Leviticus 18:4

4 Follow my rules, and live by my standards. I am the LORD your God.

Leviticus 18:4 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 18:4

Ye shall do my judgments
Which are just and right, and according to the rules of justice and equity; these are things, as Jarchi observes, which are said in the law with judgment, or are laws framed with the highest reason, even by the judgment of God himself, whose judgment is always according to truth: Aben Ezra thinks, these are the judicial laws in ( Exodus 21:1-23:33 ) ; but though they may include them, they have more particular respect to the following laws: and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein:
which he had ordained and appointed of his own will and pleasure, which Jarchi calls the decree of the king, or which he decreed and determined as a king, having absolute power over his subjects to enact and enjoin what he pleased; wherefore some think these refer to ceremonial laws, which depended upon the will of the lawgiver, and were not founded in any natural sense or reason, wherefore it follows: I [am] the Lord your God:
who had a right to make what laws he pleased, being their Sovereign, and which they in gratitude as well as in justice ought to obey, he being their God, their covenant God, who had done great and good things for them.

Leviticus 18:4 In-Context

2 "Tell the Israelites: I am the LORD your God.
3 You used to live in Egypt. Don't live the way the Egyptians do. I am bringing you to Canaan. Don't live the way the Canaanites do. Never live by their standards.
4 Follow my rules, and live by my standards. I am the LORD your God.
5 Live by my standards, and obey my rules. You will have life through them. I am the LORD.
6 "Never have sexual intercourse with anyone related to you by blood. I am the LORD.
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