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

And I will set My face against that man
This phrase indicates God's personal opposition and judgment. In biblical terms, God setting His face against someone signifies divine disfavor and impending punishment. This is a serious declaration, as seen in other scriptures like Ezekiel 15:7, where God’s face against Jerusalem signifies destruction. It reflects the personal nature of God's relationship with His people and His intolerance for idolatry.

and cut him off from his people
To be "cut off" implies a severe form of punishment, often understood as death or excommunication. This reflects the covenantal context of Israel, where communal purity was essential. The phrase underscores the seriousness of the offense and the need to maintain holiness within the community, as seen in Genesis 17:14 regarding the covenant of circumcision.

because by giving his offspring to Molech
Molech worship involved child sacrifice, a practice abhorred by God. This phrase highlights the syncretism Israel was warned against, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:31. Archaeological findings in the region, such as the Tophet in Carthage, provide evidence of such practices. The act was a direct violation of God’s commandments and a betrayal of the covenant relationship.

he has defiled My sanctuary
The sanctuary, or tabernacle, was the dwelling place of God among His people. Defilement of the sanctuary indicates a breach in the sacred space where God’s presence resided. This reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness, as seen in Exodus 25:8, where God commands the building of the sanctuary so He may dwell among them. The act of idolatry contaminates the purity required for God’s presence.

and profaned My holy name
God’s name represents His character and reputation. To profane it is to treat it with irreverence or disrespect. This phrase emphasizes the importance of God’s holiness and the call for His people to reflect that holiness, as seen in Leviticus 19:2. The act of sacrificing to Molech not only violated God’s law but also misrepresented His nature to the nations, contradicting the call to be a light to the Gentiles.

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.