Leviticus 20:23
Afrikaans 1933/1953
En julle mag nie wandel in die insettinge van die nasie wat Ek voor julle uit verdrywe nie; want al hierdie dinge het hulle gedoen; daarom het Ek 'n afsku van hulle gekry.
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Leviticus instructs the Israelites not to follow the customs of the nations that were expelled from the land. God is speaking, warning that He despises the practices of those nations because they were sinful.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're moving into a new neighborhood, and the old neighbors had some really bad habits. God is telling the Israelites not to copy those bad habits, because He doesn't like them and that's why He got rid of the old neighbors.
Historical Background
The book of Leviticus was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BCE. It was intended for the Israelites, providing them with laws and instructions for their new life in the Promised Land, where they would encounter the practices of previous inhabitants.
Living It Out Today
In a modern context, this verse can be applied to situations where a person moves to a new community with different cultural norms. It encourages one to not adopt harmful or unethical practices that are prevalent in the new environment.
Topics
god's lawsmoral standardssincultural influencerejection of evildivine judgment
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God despise the nations He cast out?
God despised the nations because they engaged in practices and behaviors that He found abhorrent, such as idolatry and immoral acts, which were against His laws.
Does Leviticus 20:23 apply to non-Jewish people?
While the verse was specifically addressed to the Israelites, the principle of avoiding harmful practices can be applied universally, encouraging all people to reject unethical behaviors.
What specific practices did God find abhorrent?
God found abhorrent practices such as idol worship, incest, and other immoral acts, which are detailed in various parts of Leviticus and other books.
How can we apply Leviticus 20:23 to our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by being discerning about the cultural influences we accept, avoiding harmful behaviors, and living according to God's moral standards.