How does Leviticus 20:21 relate to the broader context of Levitical laws? Today’s Passage Leviticus 20:21: “If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity; he has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They shall be childless.” Setting in Leviticus • Leviticus 18–20 forms a tightly linked unit often called the “Holiness Code.” • Chapter 18 lays down forbidden sexual relationships; chapter 20 assigns penalties for violating those same commands. • Israel is to be distinct from Egypt (their past) and Canaan (their future) by living in God-given moral purity (Leviticus 18:3, 24–30). Purpose of the Prohibition • Protects family integrity: sexual boundaries preserve the honor of blood ties (Leviticus 18:6). • Guards inheritance lines: property was tied to tribal identity (Numbers 27:1-11; 36:1-12). • Upholds covenant holiness: impurity defiles both people and land (Leviticus 18:24-28; 20:22-24). • Distinguishes normal life from the exceptional levirate practice (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). In levirate marriage, the brother is deceased and the goal is to raise offspring for him; Leviticus 20:21 addresses taking a brother’s wife while he still lives. Connections with Leviticus 18 • Leviticus 18:16 forbids uncovering a brother’s wife; Leviticus 20:21 repeats the same offense but adds the penalty. • Several sins are treated this way: – Adultery (18:20 → 20:10) – Incest (18:7-17 → 20:11-12, 14) – Same-sex acts (18:22 → 20:13) • The pattern underscores God’s fairness: He declares sin first, then discloses its consequences. Holiness and Separation • “You are to be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy” (Leviticus 20:26). • Sexual purity is a visible marker of belonging to the LORD. • The promised penalty, “They shall be childless,” strikes at covenant blessing—offspring (Genesis 17:6-7). Sin hampers the very promise God delights to give. Implications for Israel’s Community Life • Family loyalty: each household models God’s faithfulness. • Tribal stability: land allotted by God stays within proper lines. • National witness: Israel’s distinct ethics reveal the Creator’s character to surrounding nations (Deuteronomy 4:6-8). New Testament Echoes • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Holiness remains love-driven obedience. • 1 Corinthians 5:1 shows Gentile believers must also reject sexual impurity. • Hebrews 13:4—“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept undefiled.” Takeaway Truths • God’s moral law is consistent, purposeful, and protective. • Sexual sin is never private; it shakes family, land, and covenant blessing. • Christ redeems believers to walk in the same holiness Leviticus calls for—now empowered by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25). |
    |