I AM, THE LORD YOUR GOD - The frequent repetition of this formula in these parts of the Law may be intended to keep the Israelites in mind of their covenant with Yahweh in connection with the common affairs of life, in which they might be tempted to look at legal restrictions in a mere secular light... [ Continue Reading ]
See the Leviticus 18:24 note.... [ Continue Reading ]
If a man keeps the “statutes” (i. e. the ordinances of Leviticus 18:4) and “judgments” of the divine law, he shall not be “cut off from his people” (compare Leviticus 18:29), he shall gain true life, the life which connects him with Yahweh through his obedience. See the margin reference and Luke 10:... [ Continue Reading ]
NEAR OF KIN - See the margin. The term was evidently used to denote those only who came within certain limits of consanguinity, together with those who by affinity were regarded in the same relationship. TO UNCOVER THEIR NAKEDNESS - i. e. to have sexual intercourse. The immediate object of this law... [ Continue Reading ]
OR - It might be rendered “and”, or rather, even; that is, which belongs to both parents as being “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24; compare Leviticus 18:8, Leviticus 18:14). These prohibitions are addressed to men.... [ Continue Reading ]
Compare the case of Reuben, Genesis 49:3. See 1 Corinthians 5:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
THY SISTER - What was here spoken of was the distinguishing offence of the Egyptians.... [ Continue Reading ]
THY FATHER’S SISTER - The instance of Amram and Jochebed Exodus 6:20 seems to show that marriage with an aunt was not considered wrong by the Israelites when they were in Egypt.... [ Continue Reading ]
THY BROTHER’S WIFE - That is, if she had children. See Deuteronomy 25:5. The law here expressed was broken by Antipas in his connection with Herodias Matthew 14:3.... [ Continue Reading ]
TO VEX HER - literally, to “bind” or “pack together”. The Jewish commentators illustrate this by the example of Leah and Rachel Genesis 29:30.... [ Continue Reading ]
MOLECH - See the note at Leviticus 20:2.... [ Continue Reading ]
The land designed and consecrated for His people by Yahweh Leviticus 25:23 is here impersonated, and represented as vomiting forth its present inhabitants, in consequence of their indulgence in the abominations that have been mentioned. The iniquity of the Canaanites was now full. See Genesis 15:16;... [ Continue Reading ]