The following commentary covers Chapters 19 and 20.
Holiness
to be maintained because Jehovah is holy
Chapters 19, 20, carry us
somewhat farther. They were to be holy, for Jehovah was
holy. Chapter 19 takes up rather the side of good, though
keeping themselves from all that was profane, or
profaning what was holy; but we find what is good and
kind and comely, what ought to be their conduct, in
various details, in the relationship they sustain one
with the other, either with regard to various dangers to
which they were exposed in their walk, in their every-day
circumstances: for they had to do with God, and Jehovah
was their God. The people of God were, in all their ways,
to walk in a manner worthy of this relationship, and even
to understand what was suitable to man, to every
relationship in which they were found, according to God.
Thus, though it was not here priesthood, it was the
practical maintenance of this relationship with Him who
dwelt among them, and to whom they drew nigh, by guarding
against defilements unsuited to those who were in it. It
is here we find the precept to love our neighbour as
ourselves.
Serparation from
idols and evil becase Jehovah had sanctified the people
Chapter 20 guards more
against the evil and corruption which was found amongst
the nations. In both they are called to be holy, in
chapter 19 more in conformity to the character of God, in
chapter 20 to keep apart from idols and evil because
Jehovah had sanctified them to Himself. It insists upon
purity in every respect.
Leviticus 19 Bible Commentary
John Darby’s Synopsis
Holiness to be maintained because Jehovah is holy
Chapters 19, 20, carry us somewhat farther. They were to be holy, for Jehovah was holy. Chapter 19 takes up rather the side of good, though keeping themselves from all that was profane, or profaning what was holy; but we find what is good and kind and comely, what ought to be their conduct, in various details, in the relationship they sustain one with the other, either with regard to various dangers to which they were exposed in their walk, in their every-day circumstances: for they had to do with God, and Jehovah was their God. The people of God were, in all their ways, to walk in a manner worthy of this relationship, and even to understand what was suitable to man, to every relationship in which they were found, according to God. Thus, though it was not here priesthood, it was the practical maintenance of this relationship with Him who dwelt among them, and to whom they drew nigh, by guarding against defilements unsuited to those who were in it. It is here we find the precept to love our neighbour as ourselves.
Serparation from idols and evil becase Jehovah had sanctified the people
Chapter 20 guards more against the evil and corruption which was found amongst the nations. In both they are called to be holy, in chapter 19 more in conformity to the character of God, in chapter 20 to keep apart from idols and evil because Jehovah had sanctified them to Himself. It insists upon purity in every respect.