Leviticus 19:1, 2, 4, 5, 12, 26-28, 30-32, 36, 37 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,… It is not always easy or even possible to distinguish between religion and superstition. We may fall into the latter when we are seeking to practice the former; or we may, from undue fear of the latter, neglect the former. In this chapter the Jews were taught (and we are thereby encouraged) to avoid the one, and to perfect the other in the fear of God. I. THE SUPERSTITION WHICH WAS TO BE SHUNNED. 1. Clearly and decisively everything that was in any way idolatrous was condemned; "turn ye not unto idols" (verse 4). 2. All that was distinctively or closely connected with heathen worship was also forbidden: the use of enchantments, the superstitious observance of lucky or unlucky times, also superstitious cutting of the hair or of the flesh (verses 26-28); resorting to wizards, etc. (see 1 Chronicles 10:13). There is amongst us much adoption of practices which are idle and vain, not warranted in Scripture nor founded on reason. Such things are to be deprecated and shunned, They are (1) useless; (2) harmful, as taking the place in our thought which belongs to something really good and wise; (3) displeasing to the God of truth. II. THE RELIGION WHICH WAS TO BE CULTIVATED AND PRACTISED. The Jews were to cherish and cultivate, even as we are, (1) sanctity like that of God himself (verse 2), entire separateness of spirit and so of conduct from every evil thing; (2) reverence for his holy Name (verse 12), and consequent abstention from everything bordering on profanity; (3) regard for divinely appointed ordinances - the sabbath and the sanctuary (verse 30); (4) gratitude for his redeeming mercy (verse 36), "I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt;" (5) spontaneous dedication to his service (verse 5). "At our own will" we must bring ourselves and our offerings to his altar; (6) daily, hourly consultation of his holy will, "Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them" (verse 37). - C. Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, |
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