Leviticus 20:22-27

What is the purpose of Israel being set apart?

Berean Standard Bible

22 You are therefore to keep all My statutes and ordinances, so that the land where I am bringing you to live will not vomit you out. 23 You must not follow the statutes of the nations I am driving out before you. Because they did all these things, I abhorred them. 24 But I have told you that you will inherit their land, since I will give it to you as an inheritance—a land flowing with milk and honey. I am the LORD your God, who has set you apart from the peoples. 25 You are therefore to distinguish between clean and unclean animals and birds. Do not become contaminated by any animal or bird, or by anything that crawls on the ground; I have set these apart as unclean for you. 26 You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own. 27 A man or a woman who is a medium or spiritist must surely be put to death. They shall be stoned; their blood is upon them.’”

What is the context?

The closing appeal returns to the land and the warning that it can expel Israel. The Lord promises the land as a gift and calls the people to keep His instructions instead of adopting the practices for which He rejects its earlier inhabitants.

The distinction between clean and unclean animals is recalled alongside the declaration that Israel belongs to the Lord. The final penalty for a medium or spiritist completes the chapter’s insistence on loyalty. Being set apart carries an obligation to live under God’s instruction, not an exemption from judgment.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley reads separation as belonging to God rather than sharing the nations’ idolatries. The USCCB notes connect this conclusion with the chapter’s warnings and Israel’s holiness. The stated goal is that the people should be the Lord’s; the text does not teach that ethnic identity alone guarantees obedient life.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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