What is the meaning of Leviticus 20:3? “And I will set My face against that man” God is not indifferent to sin; He personally opposes it. Turning His face “against” someone means the removal of divine favor and the active presence of divine judgment. • Psalm 34:16 says, “The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth,” reinforcing the idea of direct opposition. • By contrast, Numbers 6:24-26 portrays blessing as God’s face shining on His people—a privilege forfeited when they embrace idolatry. • Isaiah 59:2 reminds us that iniquities “have hidden His face” from sinners, showing why judgment is inevitable. “and cut him off from his people” “Cut off” reflects separation—often capital punishment, but at minimum exclusion from covenant blessings. • Genesis 17:14 uses identical language for covenant breakers, illustrating the seriousness of disobedience. • Exodus 12:15 warns that anyone eating leaven during Passover “shall be cut off,” highlighting corporate holiness. • The offender loses fellowship, protection, and inheritance among God’s people—sobering for a community founded on belonging. “because by giving his offspring to Molech” The crime is child sacrifice to a pagan deity—a direct assault on God’s gift of life and His exclusive right to worship. • Leviticus 18:21 already forbade making children “pass through the fire to Molech,” showing premeditated rebellion here. • Deuteronomy 12:31 declares such acts “detestable,” for they burn “their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.” • Centuries later, 2 Kings 23:10 records Josiah destroying the site of Molech worship, proving this sin plagued Israel until dealt with decisively. “he has defiled My sanctuary” Idolatry is never private; it pollutes God’s dwelling among His people. • Leviticus 15:31 commands Israel to keep uncleanness from the tabernacle “lest they die,” underscoring sanctuary purity. • Ezekiel 5:11 shows exile came “because you have defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable idols.” • For believers today, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 applies the same principle to the church as God’s temple, warning that God “will destroy” anyone who destroys His temple. “and profaned My holy name.” God’s “name” represents His character and reputation; profaning it drags His holiness through the mud before the nations. • Leviticus 22:32 insists, “You must not profane My holy name, that I may be sanctified among the Israelites.” • Ezekiel 36:23 promises God will vindicate His name after Israel’s profanation; judgment here anticipates that vindication. • Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9), showing the perpetual priority of honoring God’s name. summary Leviticus 20:3 reveals God’s passionate defense of His holiness and His people. Idolatry—especially the horror of sacrificing children to Molech—brings personal opposition from God, severance from covenant community, defilement of worship, and the dishonoring of His name. The verse calls every generation to guard pure worship, protect life, and live so that God’s face shines upon, rather than turns against, His people. |
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