God calls His people to reject immoral customs and be devoted to His holiness.
In this passage, the LORD instructs His people that they should not adopt the immoral practices of the neighboring nations. He warns in the words: “Moreover, you shall not follow the customs of the nation which I will drive out before you, for they did all these things, and therefore I have abhorred them.” (v.23). This command follows a longer list of prohibited actions that have marked the pagan cultures living in the land of Canaan. Historically, the land of Canaan was situated in what is now roughly modern-day Israel and surrounding areas. By the time of Moses (circa 1526-1406 BC), the Canaanites had become known for worship practices that Israel was strictly forbidden from emulating, such as idolatry and various detestable rituals.
When God says “the nation which I will drive out before you” (v.23), He underscores that the people of Israel have a special covenant relationship with Him and must not pollute their worship or lifestyle with ungodly customs. In Leviticus 20, this emphasis fits within the holiness code, reminding God’s people to be set apart. The condemnation “therefore I have abhorred them” (v.23) shows how seriously the LORD regards these transgressive practices. He desires His people to remain distinct, a principle that resonates with the New Testament instruction to believers to avoid conforming to worldly patterns (Romans 12:2).
Spiritually, this verse highlights the tension between living in a land with corrupt influences and maintaining faith. The command also looks forward to Jesus’ teaching about being in the world but not of it (John 17:14-17). God’s purpose is for His people to shine a righteous light, reflecting His holiness and mercy. In refusing to follow the practices of the corrupt nations, Israel was to offer a different model, one that points to the LORD’s character and prepares the way for greater revelation in Christ.
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Leviticus 20:23 meaning
In this passage, the LORD instructs His people that they should not adopt the immoral practices of the neighboring nations. He warns in the words: “Moreover, you shall not follow the customs of the nation which I will drive out before you, for they did all these things, and therefore I have abhorred them.” (v.23). This command follows a longer list of prohibited actions that have marked the pagan cultures living in the land of Canaan. Historically, the land of Canaan was situated in what is now roughly modern-day Israel and surrounding areas. By the time of Moses (circa 1526-1406 BC), the Canaanites had become known for worship practices that Israel was strictly forbidden from emulating, such as idolatry and various detestable rituals.
When God says “the nation which I will drive out before you” (v.23), He underscores that the people of Israel have a special covenant relationship with Him and must not pollute their worship or lifestyle with ungodly customs. In Leviticus 20, this emphasis fits within the holiness code, reminding God’s people to be set apart. The condemnation “therefore I have abhorred them” (v.23) shows how seriously the LORD regards these transgressive practices. He desires His people to remain distinct, a principle that resonates with the New Testament instruction to believers to avoid conforming to worldly patterns (Romans 12:2).
Spiritually, this verse highlights the tension between living in a land with corrupt influences and maintaining faith. The command also looks forward to Jesus’ teaching about being in the world but not of it (John 17:14-17). God’s purpose is for His people to shine a righteous light, reflecting His holiness and mercy. In refusing to follow the practices of the corrupt nations, Israel was to offer a different model, one that points to the LORD’s character and prepares the way for greater revelation in Christ.