Leviticus 18:1-30
Q.1. Why was Israel to follow God’s statutes regarding intermarrying? How has modern genetics confirmed the need for such prohibitions? – (Lev.18:1-23)
God was Israel’s Lord and Master. He owned her. He told Moses – 2 Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘I am the Lord your God. 3 You shall not do what is done in the land of Egypt where you lived, nor are you to do what is done in the land of Canaan where I am bringing you … 4 You are to perform My judgments and keep My statutes, to live in accord with them; I am the Lord your God (Lev.18:2-4). Israel was not to go back to the practices of Egypt, nor copy the lifestyle of the Canaanites. God charged Israel – None of you shall approach a blood relative of his to uncover nakedness; I am the Lord (Lev.18:6). He then explained how this applied in numerous other possible relationships. God also outlined His prohibitions against adultery (Lev.18:6-20). Intermarrying or marrying relatives increases the danger of destructive genes appearing in offspring. God also specifically condemned homosexual relationships and bestiality (Lev.18:22-23).
Q.2. Why was God going to remove the Canaanites from the land? What was Israel to learn from this? – (Lev.18:24-30)
God warned Israel – Do not defile yourselves by any of these things; for by all these the nations which I am casting out before you have become defiled (Lev.18:24). The prohibitions not only applied to Israel but also the aliens living among them (Lev.18:25). God was giving these laws – so that the land will not spew you out … as I spewed out the nation which has been before you … Thus you are to keep My charge, that you do not practice any of these abominable customs … so as not to defile yourselves with them; I am the Lord your God (Lev.18:28 & 30).Â