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Leviticus 18

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Leviticus 18 almost entirely proscribes various laws on sexual relations, primary as concerned with illicit partners. The human author of Leviticus is evidenced herein as being Moses (Lv. 1:1; 7:37-38; 14:1-2; 27:34), and it provides covenantal “statutes and judgments and laws, which the LORD made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai given in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses” (Lv 26:46). Such statements oppose the Documentary Hypothesis of authorship.[1]

Overview

Leviticus as a whole is basically divided into three basic sections. The first of which is often called the Priestly Code (1-16,25 ) in which are given ordinances regarding the Aaronic priesthood and its consecration and duties, laws of sacrifices and liturgical seasons, diet, and cleanliness. The second section is usually termed The Holiness Code (18-26), which first deals with both basic moral laws such as deal with forbid idolatry and illicit sexual partners. Such laws most foundationally correctly define how to "love thy neighbor as thyself" (Lev. 19:18) In addition are various culturally applied civil and judicial laws, which are based up foundational moral principals but which usually require the particular culture of Israel at that time for their full literal obedience, though laws based upon their principals are seen to be in force today.[2]

Both Jews and Christians generally recognize the separation of law into moral, civil/judicial and ceremonial categories. Orthodox Jews in particular consider latter to be binding, where possible, and as interpreted, but the moral law is usually regarded by religious Jews as being universally applicable and the more emphasized. Typically, “Whenever Judaism entered into relations with other nations and religions, the moral laws were accentuated, and the ceremonial laws were put into the background.”[3] The most prevalent Christian position is that literal obedience to the ceremonial laws is not enjoined, though faith and works in accordance with their principal is, (1Cor. 5:7; 2Cor. 7:1), while literal obedience to basic moral laws is required, as well as to behavior in accordance to principals behind civil and judicial laws, as understood under the New Testament.
  1. ↑ The 'Documentary Source Hypothesis' http://www.ukapologetics.net/docu.htm
  2. ↑ Leviticus An Economic Commentary, by Gary North http://www.entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/a_pdfs/gnlv.pdf
  3. ↑ Ceremonies and the ceremonial law, Kaufmann Kohler