Leviticus

Leviticus 20:6-8

God calls His people to reject occult practices and live in consecrated obedience under His sanctifying authority.

Leviticus 20:6-8 (WEB)

6 “ ‘The person that turns to those who are mediums and wizards, to play the prostitute after them, I will even set my face against that person, and will cut him off from among his people.

7 “ ‘Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am Yahweh your God.

8 You shall keep my statutes, and do them. I am Yahweh who sanctifies you.

Central Idea

God calls His people to reject occult practices and live in consecrated obedience under His sanctifying authority.

Authorial Intent

This passage warns against turning to mediums and spiritists, declaring such acts as covenant unfaithfulness, and calls the people to consecrate themselves in obedience to the LORD.

Literary Context

This unit follows the sanctions against giving children to Molek in Leviticus 20:1-5 and continues the chapter's concern for covenant boundaries. Leviticus 19 had already forbidden turning to mediums and spiritists; Leviticus 20 now attaches covenant consequence to that rebellion. Verses 6-8 form a compact theological hinge: judgment against occult dependence, a positive call to holiness, and the repeated covenant formula, 'I am the LORD your God' and 'I am the LORD, who makes you holy.'

Historical Context

Leviticus addresses Israel as the redeemed covenant people brought out of Egypt and being formed for life before the LORD. Chapter 20 belongs to the holiness material that applies covenant loyalty to worship, family, sexuality, justice, and community purity.

Chapter: Leviticus 20

Holiness, Judgment, and the LORD Who Sanctifies His People

The LORD who sanctifies His people requires Israel to reject idolatry, occultism, sexual defilement, and national imitation, preserving holiness as His separated possession in the land.