Leviticus 19:1-37

Various Laws, mainly of a Moral and Humane Character

This chapter was very naturally regarded by Jewish authorities as an embodiment of the Decalogue. It will be observed that in general the precepts in Leviticus 19:3 correspond to those of the first table of the Decalogue ('Thou shalt love the Lord thy God'), and those in Leviticus 19:9 to the second table ('Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself'). In this chapter alone the characteristic phrase 'I am the Lord' (i.e. Jehovah) occurs no fewer than sixteen times. It is the divine seal set to the enactments of the law.

5-8. See Leviticus 7:15.

9. Kindly consideration of the poor is part of that holiness which God requires and which is the reflection of His own. He is the champion of the weak and oppressed: see on Exodus 22:21, and Leviticus 19:33; Leviticus 19:34. This injunction is not applicable to the time of the sojourn in the desert; it presupposes a settled agricultural life in the land of Canaan: see on Deuteronomy 24:20.