Leviticus 18:5

Keep My statutes and My judgments, for the man who does these things will live by them. I am the LORD.

Study Bible

Keep My statutes and My judgments
This phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's laws, which were given to the Israelites as part of the covenant at Sinai. The statutes and judgments refer to the specific laws and decrees that God provided to guide the moral, ceremonial, and civil life of His people. In the context of Leviticus, these laws were meant to set Israel apart from the surrounding nations, reflecting God's holiness. The call to keep these laws is a recurring theme throughout the Pentateuch, underscoring the covenant relationship between God and Israel. This obedience is not merely external but involves a heart commitment to God's will, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5, which calls for loving God with all one's heart, soul, and strength.

for the man who does these things will live by them.
This phrase suggests that adherence to God's laws results in life, which can be understood both physically and spiritually. In the immediate context, it implies that following God's commandments would lead to a prosperous and healthy life in the Promised Land, as opposed to the death and destruction that come from sin. This concept is echoed in Deuteronomy 30:19-20, where choosing life is equated with loving and obeying God. The Apostle Paul references this verse in Galatians 3:12, contrasting the law with faith in Christ, indicating that while the law promises life through obedience, it is ultimately through faith in Jesus that one receives eternal life. This points to the insufficiency of the law to bring about righteousness apart from Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law on behalf of humanity.

I am the LORD.
This declaration serves as a divine signature, affirming God's authority and the binding nature of His commandments. It is a reminder of God's identity as Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God who delivered Israel from Egypt and established them as His people. This phrase appears frequently in Leviticus, reinforcing the idea that the laws are not arbitrary but are rooted in the character and holiness of God. It also serves as a call to reverence and trust in God's wisdom and goodness. The use of "I am the LORD" connects to the revelation of God's name to Moses in Exodus 3:14, where God reveals Himself as "I AM WHO I AM," highlighting His eternal, self-existent nature. This phrase ultimately points to Jesus Christ, who in the New Testament identifies Himself with the "I AM" statements, revealing His divine nature and authority.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai, including the statutes and judgments mentioned in Leviticus.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God to whom the laws were given. They were to live by these statutes as a sign of their covenant relationship with God.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where God delivered the Law to Moses, including the statutes and judgments that the Israelites were to follow.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His authority and the divine origin of the laws given to Israel.

5. Canaan
The land promised to the Israelites, where they were to live out these statutes and judgments as a testimony to the nations around them.

Teaching Points

Obedience as a Path to Life
The verse emphasizes that obedience to God's statutes is not merely a legalistic requirement but a path to true life and fulfillment.

The Authority of God’s Law
The phrase "I am the LORD" underscores the divine authority behind the statutes, reminding believers of the importance of submitting to God's will.

Covenant Relationship
The laws were given within the context of a covenant relationship, highlighting the relational aspect of obedience as an expression of love and commitment to God.

Moral and Ethical Living
The statutes and judgments provide a framework for moral and ethical living, guiding believers in how to reflect God's character in their daily lives.

The Role of Faith and Works
While the law points to the necessity of obedience, it also reveals the need for faith in Christ, who fulfills the law and empowers believers to live righteously.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the context of Leviticus 18:5 enhance our appreciation of the importance of obedience in the life of a believer?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of "living by God's statutes" in our modern context, especially when faced with moral and ethical dilemmas?

3. How do the New Testament references to Leviticus 18:5 in Romans and Galatians help us understand the relationship between the law and faith in Christ?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our obedience to God is motivated by love and not merely by obligation?

5. How can we, as a community of believers, support one another in living out the principles found in God's statutes and judgments?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 30:15-20
This passage echoes the theme of choosing life by obeying God's commandments, emphasizing the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience.

Ezekiel 20:11
Reinforces the idea that living by God's statutes leads to life, highlighting the continuity of this principle throughout the Old Testament.

Romans 10:5
Paul references Leviticus 18:5 to contrast the righteousness based on the law with the righteousness based on faith in Christ.

Galatians 3:12
Paul again cites this verse to discuss the limitations of the law in providing life, pointing to faith in Christ as the true source of life.