In this passage, God commands, “Keep my decrees.” The laws that follow seem odd: Do not mix animals, seeds, or fabrics. From the perspective of God’s desire for his people to be holy (19:1). They should not mix holiness with sin, or truth with falsehood. Jesus’ people are called to love unbelievers, but not to unite with them in ways that compromise faith, especially in marriage. Holiness requires total faithfulness to God.

A betrothed female slave involved in sexual sin is not treated as a criminal; only the man brought a guilt offering. God reveals his justice and mercy toward the vulnerable. Regarding the fruit of new trees, Israel was to wait before they could eat the fruit. In the fourth year, they were to offer it first to God, and then they could eat the fruit from the fifth year. Holiness requires honoring God first.

God also forbids pagan practices, and commands his people to keep the Sabbath, show respect for the elderly, love foreigners, and to be honest. He was forming a kingdom of priests and a holy nation marked by justice, compassion, and truth. God wants his people to keep his laws and follow them. Through Christ Jesus we are forgiven and we now live as God’s holy people. As God’s people, we are to follow God’s words and be holy as he is holy.
Application: Lord, you forgave me and enabled me to live as your servant. Help me to follow your words.
One Word: Be holy by following God’s words