Leviticus 20:8

And you shall keep My statutes and practice them. I am the LORD who sanctifies you.

Study Bible

And you shall keep My statutes
This phrase begins with a command, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's laws. The Hebrew word for "keep" is "shamar," which means to guard, protect, or observe. It implies a diligent and careful attention to God's statutes, which are His decrees or laws. In the historical context of ancient Israel, these statutes were given to set the Israelites apart as a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures. The call to "keep" these statutes is a call to faithfulness and commitment to God's covenant.

and practice them
The word "practice" in Hebrew is "asah," which means to do, make, or execute. This suggests that God's statutes are not merely to be acknowledged intellectually but are to be actively lived out. The Israelites were to embody these laws in their daily lives, demonstrating their faith through action. This reflects a broader biblical principle that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). The historical context shows that the practice of these laws was meant to be a testimony to the nations of God's righteousness and wisdom.

I am the LORD
This declaration, "I am the LORD," is a powerful reminder of God's identity and authority. The Hebrew name for God here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, which signifies His eternal, self-existent nature. This phrase is a frequent refrain in Leviticus, underscoring that the statutes are not arbitrary rules but are given by the sovereign Creator who has a personal relationship with His people. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the reason for Israel's obedience.

who sanctifies you
The word "sanctifies" comes from the Hebrew "qadash," meaning to set apart, consecrate, or make holy. This highlights God's role in the sanctification process, indicating that it is He who makes His people holy. In the context of Leviticus, sanctification involves both moral and ritual purity, setting the Israelites apart for God's purposes. This phrase reassures the Israelites that their holiness is not achieved by their own efforts alone but through God's transformative power. It points forward to the New Testament understanding of sanctification through the Holy Spirit, as believers are set apart for God's service through faith in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The original audience of the book of Leviticus, who were given the Law as a guide for holy living.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader through whom God delivered the laws and commandments to the Israelites.

3. Mount Sinai
The 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 Land
The destination for the Israelites, where they were to live out these statutes as a holy nation.

Teaching Points

The Call to Obedience
God commands His people to keep and practice His statutes. This requires intentionality and commitment to living according to His Word.

God as Sanctifier
Recognize 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 Life
The statutes were given to guide daily living. As believers, we are called to reflect God's holiness in every aspect of our lives.

Covenant Relationship
The 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 Word
Engaging 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 31:13
This verse also emphasizes that it is the LORD who sanctifies His people, highlighting the continuity of God's role in sanctification.

1 Peter 1:15-16
Peter calls believers to be holy in all their conduct, echoing the call to holiness found in Leviticus.

John 17:17
Jesus prays for His followers to be sanctified by the truth, which aligns with the call to keep God's statutes.

Romans 12:1-2
Paul 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 10:10
This verse speaks of believers being sanctified through the offering of Jesus Christ, connecting the Old Testament concept of sanctification with the New Covenant.