‏ Leviticus 20

* Law against sacrificing children to Moloch, Of children that

curse their parents. (1-9) Laws repeated, Holiness enjoined.

(10-27)

1-9 Are we shocked at the unnatural cruelty of the ancient

idolaters in sacrificing their children? We may justly be so.

But are there not very many parents, who, by bad teaching and

wicked examples, and by the mysteries of iniquity which they

show their children, devote them to the service of Satan, and

forward their everlasting ruin, in a manner even more to be

lamented? What an account must such parents render to God, and

what a meeting will they have with their children at the day of

judgment! On the other hand, let children remember that he who

cursed father or mother was surely put to death. This law Christ

confirmed. Laws which were made before are repeated, and

penalties annexed to them. If men will not avoid evil practices,

because the law has made these practices sin, and it is right

that we go on that principle, surely they should avoid them when

the law has made them death, from a principle of

self-preservation. In the midst of these laws comes in a general

charge, Sanctify yourselves, and be ye holy. It is the Lord that

sanctifies, and his work will be done, though it be difficult.

Yet his grace is so far from doing away our endeavours, that it

strongly encourages them. Work out your salvation, for it is God

that worketh in you. 10-27 These verses repeat what had been said before, but it was

needful there should be line upon line. What praises we owe to

God that he has taught the evil of sin, and the sure way of

deliverance from it! May we have grace to adorn the doctrine of

God our Saviour in all things; may we have no fellowship with

unfruitful works of darkness, but reprove them.