What is the meaning of Leviticus 20:1? Then - Signals a continuation: immediately after the holiness commands of chapters 18–19, the narrative moves forward. - Indicates God’s orderly revelation—each instruction builds on the last (Leviticus 19:37; 18:30). - Reminds us that divine truth comes in sequence, rooting coming judgments in an already-given call to holiness (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15–16). the LORD - Identifies the covenant God who redeemed Israel (Exodus 20:2). - His personal name underscores both authority and relationship; the same LORD who saved now governs (Deuteronomy 7:9). - Because He is holy, His standards are non-negotiable (Leviticus 11:44–45; Isaiah 6:3). said - God chooses speech to reveal His will; Scripture is His breathed-out word (2 Timothy 3:16). - Divine speech carries absolute authority—what He says stands (Numbers 23:19; Psalm 33:9). - The coming commands are therefore neither cultural opinions nor human traditions but eternal truth (Psalm 119:89). to Moses - Highlights Moses as appointed mediator (Exodus 3:10–12; Deuteronomy 5:4-5). - Through Moses, the people receive God’s law; obedience to Moses equals obedience to God (Exodus 24:7–8; John 1:17). - Shows God’s pattern of using faithful servants to communicate His word (Hebrews 3:5). summary Leviticus 20:1, though brief, lays a vital foundation: at a specific moment (“Then”), the covenant God (“the LORD”) exercised His sovereign right to reveal His will (“said”) through His chosen servant (“to Moses”). The verse certifies that what follows—stern warnings against idolatry and immorality—comes with divine authority, flowing from God’s holiness and His ongoing relationship with His people. |
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