Leviticus 20:2

"Tell the Israelites, 'Any Israelite or foreigner living in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech must be put to death. The people of the land are to stone him.

Study Bible

Tell the Israelites
This directive is given to Moses to communicate to the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of the message. The Israelites are God's chosen people, set apart to live according to His laws. This phrase underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God provides guidance and laws for the community's well-being.

Any Israelite or foreigner living in Israel
The inclusion of both Israelites and foreigners highlights the universal application of God's laws within the land of Israel. It reflects the expectation that anyone residing in the land, regardless of their origin, must adhere to the same standards of holiness and worship. This inclusivity ensures the purity and sanctity of the community.

Who gives any of his children to Molech
Molech was a Canaanite deity associated with child sacrifice, a practice detestable to God. This phrase indicates a severe violation of God's commandments, as it involves idolatry and the shedding of innocent blood. The prohibition against such practices is rooted in the sanctity of life and the exclusive worship of Yahweh.

Must be put to death
The prescribed punishment for this transgression is death, reflecting the gravity of the sin. This severe penalty serves as a deterrent and underscores the seriousness with which God views idolatry and child sacrifice. It also highlights the need for justice and the protection of the community from corrupting influences.

The people of the land are to stone him
Stoning was a communal form of execution, involving the participation of the community. This method of punishment emphasizes collective responsibility in upholding God's laws and maintaining the community's purity. It also serves as a public declaration of the rejection of idolatry and the affirmation of God's sovereignty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were given the Law through Moses.

2. Foreigners Residing in Israel
Non-Israelites living among the Israelites, who were also subject to the laws of the land.

3. Molech
A pagan deity associated with child sacrifice, worshiped by some neighboring cultures of Israel.

4. Moses
The prophet and leader through whom God delivered the Law to the Israelites.

5. The People of the Land
The community of Israelites responsible for upholding God's laws and executing justice.

Teaching Points

The Sanctity of Life
God values human life, and the prohibition against child sacrifice underscores the sanctity of life.

Idolatry and Its Consequences
Engaging in idolatrous practices leads to severe consequences, both spiritually and communally.

Community Responsibility
The community is responsible for upholding God's standards and ensuring justice is served.

Holiness and Separation
Believers are called to be holy and separate from the practices of the world that contradict God's commands.

Obedience to God's Commands
Obedience to God's laws is crucial for maintaining a relationship with Him and ensuring the well-being of the community.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the command in Leviticus 20:2 reveal about God's view of child sacrifice and idolatry?

2. How does the community's role in executing justice reflect the importance of collective responsibility in upholding God's laws?

3. In what ways can modern believers apply the principle of holiness and separation from idolatry in their daily lives?

4. How do the additional scriptures reinforce the message of Leviticus 20:2 regarding the consequences of idolatry?

5. What are some contemporary practices or beliefs that might parallel the idolatry condemned in Leviticus 20:2, and how should Christians respond to them?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:10
This verse also condemns child sacrifice and other detestable practices, reinforcing the prohibition against such acts.

2 Kings 23:10
Describes King Josiah's reforms, which included the destruction of places where child sacrifices to Molech were made.

Jeremiah 32:35
Highlights God's disapproval of child sacrifice, emphasizing that such practices were never commanded by Him.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, contrasting the pagan practices of the past.

1 Corinthians 10:20-21
Warns against participating in pagan rituals, emphasizing the need for Christians to separate themselves from idolatry.