a Canaanite deity associated with child sacrifice, a practice detestable to the Lord. The Hebrew word "מֹלֶךְ" (Molech) is often linked to the root "מלך" (melek), meaning king, suggesting a false sovereignty that people wrongly submitted to. Archaeological findings have uncovered evidence of such practices in ancient Near Eastern cultures, highlighting the stark contrast between the pagan rituals and the worship of Yahweh, who values life and abhors such sacrifices.

so as to defile My sanctuary
The word "defile" in Hebrew is "טָמֵא" (tame), meaning to make unclean or impure. God's sanctuary, the place of His dwelling among His people, was to remain holy and undefiled. The act of sacrificing children to Molech was not only a moral atrocity but also a spiritual contamination of the sacred space where God’s presence was to be honored. This reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and the call for God's people to be set apart from the surrounding nations.

and profane My holy name
To "profane" is from the Hebrew "חָלַל" (chalal), meaning to pollute or desecrate. God's "holy name" represents His character and reputation. In the ancient world, a name was more than a label; it encapsulated the essence of a person. By engaging in idolatrous practices, the Israelites were not only breaking covenant but also tarnishing the very nature of God as revealed to them. This serves as a reminder of the importance of living in a way that honors God’s name, reflecting His holiness and righteousness in all aspects of life.

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 God
God’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 12
This 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.