Leviticus 20:2

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“Sultihi ang mga Israelihon, ‘Si bisan kinsa kaninyo o sa mga langyaw nga nagpuyo uban kaninyo nga mohalad sa iyang anak ngadto sa dios-dios nga si Molec, kinahanglan nga batohon sa mga tawo sa katilingban hangtod nga mamatay gayod.

What Does This Mean?

This verse says that anyone from Israel or living among them who offers their children to a god named Molech must be put to death by being stoned. God is speaking through Moses to the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of not following pagan practices.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your parents told you that if you ever did something very wrong, like playing with matches, you would get a big time-out. In this case, God is saying that doing something very wrong, like offering children to a false god, means a very serious punishment. This teaches the people to follow God's rules and not worship false gods.

Historical Background

This verse is part of the Book of Leviticus, written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. It was addressed to the Israelites, a nomadic people who had just been freed from slavery in Egypt. The cultural setting was one where various pagan practices, including child sacrifice, were common among neighboring peoples, and God wanted to protect His people from these practices.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can remind us of the importance of not compromising our faith or values for the sake of fitting in with others. For example, if a friend pressures you to do something that goes against your beliefs, standing firm in your faith, like not offering your children to Molech, is crucial.

Topics

• worship
• idolatry
• judgment
• punishment
• faithfulness
• protection

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 18:10
• 2 Kings 23:10
• Psalms 106:37
• Jeremiah 32:35
• Acts 7:43

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Molech and why is it mentioned here?

Molech was a pagan god that some people in ancient times worshiped. Worshipping Molech often involved sacrificing children, which was a very serious offense against God.

Who is supposed to stone the person?

The people of the land were commanded to stone the individual, showing that the whole community was responsible for upholding God's laws.

What does this verse teach about God's view on idolatry?

This verse shows that God views idolatry, especially when it involves the sacrifice of children, as a very serious offense, deserving of the most severe punishment.

How does this relate to today's world?

While the specific punishment is not applicable today, the principle of rejecting practices that go against God's values remains important. This teaches us to uphold our faith and not follow harmful trends or beliefs.