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. And I will set My face against that manThis 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. Lev 17:10 If anyone from the house of Israel or a foreigner… 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. Gen 17:14 But if any male is not circumcised, he will be… 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. Lev 18:21 You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed… 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. Ezk 5:11 Therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD,… 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. Ezk 36:20-23 And wherever they went among the nations,… 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 GodGod’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 12This 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.
People Molech, MosesPlaces TemanTopics Common, Cut, Defile, Defiled, Defiling, Face, Giving, Holy, Making, Midst, Molech, Myself, Offspring, Pollute, Profane, Profaned, Profaning, Sanctuary, Seed, UncleanDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 20:3 1255 face of God 5896 irreverence 7206 community 7332 child sacrifice Library Tenth Day. Holiness and Separation. I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people. And ye shall be holy unto me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from other people that ye should be Mine.'--Lev. xx. 24, 26. 'Until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the Lord, he shall be holy.... All the days of his separation he is holy unto the Lord.'--Num. vi. 5, 8. 'Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered without the … Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Seventh Day. Holiness and Obedience. Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus. Self-Denial. Epistle Lxiv. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli . Eleventh Day. The Holy one of Israel. Jesus Fails to Attend the Third Passover. The Holiness of God The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic Theology as Regards the Doctrine of Forgiveness in Contrast to the Gospel of Christ Leviticus Links Leviticus 20:3 NIVLeviticus 20:3 NLT Leviticus 20:3 ESV Leviticus 20:3 NASB Leviticus 20:3 KJV Leviticus 20:3 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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