Leviticus 20:4

4 But if the people of the country look the other way when that man^[a] gives any of his children to Molech, and do not put him to death,

Leviticus 20:4 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 20:4

And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from
the man
That is, the people of the house of Israel, as the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan; if the friends, relations, and neighbours of such a man, though they know what he is about to do, or has done, yet they shut their eyes wilfully, or look another way; or, however, wink and connive at his wickedness, and will not discover him, and bear witness against him; or if a court of judicature, before whom he comes, does not take the evidence of his crime, nor condemn for it, or are negligent in punishing him as the law directs, a gift having blinded their eyes, or they careless and remiss in their duty:

when he giveth his seed unto Molech;
a crime so heinous and abominable:

and kill him not;
do not bring witness against him, so as that he may be put to death, or do not upon the evidence given condemn him to death, or do not take care to have sentence executed, by stoning him to death.

Leviticus 20:4 In-Context

2 "Say to the Israelites: Any Israelite or foreigner living in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech must be put to death; the people of the country are to stone him.

3 I will turn against that man and cut him off from his people, because he gave his offspring to Molech, defiling My sanctuary and profaning My holy name.

4 But if the people of the country look the other way when that man gives any of his children to Molech, and do not put him to death,

5 then I will turn against that man and his family, and cut off from their people both him and all who follow him, prostituting themselves with Molech.

6 "Whoever turns to mediums or spiritists and prostitutes himself with them, I will turn against that person and cut him off from his people.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit country ever close their eyes from that man when he