In chapters 18-20 we pass from the worship of the people to their behaviour.
Chapter 18 prohibits unlawful marriage, unchastity, and Molech worship; but the last is dealt with more fully in 20:2-5.
- What reasons are given for Israel’s obedience to these laws and how important is this obedience?
See verses 1-5 and 24-30.
- What light is thrown by this chapter on God’s command for the extermination of the Canaanites?
There are two main instructions in this portion: first, that all domestic animals which are to be killed shall be brought to the tabernacle (verses 3-9); and second, that no blood must be eaten (verses 10-16). The former of these instructions points to a time when animals were not killed except in connection with worship of some kind.
- What would this first instruction (verses 3-9) teach Israel about God?
Where is it suggested in these verses that this instruction is directed against idolatrous worship?
- Why was the eating of blood so strictly forbidden?
See verse 11 in particular.
What is the significance of this for us?
- Sketch out the order of the ceremonies of the Day of Atonement.
- What do you learn from this chapter about:
(a) the conditions of approach into God’s presence;
(b) the complete removal of sin’s guilt through substitution;
(c) the necessity on man’s part of submission in penitence and faith to God’s way of salvation?
Note. Verses 8, 10, 26. ‘Scapegoat’ in Hebrew (azazel) means ‘destruction’.