And you shall keep My statutes and practice them. I am the LORD who sanctifies you. And you shall keep My statutes and practice them.This command emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's laws, which were given to the Israelites as part of the covenant at Sinai. The statutes refer to the specific decrees and ordinances that God provided to guide the moral, ceremonial, and civil life of His people. The call to "keep" and "practice" these statutes indicates not only a passive acknowledgment but an active, ongoing commitment to live according to God's standards. This reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience as a demonstration of faith and love for God, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5-6 and John 14:15. The historical context of Leviticus is the post-Exodus period, where God is establishing a distinct identity for Israel, setting them apart from the surrounding nations. This obedience is not merely ritualistic but is intended to reflect a heart aligned with God's will, as later emphasized by the prophets (e.g., Micah 6:8). I am the LORD who sanctifies you.
This phrase underscores God's role in the sanctification process, highlighting that it is God who makes His people holy. The name "LORD" (YHWH) is significant, as it is the covenant name of God, reminding the Israelites of His eternal, unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His promises. Sanctification involves being set apart for God's purposes, a theme that runs throughout Scripture. In the New Testament, this concept is expanded through the work of Jesus Christ, who sanctifies believers through His sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10). The idea of God as the one who sanctifies is also a reminder of His sovereignty and grace, as sanctification is not achieved by human effort alone but through divine intervention and empowerment. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of redemption and transformation, where God calls His people to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16), ultimately pointing to the fulfillment of holiness in Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe original audience of the book of Leviticus, who were given the Law as a guide for holy living. 2. MosesThe prophet and leader through whom God delivered the laws and commandments to the Israelites. 3. Mount SinaiThe place where God gave the Law to Moses, including the statutes mentioned in Leviticus. 4. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God who sanctifies His people, emphasizing His role in their holiness. 5. The Promised LandThe destination for the Israelites, where they were to live out these statutes as a holy nation. Teaching Points The Call to ObedienceGod commands His people to keep and practice His statutes. This requires intentionality and commitment to living according to His Word. God as SanctifierRecognize that sanctification is a work of God. While we are called to obedience, it is ultimately God who sanctifies us, setting us apart for His purposes. Holiness in Daily LifeThe statutes were given to guide daily living. As believers, we are called to reflect God's holiness in every aspect of our lives. Covenant RelationshipThe command to keep God's statutes is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people. Our obedience is a response to His faithfulness and love. Transformation through the WordEngaging with Scripture is essential for sanctification. As we study and apply God's Word, we are transformed into His likeness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God as the one who sanctifies us impact your approach to obedience and holiness? 2. In what ways can you intentionally practice God's statutes in your daily life? 3. How does the concept of sanctification in Leviticus 20:8 connect with the New Testament teachings on holiness? 4. What role does Scripture play in your personal sanctification process, and how can you deepen your engagement with it? 5. How can you encourage others in your community to pursue holiness and obedience to God's Word? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 31:13This verse also emphasizes that it is the LORD who sanctifies His people, highlighting the continuity of God's role in sanctification. 1 Peter 1:15-16Peter calls believers to be holy in all their conduct, echoing the call to holiness found in Leviticus. John 17:17Jesus prays for His followers to be sanctified by the truth, which aligns with the call to keep God's statutes. Romans 12:1-2Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is a New Testament application of living a sanctified life. Hebrews 10:10This verse speaks of believers being sanctified through the offering of Jesus Christ, connecting the Old Testament concept of sanctification with the New Covenant. People Molech, MosesPlaces TemanTopics Follow, Hallow, Holy, Kept, Makes, Observe, Practice, Rules, Sanctifies, Sanctifieth, Sanctify, Sanctifying, StatutesDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 20:8 1235 God, the LORD
8272 holiness, growth in Leviticus 20:1-17 6026 sin, judgment on Leviticus 20:6-9 8273 holiness, ethical aspects Leviticus 20:7-8 1443 revelation, OT
6745 sanctification, nature and basis
8218 consecration
8404 commands, in OT 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 ChristSeventh Day. Holiness and Obedience.
Ye have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: ye shall be unto me an holy nation.'--Ex. xix. 4-6. Israel has reached Horeb. The law is to be given and the covenant made. Here are God's first words to the people; He speaks of redemption and its blessing, fellowship with Himself: 'Ye have seen how I brought …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^A Matt. I. 18-25. ^a 18 Now the birth [The birth of Jesus is to handled with reverential awe. We are not to probe into its mysteries with presumptuous curiosity. The birth of common persons is mysterious enough (Eccl. ix. 5; Ps. cxxxix. 13-16), and we do not well, therefore, if we seek to be wise above what is written as to the birth of the Son of God] of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed [The Jews were usually betrothed ten or twelve months …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Self-Denial.
"If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."--Matt. xvi. 24. Good works are not the saint's sanctification, any more than drops of water are the fountain; but they spring as crystal drops from the fountain of sanctification. They are good, not when the saint intends them to be good, but when they conform to the divine law and proceed from a true faith. Yet the intention is of great importance; the Church has always taught that a work could not be called …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Epistle Lxiv. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli [174] . Here begins the epistle of the blessed Gregory pope of the city of Rome, in exposition of various matters, which he sent into transmarine Saxony to Augustine, whom he had himself sent in his own stead to preach. Preface.--Through my most beloved son Laurentius, the presbyter, and Peter the monk, I received thy Fraternity's letter, in which thou hast been at pains to question me on many points. But, inasmuch as my aforesaid sons found me afflicted with the …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Eleventh Day. The Holy one of Israel.
I am the Lord that brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God; ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. I the Lord which make you holy, am holy.'--Lev. xi. 45, xxi. 8. 'I am the Lord Thy God, the Holy One of Israel, Thy Saviour. Thus saith the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.'--Isa. xliii. 3, 14, 15. In the book of Exodus we found God making provision for the Holiness of His people. In the holy …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Jesus Fails to Attend the Third Passover.
Scribes Reproach Him for Disregarding Tradition. (Galilee, Probably Capernaum, Spring a.d. 29.) ^A Matt. XV. 1-20; ^B Mark VII. 1-23; ^D John VII. 1. ^d 1 And after these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Judæa, because the Jews sought to kill him. [John told us in his last chapter that the passover was near at hand. He here makes a general statement which shows that Jesus did not attend this passover. The reason for his absence is given at John v. 18.] ^a 1 Then there …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity 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
In two things chiefly does the fundamental difference appear between Christianity and all other religious systems, notably Rabbinism. And in these two things, therefore, lies the main characteristic of Christ's work; or, taking a wider view, the fundamental idea of all religions. Subjectively, they concern sin and the sinner; or, to put it objectively, the forgiveness of sin and the welcome to the sinner. But Rabbinism, and every other system down to modern humanitarianism - if it rises so high in …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Leviticus 20:8 NIVLeviticus 20:8 NLTLeviticus 20:8 ESVLeviticus 20:8 NASBLeviticus 20:8 KJV
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