then I will set My face against that man and his family and cut off from among their people both him and all who follow him in prostituting themselves with Molech. then I will set My face against that man and his familyThis phrase indicates God's direct opposition and judgment. In biblical terms, God setting His face against someone signifies His active disfavor and intention to punish. The family is included, highlighting the communal nature of sin and its consequences in ancient Israelite society. This reflects the covenantal relationship where the actions of an individual could impact the entire family unit, as seen in the story of Achan in Joshua 7. Ezk 14:8 I will set My face against that man and make him a sign… and cut off from among their people To be "cut off" implies a severe form of divine judgment, often understood as death or excommunication. This reflects the seriousness of idolatry and its threat to the holiness of the community. The phrase underscores the importance of maintaining purity and obedience within the covenant community, as seen in other passages like Exodus 12:15 and Numbers 15:30-31. Exo 31:14 Keep the Sabbath, for it is holy. Anyone who profanes it… both him and all who follow him This highlights the collective responsibility and the influence of leaders or individuals on others. It serves as a warning against leading others into sin, reminiscent of Jesus' warning in Matthew 18:6 about causing others to stumble. The communal aspect of sin and its consequences is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. Deu 13:6-11 If your very own brother, or your son or daughter,… in prostituting themselves with Molech. The term "prostituting" is used metaphorically to describe idolatry, equating it with spiritual unfaithfulness. Molech worship involved detestable practices, including child sacrifice, which was strictly forbidden (Leviticus 18:21). This idolatry is seen as a betrayal of the covenant relationship with God, akin to adultery. The severity of the language underscores the abomination of such practices and the need for Israel to remain distinct from surrounding nations, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 12:29-31. Jer 32:35 They have built the high places of Baal in the Valley… Persons / Places / Events 1. MolechA pagan deity associated with child sacrifice, worshiped by some ancient Near Eastern cultures. The Israelites were explicitly forbidden from engaging in such practices. 2. The Israelites God's chosen people, who were given the Law through Moses to set them apart from other nations and to guide them in holy living. 3. God (Yahweh) The one true God who delivered the Israelites from Egypt and established a covenant with them, requiring their exclusive worship and obedience. 4. The Family Refers to the household of the individual who engages in idolatry, indicating that the consequences of sin can extend beyond the individual to affect their family. 5. The Community The broader Israelite community, which is called to maintain purity and holiness by adhering to God's commandments and rejecting idolatry. Teaching Points The Seriousness of IdolatryIdolatry is not just a personal sin but a communal threat. It corrupts the worship of God and leads to severe consequences. God's Holiness and Justice God's response to idolatry reflects His holiness and justice. He cannot tolerate sin and will act to preserve the sanctity of His people. The Impact of Sin on Families Sin often has repercussions beyond the individual, affecting families and communities. This calls for vigilance in personal and communal holiness. The Call to Separate from Sin Believers are called to separate themselves from practices and influences that lead away from God, maintaining purity in worship and life. The Importance of Obedience Obedience to God's commands is crucial for maintaining a right relationship with Him and ensuring His blessings and protection. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the worship of Molech in ancient times compare to modern forms of idolatry, and what can we learn from this comparison?2. In what ways can the consequences of one person's sin affect their family and community today? 3. How does understanding God's holiness and justice influence our view of sin and idolatry? 4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are not influenced by the "idols" of our culture? 5. How can we encourage and support one another in our communities to remain obedient to God's commands? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 18:9-14This passage warns against adopting the detestable practices of the nations, including child sacrifice, which is directly related to the worship of Molech. 1 Kings 11:7 Solomon's building of high places for Molech is an example of Israel's leaders falling into idolatry, leading the nation astray. Jeremiah 32:35 The prophet condemns the practice of child sacrifice to Molech, highlighting its abomination in the sight of God. Romans 1:24-25 Paul speaks of God giving people over to their sinful desires when they exchange the truth of God for a lie, similar to the idolatry condemned in Leviticus.
People Molech, MosesPlaces TemanTopics Astray, A-whoring, Commit, Cut, Evil, Face, Family, Follow, Harlot, Lewdness, Midst, Molech, Myself, Play, Playing, Prostitute, Prostituting, Themselves, Whoredom, WhoringDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 20:5 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 20:5 NIVLeviticus 20:5 NLT Leviticus 20:5 ESV Leviticus 20:5 NASB Leviticus 20:5 KJV Leviticus 20:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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